Born To Be Wild

The Zoo Crew, those free-spirited hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are cranking up the vibes with Krokus' cover of "Born To Be Wild" from their 2017 album Big Rocks, a track that’s got the Zoo Freaks howling with delight. This Swiss hard rock band’s take on the Steppenwolf classic is a gritty, high-energy homage that channels the raw spirit of the original while adding their own AC/DC-inspired crunch. According to a 2017 review from The Rockpit, Krokus’ version stands out on Big Rocks, an album packed with covers of rock staples like The Who’s "My Generation" and Queen’s "Tie Your Mother Down." The review notes the band’s ability to deliver “tasty” renditions, with "Born To Be Wild" fitting perfectly into their “go for the hits” style, appealing to fans who’ve been rocking with Krokus for decades. The song’s inclusion on Big Rocks helped the album hit number one in Switzerland, a testament to the band’s enduring popularity in their homeland.

While specific interviews about Krokus’ "Born To Be Wild" are scarce, frontman Marc Storace hinted at the band’s approach to covers in a 2008 interview, saying, “We take the songs we love and make them our own, with respect but no fear.” This ethos shines through in their version, which swaps the original’s psychedelic edge for a heavier, more metallic groove. On social media, Krokus has shared nostalgic posts about Big Rocks on their Facebook page, with one 2017 post calling the album a “love letter to the classics that shaped us,” sparking comments from fans who praised the band’s take on "Born To Be Wild" for its “balls-to-the-wall energy.” The Zoo Crew likely picked this track for its rebellious spirit, perfect for their audience of Zoo Freaks who live for that untamed, road-ready vibe.

Krokus’ journey began in Solothurn, Switzerland, in 1975, founded by bassist Chris von Rohr and guitarist Tommy Kiefer, both ex-members of a band called Kaktus. As detailed on their official website, they started as a progressive rock outfit, with their self-titled debut album featuring Kiefer on vocals after original singer Peter Richard left. By their second album, To You All, von Rohr took over vocals and keyboards, steering the band through Switzerland’s club scene. The early lineup, including guitarist Fernando von Arb and drummer Freddy Steady, gained traction with their 1978 album Painkiller. A pivotal moment came in the late 1970s when, inspired by an AC/DC concert, Krokus shifted to a harder, more straightforward rock sound. The arrival of vocalist Marc Storace in 1979, formerly of TEA and Eazy Money, solidified their direction, leading to their breakthrough 1980 album Metal Rendez-vous, which brought international fame.

Over the years, Krokus faced lineup changes, with members like Mandy Meyer and Mark Kohler cycling in and out, but their core commitment to hard rock never wavered. Their Instagram often shares throwback photos and tour updates, reflecting their 50-year legacy, as celebrated in a 2024 post: “Five decades of rock, and we’re still here!” The band’s X account engages fans with snippets of live shows and memories, like a 2020 post about their postponed farewell tour due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, fan communities thrive online. The Krokus Fans Worldwide Facebook group, with thousands of members, shares rare photos, bootlegs, and stories, while fan sites like Krokus Fanclub offer exclusive merch and updates. Krokus’ raw energy and storied history make their "Born To Be Wild" a perfect anthem for the Zoo Crew’s airwaves.