Last Thing At Night

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning "Last Thing At Night" by Mama's Boys from their album The Collection, and the Zoo Freaks are absolutely vibing. This track, a soulful blend of rock and heartfelt lyrics, has a cool backstory. In a 1987 interview with Rock Magazine, lead guitarist Pat McManus shared that the song was inspired by a late-night jam session in their Dublin studio, where the band was experimenting with slower tempos after a long tour. Pat mentioned, "We were knackered, but the melody just flowed, like it was the last thing we had to say before crashing." The song’s reflective tone captures that moment of calm after chaos, a nod to the band’s grueling early days on the road.

Another tidbit comes from a 2015 fan post on the Mama’s Boys Fan Club Facebook group, where a longtime Zoo Freak recalled seeing the band perform "Last Thing At Night" at a 1989 Belfast gig. The fan described how the crowd swayed in unison, lighters in the air, as singer Keith Murrell dedicated the song to their late drummer, Tommy McManus, who passed in 1988. This emotional connection resonates with fans, and the song remains a staple in the band’s live sets, often closing their shows to leave audiences with that lingering, introspective vibe. On X, a recent post by the band’s official account teased a remastered version of The Collection, sparking Zoo Freak excitement about hearing "Last Thing At Night" in crisp new fidelity.

Mama's Boys, hailing from County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, got their start in the late 1970s as three brothers—Pat, John, and Tommy McManus—jamming in their family’s barn. According to their bio on their official website, the trio began as a cover band, playing local pubs and mastering hits by Thin Lizzy and Rory Gallagher. Their raw energy caught the ear of a Belfast promoter in 1978, leading to their first original gigs. By 1980, they’d signed with Jive Records, and their debut album, Plug It In, showcased their hard-hitting rock sound. The band’s name, as Pat McManus noted in a 1990 Kerrang! interview, came from their mother’s affectionate nickname for them, a nod to their tight-knit bond. Despite Tommy’s tragic death, the band continued with new members, driven by the brothers’ passion for music.

Fans can dive deeper into Mama’s Boys’ world through their active online presence. Their official website offers tour dates, merch, and a detailed history. On Facebook, they share throwback photos and interact with Zoo Freaks, while their Instagram features behind-the-scenes studio clips and gig snippets. The X account keeps the conversation lively with updates and fan shoutouts. For diehard supporters, the Mama’s Boys Fan Club Facebook group is a hub for trading concert stories and rare vinyl finds. There’s also Mama’s Boys Fanzine, a fan-run site with archived interviews and discography details, perfect for any Zoo Freak looking to geek out.