Junior's Gone Wild

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning "Junior's Gone Wild" by King's X, a track from the 1991 soundtrack Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey: Music From the Motion Picture, for their devoted Zoo Freaks. This song, tucked into the soundtrack’s heavier, darker vibe, plays briefly in the film when Evil Bill and Ted scope out a Porsche at Vasquez Rocks. It’s a short but punchy moment, capturing the rebellious spirit of the scene. Interestingly, the track was also included as a bonus on the European release of King's X’s 1992 self-titled album, recorded during those same sessions. Fans have noted its raw energy, though some, like a blogger at mikeladano.com, found it less memorable compared to the soundtrack’s heavy hitters like KISS or Megadeth. A YouTube reaction video from 2022 praised its gritty vibe, with the reviewer digging its “gnarly” guitar riffs, showing the song still resonates with new listeners years later.

Delving into trivia, "Junior's Gone Wild" was produced by Sam Taylor and King's X, released under Megaforce Records. Its lyrics, penned by Doug Pinnick, Ty Tabor, and Jerry Gaskill, paint a vivid picture: “Junior's gone wild, can't stand the strain / He's looking for the morning in the pouring rain.” These lines reflect the band’s knack for blending personal struggle with poetic imagery, a hallmark of their style. The song’s inclusion on the Bill & Ted soundtrack came at a pivotal time when King's X was gaining buzz from their 1990 album Faith Hope Love. Some speculate the track landed on the soundtrack due to label connections, as Interscope, owned by Warner, shared ties with King's X’s Atlantic Records. Despite its cult status, not all fans were sold—one commenter on mikeladano.com called it “totally bogus,” admitting they drifted from the band after this release, distracted by jazz and grunge.

King's X, formed in Springfield, Missouri, in 1979, began as a group of young musicians chasing a dream. Doug Pinnick (vocals/bass), Ty Tabor (guitar), and Jerry Gaskill (drums) started under the name The Edge, playing covers and originals in local bars. By 1980, they relocated to Houston, Texas, where they became Sneak Preview, honing their unique blend of progressive metal, funk, soul, and gospel-infused harmonies. Their big break came after catching the ear of Sam Taylor, then with ZZ Top’s management, who helped them sign with Megaforce Records. Their 1988 debut, Out of the Silent Planet, earned critical acclaim, and by the time "Junior's Gone Wild" dropped, they were ranked No. 83 on VH1’s 100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock. The band’s lyrics, often wrestling with faith and self-acceptance, struck a chord with fans, building a loyal following.

Today, King's X remains active, engaging fans through their official website and social media. You can follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates on tours and releases. Fans also gather at dedicated spaces like the King’s X Fans Facebook group, where devotees share stories, rare tracks, and concert memories. For deeper dives, check out fan sites like KingsXOnline, a hub for discographies and band history. The Zoo Crew and Zoo Freaks can keep rocking with King's X, knowing their sound continues to inspire across generations.