Don't Tell Me How to Live

The song Don't Tell Me How to Live by Monster Truck from their album Sittin' Heavy is a fiery anthem of independence, born from a personal moment in frontman Jon Harvey's life. In an interview, Harvey revealed the song's inspiration came from a playful argument with his girlfriend, who teased him for playing guitar every day. His response, "This is my job, don’t tell me how to live," sparked the track’s rebellious spirit. The song’s raw energy and defiant lyrics resonated widely, becoming a rallying cry for fans. Its music video, shot in a quarry in Caledon, Ontario, was a challenging production. Guitarist Jeremy Widerman described the shoot as a logistical nightmare, involving a five-story industrial load-in and risky drone shots. Despite warnings about dangerous drone paths, the band, with help from unexpected snowy weather, captured the gritty, high-octane visuals they envisioned. Widerman noted, "The bigger a pain in the ass it is to film, the better it turns out," while Harvey added, "It was cold, it was wet and it was tiring, but it looks awesome."

Another layer of trivia surrounds the song’s unexpected second life. In 2021, American artist Kid Rock collaborated with Monster Truck to release a rap-rock remix of Don't Tell Me How to Live as a single for his album Bad Reputation. The remix, which sampled the original track, stirred controversy in Canada, where Monster Truck had been a beloved rock act. According to a post on X, the remix’s release led to a dip in the band’s popularity among some Canadian fans, as it clashed with their hard rock roots. Despite this, the original song remains a fan favorite, celebrated for its unapologetic attitude and southern rock-infused riffs, with its message of living true to oneself striking a chord with listeners worldwide.

Monster Truck, hailing from Hamilton, Ontario, formed in 2009 with a mission to revive gritty, groove-heavy rock. The band—consisting of Jon Harvey (vocals and bass), Jeremy Widerman (guitar), Brandon Bliss (keyboards), and, until 2022, Steve Kiely (drums)—drew inspiration from classic rock acts like Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, and Lynyrd Skynyrd, blended with modern stoner and southern rock vibes. Their early days were marked by relentless gigging, building a reputation as a formidable live act. Their 2011 EP, The Brown EP, gained traction with the single Seven Seas Blues, which charted in Canada’s rock airplay charts. This success led to their debut album, Furiosity, in 2013, which earned them a Juno Award for Breakthrough Group of the Year. Their hard work and road-warrior ethos paid off as they toured with giants like Guns N’ Roses, Slash, and Alice in Chains, cementing their place in the rock scene.

Fans can connect with Monster Truck through their official website, where they share tour dates, merch, and news. Their Facebook page offers updates and behind-the-scenes content, while their Instagram showcases tour photos and candid moments. On X, the band engages with fans through posts about new music and live shows. For dedicated Zoo Freaks looking to join the community, fan-driven spaces like the Monster Truck Fans Facebook Group provide a hub for sharing concert experiences and discussing the band’s discography. While no official fan websites stand out, the band’s active social media presence keeps their community thriving.