Spaceman

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Spaceman" by Journey from their 1977 album Next, a track that captures the band’s early progressive rock vibe. According to a 2017 interview with Neal Schon on Classic Rock Magazine, "Spaceman" was inspired by the cosmic themes popular in the '70s, with lyrics reflecting a longing for escape and exploration. Gregg Rolie, the lead vocalist on the track, shared in a 2008 Billboard interview that the song’s creation was a collaborative jam session, blending his keyboard-driven melodies with Schon’s soaring guitar riffs. Interestingly, the single "Spaceman"/"Nickel and Dime" was released to modest chart success, peaking at No. 85 on the Billboard 200, but it never became a staple in Journey’s live performances. In fact, a post on the fan-run Journey Force Fan Club Facebook group noted that "Spaceman" has never been performed live since 1979, making it a rare gem for Zoo Freaks tuning in.

Another tidbit comes from a 2013 fan discussion on the Journey Tribute fan website, where a user recalled hearing an early demo of "Spaceman" with slightly different lyrics, suggesting the band tweaked the song’s narrative before final recording. The instrumental "Nickel and Dime," the B-side to "Spaceman," was highlighted in a 2020 Journey X post as a showcase of the band’s jazz-fusion roots, with Rolie and Schon experimenting with complex rhythms. Fans on Journey’s Instagram have recently commented on throwback posts, expressing hope for a modern revival of "Spaceman" in live sets, though the band has yet to respond. The song’s spacey, introspective vibe fits perfectly with the Zoo Crew’s hippie aesthetic, resonating with their audience’s love for far-out, mind-expanding tunes.

Journey began in San Francisco in 1973, formed by former members of Santana and other Bay Area bands. Neal Schon, a Santana alum, teamed up with keyboardist Gregg Rolie, who also came from Santana, to create a group initially called the Golden Gate Rhythm Section. As detailed on their official Facebook, the lineup was rounded out by bassist Ross Valory, rhythm guitarist George Tickner, and drummer Prairie Prince. Intended as a backup band for local artists, they quickly shifted gears after a performance in Hawaii, adopting a jazz-fusion style. A roadie, John Villanueva, suggested the name "Journey," and their first public show was at the Winterland Ballroom on New Year’s Eve 1973, as noted in a 2017 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction speech. Their early years were marked by a progressive rock sound, with Next being their third album and the last to feature Rolie as the primary lead singer.

The band’s official website, journeymusic.com, offers a deep dive into their discography and tour history, while their Facebook page keeps fans updated on current tours and merchandise. On Instagram, Journey shares nostalgic photos and behind-the-scenes content, often engaging with fans’ comments about their early work. Their X account is active with tour announcements and occasional throwbacks to albums like Next. For Zoo Freaks looking to connect with other fans, the Journey Force Fan Club on Facebook is a vibrant community discussing rare tracks like "Spaceman" and sharing concert memories. The fan-run Journey Tribute website also provides a treasure trove of band history, discography details, and fan stories, making it a go-to for dedicated listeners of THE ZOO radio station.