The Zoo Crew is spinning the hard-hitting track "Get It On" by Kingdom Come from their self-titled debut album, a song that roared onto the scene in 1988 with a sound so reminiscent of Led Zeppelin that it sparked both admiration and controversy. According to Wikipedia, "Get It On" was a massive hit on AOR stations, holding the title of the most requested song for six weeks, which propelled the album to gold status on its release day, eventually reaching platinum in the U.S., Germany, and Canada. The song’s raw energy and Lenny Wolf’s Robert Plant-like vocals led to the band being dubbed "Kingdom Clone" by critics, a moniker that both haunted and defined their early career. In a 2018 interview on the "Rock Talk with Mitch Lafon" podcast, drummer James Kottak reflected on the song’s impact, noting how its white label promo release—without the band’s name—created a buzz that initially had fans thinking it was a Led Zeppelin reunion. This marketing move, while genius, cemented the band’s controversial reputation, as shared in a Rate Your Music discussion.
Another tidbit about "Get It On" comes from its role in launching Kingdom Come into the spotlight. As detailed on MelodicRock.com, the song’s success led to the band joining the 1988 Monsters of Rock Tour, where they opened for heavyweights like Van Halen, Scorpions, Metallica, and Dokken. The track’s music video also became a staple on MTV, boosting its reach. However, the intense backlash over their Led Zeppelin similarities, as noted by music critic Jason Anderson on AllMusic, created a love-hate dynamic with fans and media. A post on X from ThisDayInMETAL in 2018 celebrated the song’s legacy, highlighting how the album peaked at number 12 on the Billboard 200, a testament to its enduring appeal among Zoo Freaks tuning in.
Kingdom Come was formed in 1987 in Hamburg, Germany, by singer-songwriter Lenny Wolf, born Frank Wöllschlager, as detailed in their Last.fm biography. Wolf, previously fronting the moderately successful Stone Fury, assembled a talented lineup including guitarists Danny Stag and Rick Steier, bassist Johnny B. Frank, and drummer James Kottak. Their formation came after Wolf’s desire to create a melodic hard rock sound with a heavy metal edge, blending slick hooks with raw power. The band’s early days were marked by rapid success, with "Get It On" and their debut album catapulting them to international fame. However, internal tensions and the Led Zeppelin comparisons led to the original lineup’s breakup by 1989, with Wolf continuing the band with various musicians, as noted on Wikipedia. Wolf’s persistence kept Kingdom Come active, releasing albums like 2013’s Outlier and touring, often billed as “Lenny Wolf’s Kingdom Come.”
For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, Kingdom Come’s official website offers updates on tours and releases. Connect with the band on their Facebook page for news and fan interactions, or follow their Instagram for behind-the-scenes content. Their X account shares occasional updates, though it’s less active. Fans can join the vibrant Kingdom Come Fan Group on Facebook to swap stories and memorabilia. While no standalone fan websites are prominent, platforms like Rate Your Music host active discussions about the band’s discography, perfect for Zoo Freaks looking to geek out over "Get It On" and beyond.
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