Help Is On Its Way

Zoo Freaks, get ready for some righteous vibes as The Zoo Crew spins Little River Band's "Help Is On Its Way" from their 1977 album Diamantina Cocktail. This track, written by lead singer Glenn Shorrock, became the band's only number-one hit in Australia, topping the Kent Music Report singles chart. It also climbed to No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking a significant milestone for the Aussie rockers breaking into the U.S. scene. The song’s laid-back groove and uplifting message about slowing down and finding inner peace resonated with listeners, especially during their 1977 tours supporting heavyweights like Queen and Average White Band. Fun fact: the song’s recording process was a bit fragmented due to band tensions, with Shorrock, Graeham Goble, and Beeb Birtles often laying down their parts separately, yet the final mix captured that smooth, harmonious sound LRB is known for.

Digging deeper, "Help Is On Its Way" carries a cool story from its creation. Shorrock has shared in interviews that the song was inspired by a moment of personal reflection, urging folks to chill out and trust that help—whether emotional or spiritual—is coming. The track’s lyrics, like “Hang on, a tiny voice did say, from somewhere deep inside the inner man,” hit that hippie sweet spot, perfect for The Zoo Crew’s vibe. The song also got a boost from Little River Band’s relentless 1977 touring schedule, including a standout performance at the Reading Music Festival in the UK alongside Thin Lizzy. Fans on platforms like Facebook still rave about how the song’s optimistic tone lifts their spirits, with some sharing memories of catching LRB live during that era, often calling it a “healing anthem” for tough times.

Now, let’s rewind to how Little River Band got rolling. Formed in Melbourne, Australia, in March 1975, the band came together with a crew of seasoned musicians: Glenn Shorrock (vocals), Graeham Goble (guitar/vocals), Beeb Birtles (guitar/vocals), Ric Formosa (guitar), Roger McLachlan (bass), and Derek Pellicci (drums). Named after a road sign for the township of Little River near Geelong, they were driven by a shared goal to crack the international market, especially the U.S. Their polished, harmony-heavy sound drew comparisons to the Eagles and Crosby, Stills & Nash, but with a distinct Aussie flair. By 1976, they’d signed with Capitol Records, and their debut album, Little River Band, featuring the hit “It’s a Long Way There,” paved the way for their breakthrough with Diamantina Cocktail. The band’s work ethic—touring non-stop and fine-tuning their live shows—helped them sell over 30 million records and earn a 2004 induction into the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) Hall of Fame.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to connect with the band, check out their official website for tour dates and news. You can vibe with them on Facebook, where they post about gigs and re-releases, like the 2022 remastered Diamantina Cocktail. Their Instagram is packed with throwback photos and current tour snaps, while their X account keeps fans updated on new music, like their 2024 album Window To The World. For fan communities, the Little River Band Fan Club on Facebook is a groovy spot where devotees share concert stories and rare vinyl finds. There’s also littleriverband.net, a fan-run site with detailed discographies and band history, perfect for diving deep into LRB’s legacy.