Hijack The Radio!

The song "Hijack The Radio!" by the Nervebreakers is a raw, rebellious anthem from their 2012 album of the same name, capturing the band's punk ethos with a snarl. According to a 2012 review in The Austin Chronicle, the track was born out of the band’s frustration with the formulaic radio playlists of the late 1970s, a sentiment echoed by frontman Thom "Tex" Edwards in a 2009 interview with The Stash Dauber. Edwards recalled how the band wanted to “take over the airwaves” with their gritty sound, inspired by the DIY spirit of punk pioneers like the Ramones. The song’s 1977 demo, included as a bonus track on the album, showcases a looser, more chaotic energy, reflecting the band’s early days playing Dallas dives. A fan on the Nervebreakers Fan Club Facebook group shared a story about hearing the song live in 1979, describing how Edwards leaped into the crowd, mic in hand, urging everyone to “hijack” the moment.

Another tidbit about "Hijack The Radio!" comes from drummer Carl Giesecke, who claimed in a 2011 Cheap Rewards Record Blog post that the song’s driving rhythm was inspired by a late-night jam session after a George Jones concert. The band’s love for Jones’ raw country twang bled into their punk sound, giving the track its unique swagger. The 1979 single, released on Wild Child Records, was a regional hit, with its B-side "Why Am I So Flipped?" gaining traction in San Francisco and Boston. Fans on Instagram have posted grainy photos of the original vinyl, celebrating its iconic cover art by Allen Stovall. The song’s legacy endures, with a 2021 reissue by Get Hip Recordings sparking renewed interest among Zoo Freaks spinning it at THE ZOO.

The Nervebreakers formed in Dallas, Texas, in 1973, starting as a high school garage band obsessed with 1960s rock and roll. Guitarist Mike Haskins and vocalist Thom "Tex" Edwards bonded over their love for the Raspberries’ melodic crunch, as noted in a Last.fm bio. Initially called Mr. Nervous Breakdown, the band played covers ranging from the Kinks to bubblegum pop before punk’s rise shifted their sound. Barry Kooda, a theater major fresh from Army service in Korea, joined after a chance encounter with Haskins, bringing a theatrical edge. Drummer Carl Giesecke, a symphony percussionist, and bassist Bob Childress rounded out the lineup. Their big break came opening for the Ramones in 1977 at Dallas’ Electric Ballroom, followed by a legendary gig supporting the Sex Pistols in 1978, where Kooda’s photo landed in Rolling Stone.

The band’s early years were defined by relentless gigs and a genre-blending approach, mixing punk’s aggression with psychedelic and country influences. They backed Texas psych legend Roky Erickson for several shows, resulting in a 1979 live album released by New Rose Records. By 1980, they were Dallas’ biggest act, recording their debut album We Want Everything, though it wasn’t released until 1994 by Get Hip Recordings. Despite a breakup in 1981, the band reunited in 2007, recording new material and playing shows, as shared on their Facebook page. Their official website, nervebreakers.com, offers merch and updates, while their X account posts about reissues and gigs.

Fans can connect with the Nervebreakers community through the Nervebreakers Fan Club on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks share vinyl finds and concert memories. Another fan hub, Punk77, chronicles the band’s early punk scene contributions with photos and interviews. The band’s Instagram features throwback shots and recent studio updates, keeping the punk spirit alive. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a new Zoo Freak, the Nervebreakers’ raw energy and storied history make "Hijack The Radio!" a perfect spin for THE ZOO’s eclectic airwaves.