Eat The Rich

Zoo Freaks, get ready to crank up the volume as The Zoo Crew spins "Eat The Rich" by Krokus from their 1983 album Headhunter! This fist-pumping anthem, with its gritty riffs and rebellious spirit, is a standout track that captures the band’s raw energy. According to frontman Marc Storace in a 1983 interview with Creem, the song is a "science fiction vision" about social imbalance, inspired by the stark contrast between the ultra-wealthy and the struggling masses, like those in the Bronx. He noted the band’s own hardscrabble climb in America, from small clubs to arenas, shaped its perspective on inequality. The track’s catchy chorus and driving rhythm made it a fan favorite, with posts on X from April 2025 calling it a "primo heavy metal tune" and a top pick from the album. It’s no surprise this song, also covered by bands like Motörhead and Fozzy, remains a staple in Krokus’ live shows, often sparking wild crowd reactions.

The music video for "Eat The Rich," directed by Joe Dea, adds a quirky visual flair, featuring the band rocking out on a stone stage adorned with bizarre black sculptures while women in town clothing dance and fans pump their fists. A 2023 post on Reddit’s ClassicRock community reminisced about Headhunter’s heavy rotation in the summer of ’83, with "Eat The Rich" as a highlight alongside "Screaming in the Night." The song’s infectious energy even caught the attention of producer Tom Allom, known for his work with Judas Priest, who gave the album a sharper, heavier edge. Fans on Encyclopaedia Metallum praise its "addictive hard rock vibe," noting how it balances AC/DC-inspired swagger with a touch of Accept’s metallic fury.

Krokus began their journey in Solothurn, Switzerland, in 1975, founded by bassist Chris von Rohr and guitarist Tommy Kiefer. Initially a progressive rock outfit, the band shifted gears after being blown away by AC/DC’s live show in the late ’70s, embracing a hard rock sound that would define their career. Their early albums, like their 1976 self-titled debut, featured Kiefer on vocals, but the lineup evolved with von Rohr taking over as frontman for 1977’s To You All. The addition of vocalist Marc Storace in 1980, formerly of Eazy Money, was a game-changer, bringing a Bon Scott-like grit to their breakthrough album Metal Rendez-vous. By the time Headhunter dropped in 1983, with new drummer Steve Pace and producer Tom Allom, Krokus had honed a sound that earned them Gold status in the U.S. and a spot on arena stages across North America.

Despite lineup changes—von Rohr was famously fired in 1983 after a tell-all article in a Swiss newspaper—the band’s core drive, led by guitarist Fernando von Arb, kept them rocking for decades. Their resilience shines through in their 18 studio albums, with their latest, Big Rocks, released in 2017. Fans can connect with Krokus through their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share updates and throwbacks. For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, check out the Krokus Fans Facebook group for lively discussions and rare photos, or visit fan sites like Krokus Online for discographies and tour stories. Keep rocking, Zoo Crew!