Quinn the Eskimo

Zoo Freaks, your hippie DJs at THE ZOO are cranking up the vibes with Krokus' cover of "Quinn the Eskimo" from their 2017 album Big Rocks. This track, originally penned by Bob Dylan in 1967, gets a hard-rock makeover from the Swiss legends, and it’s got some wild stories behind it. Bassist Chris von Rohr once reminisced, “Quinn The Eskimo! What a great song and the first we played when Krokus got together in 1975.” That’s right, this tune was one of the earliest in their repertoire, setting the stage for their gritty, AC/DC-inspired sound. The song’s infectious energy, with lyrics about Quinn bringing joy and chaos, fits the band’s raw, rebellious spirit. It’s no surprise it resonated in Switzerland, where Manfred Mann’s 1968 version hit number two, inspiring multiple Swiss bands to cover it.

Digging into the trivia, Krokus’ take on "Quinn the Eskimo" stands out on Big Rocks, an album packed with covers of rock classics. A review from Maximum Volume Music called it a “cocksure strutter,” praising how the band transformed Dylan’s folk-rock gem into a testosterone-fueled anthem. Interestingly, the song’s inclusion wasn’t just a nod to Dylan but a reflection of the band’s roots. Von Rohr noted that Dylan’s original was a cultural touchstone in Switzerland, and Krokus’ version channels that legacy with Marc Storace’s powerful vocals. Fans on platforms like hitparade.ch have mixed feelings, with some loving the hard-rock edge and others preferring Dylan’s raw cut, but it’s undeniable that Krokus made it their own.

Let’s rewind to how Krokus kicked off their journey. Formed in Solothurn, Switzerland, in 1975, the band started as a progressive rock outfit founded by Chris von Rohr and guitarist Tommy Kiefer. Their early days were experimental, with von Rohr juggling vocals, drums, and keyboards. After their self-titled debut, they leaned into a harder sound, inspired by seeing AC/DC live in the late ’70s. The game-changer came in 1979 when Marc Storace, formerly of TEA and Eazy Money, joined as frontman. Their 1980 album Metal Rendez-vous skyrocketed them to international fame, blending Swiss precision with raw, fist-pumping rock. Despite lineup changes, tragedies, and the grunge wave, Krokus kept rocking, releasing chart-toppers like Hoodoo and Big Rocks until their farewell tour in 2021.

Zoo Freaks, you can keep up with Krokus’ legacy online. Check out their official website at krokusonline.com for news and exclusive merch. They’re active on Facebook, sharing throwbacks and updates, and you can catch their gritty visuals on Instagram. Follow their X account for the latest buzz. For die-hard fans, join the community on the Krokus Fan Club on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks can swap stories and celebrate the band’s 50-year run. Keep those dials locked on THE ZOO, and let’s keep rockin’ with the mighty Quinn!