Psychosis

The Zoo Crew is cranking up the vibes at THE ZOO radio station, spinning the track "Psychosis" by McQueen Street from their album McQueen Street 2 for all the Zoo Freaks tuning in. This song, a gritty slice of hard rock, carries the band’s signature raw energy, but specific trivia or stories about "Psychosis" are scarce in the archives. The album itself, recorded in 1993 but not released until 2003 by Ring of Four Records, was a victim of the early '90s grunge wave that overshadowed glam metal. Fans on platforms like Reddit’s r/hairmetal have speculated that tracks like "Psychosis" could have been huge if released a few years earlier, praising its driving riffs and unpolished edge. One fan on the forum called it a “hidden gem” that captures the band’s live intensity, hinting at the song’s potential to ignite crowds during their southeast club circuit days.

Delving into McQueen Street’s origins, the band formed in 1987 in Montgomery, Alabama, fueled by a passion for hard rock and glam metal. The name came from the street where frontman Derek Welsh’s recording studio was located, a fitting nod to their grassroots beginnings. By 1990, they’d caught the attention of SBK Records, landing a deal for their self-titled debut album, produced by Tom Werman with contributions from Steve Stevens of Billy Idol fame. The band, originally featuring Derek Welsh on vocals, Michael Powers on guitar, Chris Welsh on drums, and Richard Hatcher on bass, built a loyal following through relentless touring, sharing stages with acts like Soundgarden and Alice in Chains. Their live shows, including a notable gig at Sammy Hagar’s Cabo Wabo Cantina, showcased their high-octane style, which likely influenced the raw power of tracks like "Psychosis."

Despite their early success, the rise of grunge stalled their momentum, delaying McQueen Street 2 and leading to a breakup in the mid-'90s. Derek Welsh and Richard Hatcher pivoted to a psychedelic rock project called The Rat Race, but the McQueen Street flame never fully died. In 2020, the band released two new songs, "Outside In" and "One Way Ticket," with the latter hitting #1 on underground rock charts, proving their enduring appeal. Fans can connect with the band’s legacy on their official website and follow updates on their Facebook page. While their Instagram is active, their X account keeps the conversation going with occasional posts about their music and history.

For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, fan communities offer a space to celebrate McQueen Street. The McQueen Street Fan Group on Facebook is a hub where enthusiasts share memories, rare photos, and discuss tracks like "Psychosis." Though not as prominent as some '80s rock giants, the band’s cult following thrives in these corners of the internet, keeping the spirit of their music alive. Whether you’re headbanging to "Psychosis" or reminiscing about the glam metal era, McQueen Street’s story is one of resilience and raw rock passion.