It's All Over Now

The Zoo Crew is spinning "It's All Over Now" by Nils Lofgren from his 1983 album Wonderland, and Zoo Freaks are in for a treat with this rocking cover. Originally written by Bobby Womack and Shirley Womack and first recorded by The Valentinos in 1964, the song became a massive hit when The Rolling Stones covered it that same year, hitting number one in the UK. Lofgren’s version, featured on Wonderland, brings his signature gritty guitar work and soulful energy, with reviewers noting his "good fret work" on the track. Recorded in Bermuda with drummer Andy Newmark and bassist Kevin McCormick, the song captures the raw, drum-heavy production typical of early '80s rock, though some fans feel the production slightly overshadows Lofgren’s subtle vocal and guitar nuances. In a reflective interview with Please Kill Me, Lofgren highlighted the joy of reuniting with Newmark and McCormick for later projects like Weathered, which included live performances of Wonderland tracks, suggesting the enduring spark of that era’s sessions.

While specific anecdotes about recording "It's All Over Now" are scarce, Lofgren’s passion for covers shines through in his career. He’s known for tackling songs by mentors like Neil Young and Bruce Springsteen, and his choice to cover Womack’s classic fits his knack for reinterpreting soulful rock anthems. On his official website, Lofgren shares stories of his "Blind Date Jam" sessions, where he dives into spontaneous music-making with no rehearsals, a vibe that likely influenced his loose, energetic take on this track. Fans on Facebook often praise his Wonderland era for its blend of raw power and dreamy textures, with one Amazon reviewer calling the album’s lead track "Across the Tracks" an “unrealised hit” and commending Lofgren’s spin on "It's All Over Now" for its blistering guitar. The song’s inclusion on Wonderland, alongside originals like the Jamaican-rhythmed title track, shows Lofgren’s versatility, a trait Zoo Freaks can groove to as they crank up the volume.

Nils Lofgren’s journey to rock stardom began in Chicago, born to an Italian mother and Swedish father on June 21, 1951. His family moved to Bethesda, Maryland, where he started playing classical accordion at age five, studying it for a decade before diving into classical music and jazz. By his teens, he shifted to piano and guitar, drawn to rock’s raw energy. A competitive gymnast in high school, Lofgren dropped out at 17 in 1968 to chase music, a bold move reflected in his later stage antics like backflips, which inspired his 1985 album Flip. His big break came when he met Neil Young at Georgetown’s Cellar Door club, leading to a stint playing piano and guitar on Young’s After the Gold Rush at just 19. This connection helped Lofgren’s band Grin, formed with bassist George Daly and drummer Bob Berberich, land a record deal in 1971. Grin released four critically acclaimed albums of catchy hard rock, though commercial success eluded them, leading to their breakup in 1974.

Post-Grin, Lofgren launched a solo career with his 1975 self-titled debut, hailed by Bruce Springsteen as an influence on Born to Run. His solo work, including fan favorites like “Keith Don’t Go” and “Cry Tough,” showcased his tough-tender style, blending power-pop and dreamy ballads. In 1984, he joined Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band, cementing his status as a rock sideman while continuing solo projects. Lofgren also played with Crazy Horse, Ringo Starr, and collaborated with Lou Reed, earning him the title of “rock’s Most Valuable Player” by Please Kill Me. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the E Street Band in 2014, Lofgren’s 55-year career includes over 15 studio albums and recent releases like Spares, a 31-song collection of unreleased tracks.

Zoo Freaks can connect with Nils Lofgrenwardrobe through his official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where he shares tour updates, guitar lessons, and Rockality video stories. Fans gather at the Nils Lofgren Fan Club on Facebook, a vibrant group discussing his music, shows, and legacy. For deeper dives, check out fan-curated sites like Cover Me, which explores his cover songs, including "It's All Over Now." Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to his sound, Lofgren’s blend of heart and grit makes him a perfect fit for THE ZOO’s eclectic airwaves.