Rockin’ in the Free World

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Rockin’ in the Free World" by Krokus from their 2017 covers album Big Rocks, and the Zoo Freaks are surely vibing to its raw energy. This track, originally by Neil Young, was transformed by Krokus into a hard-hitting anthem with their signature AC/DC-inspired edge. One piece of trivia from the song’s music video, as noted on hitparade.ch, is the inclusion of Rihanna imagery on three billboards, a nod to her wearing a Krokus "Midnite Maniac" shirt at a Los Angeles concert. This subtle easter egg added a modern pop culture twist to the video, blending the band’s classic rock roots with contemporary flair. Additionally, Maximum Volume Music described Krokus’s rendition as having an "1980’s cock rock mosh" vibe, highlighting how the band infused the track with their Sunset Strip swagger, making it distinctly their own.

Another tidbit comes from the production side: Encyclopaedia Metallum notes that the album was recorded at Montechristo Studios in Solothurn, Switzerland, the band’s hometown. The track’s gritty guitar work, particularly Mandy Meyer’s sharp tone and Fernando von Arb’s "räudig" (raw) solo, was praised by fans on hitparade.ch for giving the cover a fresh, electrifying feel. While Krokus’s version didn’t chart as high as some of their original hits, it resonated with Swiss audiences, helping Big Rocks hit number one in Switzerland, as reported by The Rockpit. The song’s inclusion on the album was a bold choice, given Neil Young’s original was a political critique, but Krokus leaned into its rebellious spirit, aligning with their hard rock ethos.

Krokus began in 1975 in Solothurn, Switzerland, founded by Chris von Rohr (vocals and multi-instruments) and Tommy Kiefer (guitar), both formerly of the band Kaktus. Initially, they pursued a progressive rock sound, releasing their self-titled debut in 1976 with Kiefer handling vocals after original singer Peter Richard left. According to Wikipedia, the band’s early lineup included guitarist Hansi Droz and bassist Remo Spadino, but by their second album, To You All, von Rohr had shifted to lead vocals, with Fernando von Arb joining as second guitarist. The addition of bassist Jürg Naegeli and drummer Freddy Steady, previously of Montezuma, solidified their early sound. A pivotal moment came in the late 1970s when, inspired by an AC/DC concert, Krokus pivoted to a harder, AC/DC-influenced style. This shift led to the hiring of powerhouse vocalist Marc Storace in 1979, formerly of TEA and Eazy Money, who debuted on their breakthrough album Metal Rendez-vous in 1980, which brought them international recognition.

The band’s rise continued through the 1980s with albums like Headhunter (1983), which went platinum in the U.S., and The Blitz (1984), both featuring hits like "Screaming in the Night" and a cover of "American Woman." Despite lineup changes, including Kiefer’s departure due to heroin addiction and von Rohr’s firing in 1983 after a controversial article, Krokus maintained their momentum. Their official website, krokusonline.com, celebrates their 50th anniversary in 2024, highlighting their enduring legacy. You can follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates on gigs and exclusive merch. Fans also gather on sites like Encyclopaedia Metallum and Last.fm, while the Krokus Fan Club on Facebook is a vibrant community for Zoo Freaks and Easy Rockers alike to share their love for the band.