Wheels of Steel

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning "Wheels of Steel" by L.A. Guns from their 2004 album Rips The Covers Off, and the Zoo Freaks are surely vibing to this gritty cover. This track, originally by the English heavy metal band Saxon, was given a raw, Hollywood edge by L.A. Guns, with reviewers noting its "gritty and heavy edged sound" that still honors the original while carrying the unmistakable L.A. Guns swagger. According to a 2010 review from Metal Odyssey, the song showcases guitarist Stacey Blades' ability to deliver a hardened tone, stepping up impressively in the absence of original guitarist Tracii Guns. The Zoo Crew might share with their listeners that Saxon’s 1980 classic was inspired by Ted Nugent’s "Cat Scratch Fever," as guitarist Graham Oliver revealed, and its riff bears a resemblance to Black Sabbath’s "Rock 'n' Roll Doctor," adding layers of rock history to this headbanger.

Another tidbit for the Zoo Freaks: "Wheels of Steel" has a life beyond the studio, appearing in video games like Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City and Brütal Legend, giving it a cult following among gamers and metalheads alike. A 2004 review on Sleaze Roxx praised the track, with frontman Phil Lewis’ enthusiastic delivery earning a “Very nice! Very lovely!” nod, capturing the band’s ability to make this cover their own. Fans on Amazon reviews have called the album a “blast from the past,” highlighting how Lewis’ vocals bring vintage ‘70s energy roaring into the present, making it a perfect fit for the Zoo Crew’s retro-loving audience.

L.A. Guns got their start in the sleazy, sun-soaked streets of Los Angeles in 1983, born from the collision of guitarist Tracii Guns and a pre-Guns N’ Roses Axl Rose, alongside bassist Ole Beich and drummer Rob Gardner. The band’s early days were chaotic, with Rose splitting to form Hollywood Rose, replaced by Michael Jagosz, before the group disbanded in 1984. But like true rock survivors, they reformed in 1985 with vocalist Phil Lewis, who became the voice of their glam metal sound. Their self-titled debut in 1988, featuring hits like “Sex Action,” struck gold, blending raw rock ‘n’ roll with the hair metal sheen of the Sunset Strip. Despite lineup changes—most notably Tracii Guns’ departure in 2002 before Rips The Covers Off—the band, led by Lewis and drummer Steve Riley, kept the fire burning, appealing to metal fans while staying rooted in rock’s rebellious spirit.

You can keep up with L.A. Guns on their official website, where they post tour dates and merch for the Zoo Freaks to snag. They’re active on Facebook, sharing live performance clips and band updates, and on Instagram, where you’ll find behind-the-scenes shots from the road. Their X account keeps the conversation rolling with fans, often retweeting Zoo Freak-style love for their music. For diehard fans, the L.A. Guns Fan Club on Facebook is a vibrant spot where supporters share concert stories and rare photos. The Zoo Crew might also point fans to laguns.net, a fan-run site packed with discography details and band history, perfect for any Zoo Freak diving deep into the L.A. Guns legacy.