On the Run

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the infectious track "On the Run" by Nestor from their debut album Kids in a Ghost Town, and the Zoo Freaks are loving every second of it. This song, a high-energy anthem dripping with 80s nostalgia, has some cool stories behind it. According to reviews, "On the Run" was the first single released from the album, dropping in March 2021, and it instantly hooked listeners with its anthemic melody and Tobias Gustavsson’s silky yet powerful vocals. The accompanying music video is a total love letter to 80s aesthetics, complete with spandex, leopard prints, and a retro vibe that feels like it could slot right into the soundtrack of a cult classic like Turbo Kid. One reviewer on Needle In The Groove noted that the stripped-down piano version of the song on YouTube is “absolutely brilliant,” showing off the track’s versatility. The song’s lyrics, painting a picture of a rebel racing through empty streets, resonate with fans who feel that restless, youthful energy, and it’s racked up over 200,000 YouTube views, a testament to its magnetic pull.

Digging into the song’s creation, "On the Run" captures Nestor’s knack for blending humor with serious musicianship. The band’s playful, over-the-top 80s image—think mullets and big glasses—might make you think they’re a parody act, but as Man Of Much Metal points out, their music is “100% serious.” The track’s infectious chorus has been called one of the most memorable of 2021, with fans on platforms like Nestor’s Facebook raving about its live energy at festivals like Sweden Rock, where Tobias’s soaring vocals and the band’s tight performance left crowds buzzing. The song’s production, with its crisp drums and shredding guitars, avoids the trap of overproduction, keeping the raw rock punch intact, as noted by Rockposer. Nestor themselves have shared on Instagram that the track was born from their love of 80s arena rock, inspired by bands like Bon Jovi and Europe, aiming to bottle that “VHS adventure” vibe fans adore.

Now, let’s rewind to how Nestor got started. Hailing from Falköping, a small town in Sweden, the band was formed in 1989 by five childhood friends: Tobias Gustavsson (vocals), Jonny Wemmenstedt (guitar), Marcus Åblad (bass), Martin Frejinger (keyboards), and Mattias Carlsson (drums). Back then, they were just teens jamming in a rehearsal room, dreaming of rock stardom and trying to impress their classmates, as mentioned in a RockHard feature. Life got in the way, and the band went on hiatus for over three decades, but their friendship never faded. Tobias, who became a successful songwriter and producer for artists like E.M.D. and Edurne, always carried that 80s hard rock flame in his heart. In 2021, the band reunited, sparked by a project for the video game Cities: Skylines, where Tobias wrote rock songs that reignited their passion, as shared in a ROCKS interview. This led to Kids in a Ghost Town, a love letter to their youth and the 80s sound they grew up on, influenced by Kiss, Van Halen, and Bon Jovi.

Nestor’s mission, as stated on their official website, is to “restore the glory of rock” with a tongue-in-cheek yet heartfelt approach. Their debut album, released on October 22, 2021, under Nestor Prestor Music Group, became a sensation in Sweden, topping physical album sales charts without major label backing, as noted by Rock Angels. The band’s name, inspired by Captain Haddock’s butler in Tintin comics (with a nod to Greek mythology), reflects their playful spirit, as Tobias explained in a Metal Invader interview. You can keep up with their latest gigs and retro antics on their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share everything from live clips to throwback photos.

For Zoo Freaks looking to connect with other fans, there’s a vibrant community out there. The Nestor Fans Worldwide Facebook group is a great spot to swap stories, share concert pics, and geek out over the band’s 80s-inspired swagger. Another fan hub, Nestor Fan Club, offers exclusive merch and updates for die-hard supporters. Whether you’re headbanging to “On the Run” or diving into Nestor’s nostalgic world, the band’s mix of heart, humor, and killer hooks makes them a perfect fit for THE ZOO’s eclectic airwaves.