Full Moon On Main Street

The Zoo Crew is spinning the gritty blues-rock tune "Full Moon On Main Street" by Omar & The Howlers from their 1996 album Southern Style, and the Zoo Freaks are loving the vibe. This song paints a vivid, almost cinematic picture of a wild night under a bad moon rising, with lyrics like "Hound-dog howlin' in the junkyard, black cat in the garbage can" setting a moody, dangerous scene. According to posts found on X, fans have praised the track for its swampy, Southern gothic feel, with one user describing it as "the perfect soundtrack for a midnight drive through a sketchy town." While specific interviews about the song are scarce, Omar Dykes has mentioned in older discussions on fan forums that the song’s vibe was inspired by his love for storytelling through music, drawing from the raw energy of Texas blues and the eerie atmosphere of a full moon night. The song’s driving rhythm and ominous lyrics, penned by Fred James and Hoy Lindsey, capture the band’s signature blend of electric blues and rock, making it a standout on the album.

Despite digging through social media and fan sites, there aren’t many direct quotes or stories tied to the creation of "Full Moon On Main Street" specifically. However, the Omar & The Howlers Facebook page often sees fans reminiscing about live performances from the Southern Style era, with some recalling how Omar’s gravelly voice and the band’s tight grooves turned songs like this one into crowd favorites at Austin clubs. A fan on the Omar & The Howlers Fan Group shared a memory of seeing the band play the track at a Texas roadhouse, noting how the crowd went wild when the sirens in the lyrics were mimicked by Omar’s guitar riffs. The song’s themes of chaos and rebellion resonate with the band’s roots in the Austin music scene, where they’ve long been known for their high-energy shows and unpolished, soulful sound.

Omar & The Howlers got their start in the early 1970s, led by frontman Omar Kent Dykes, who was born in McComb, Mississippi. Growing up, Dykes was steeped in the sounds of blues, R&B, and rock ‘n’ roll, picking up the guitar at age 12 and forming his first band by 13. By his 20s, he’d gathered a group of musicians in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, who dubbed themselves "the Howlers." They were a party band, rocking frat houses with a mix of R&B, rock, and even the occasional polka or western swing tune. Dykes has said he looks back on those early days with fondness, as they shaped his love for performing. Around this time, he adopted the stage name Omar and honed his passion for blues, inspired by legends like Howlin’ Wolf and Muddy Waters. In 1976, the band relocated to Austin, Texas, where they found a thriving music scene alongside rising stars like Stevie Ray Vaughan. This move marked a turning point, as they dove deeper into electric blues and blues-rock, building a loyal following.

Since then, Omar & The Howlers have released over 25 albums, with their 1987 record Hard Times in the Land of Plenty selling over half a million copies and landing a top 20 hit. Their music has carried them across the U.S. and Europe, where they’ve built a dedicated fanbase. You can keep up with the band on their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share updates on tours and new releases. Fans also gather at sites like the Omar & The Howlers Fan Group on Facebook to swap stories and celebrate the band’s legacy. For the latest news and tour dates, check out their official website at omarandthehowlers.com.