(You Can Still) Rock in America

Zoo Freaks, get ready to crank up the volume as the Zoo Crew spins (You Can Still) Rock in America by Night Ranger from their iconic album Midnight Madness! This anthem, released in 1983, is a fist-pumping celebration of rock’s enduring spirit, written by Jack Blades and Brad Gillis. One juicy tidbit is that former Deep Purple and Black Sabbath legend Glenn Hughes lent his powerful backing vocals to the track, adding a layer of grit to its soaring energy. According to a review by Brian McGowan on Get Ready to ROCK!, producer Pat Glasser’s work on the song left such a solid foundation that remastering for the 2023 reissue of Midnight Madness was a breeze, preserving its raw, anthemic vibe.

The song’s legacy lives on through its cultural impact and fan love, evident in social media posts over the years. For instance, a 2018 post from @MonstersOfRock on X hailed it as a quintessential rock anthem, while a 2020 post by @Akki_Sixx8429 praised its catchy, upbeat energy and the blistering twin-lead guitar work by Gillis and Jeff Watson, calling it a defining track for the band. The song’s video, one of the first from Midnight Madness, was a rare gem that surfaced on YouTube in 2017, as noted in a post by the official Night Ranger YouTube channel. It captures the band’s early MTV-era swagger, complete with big hair and bigger riffs, making it a nostalgic treat for Zoo Freaks tuning in.

Night Ranger formed in San Francisco in 1982, rising from the ashes of a local band called Rubicon. Jack Blades (bass/vocals), Brad Gillis (guitar), and Kelly Keagy (drums/vocals) were the core, joined by guitarist Jeff Watson and keyboardist Alan Fitzgerald, who’d previously played with Sammy Hagar and Montrose. Their debut album, Dawn Patrol, dropped in 1982 and showcased their knack for blending hard rock edge with AOR polish, a sound that resonated with fans of Journey and Styx. The single Don’t Tell Me You Love Me became a breakout hit, and by the time Midnight Madness hit shelves in 1983, the band was headlining tours, propelled by hits like Sister Christian and (You Can Still) Rock in America. With over 17 million albums sold worldwide, their mix of tight harmonies, shredding guitars, and radio-ready hooks cemented their place in ‘80s rock history.

Stay connected with Night Ranger through their official channels: visit their website, follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest tour dates and releases. Fans can also dive into the community on sites like Rockers Online, which links to Night Ranger resources, or join discussions on the Night Ranger Fans Facebook group, where Zoo Freaks can swap stories and celebrate the band’s enduring legacy. Keep rocking, and let’s keep the airwaves alive with that Night Ranger spirit!