Cat Scratch Fever

The Zoo Crew is spinning the high-energy track "Cat Scratch Fever" by Pantera, featured on the Detroit Rock City: Soundtrack. This cover of Ted Nugent's classic 1977 song was released in 1999 and peaked at number 40 on the Mainstream Rock chart. Nugent himself had mixed feelings about Pantera's rendition, initially criticizing it in a 2006 interview posted on BLABBERMOUTH.NET, stating, "It was exceedingly white. No soul, no balls, no feel. Caucasian all the way." He later softened his stance, expressing respect for Pantera and mourning the loss of guitarist Dimebag Darrell, saying, "It's a heartbreaker," as noted in a Songfacts comment. Fans on Reddit have also debated Nugent's critique, with some appreciating Pantera's heavier, groove-metal spin, while others felt it lacked the original's Motown-inspired groove, as Nugent reiterated in a 2022 BLABBERMOUTH.NET interview.

Another intriguing tidbit comes from the song's inclusion in the 1999 film Detroit Rock City, a comedy about teens chasing a KISS concert. The soundtrack, which includes Pantera's cover, became a fan favorite, with one Reddit user recalling seeing the movie in theaters and owning it on VHS, unaware of Pantera's contribution until later. The song's raw energy, driven by Phil Anselmo's intense vocals and Dimebag Darrell's blistering riffs, perfectly matched the film's rebellious vibe. Some fans on Songfacts have speculated about the song's lyrics, with one user suggesting the "fever" might hint at an STD like crabs, adding a layer of cheeky interpretation to its playful innuendo.

Pantera's journey began in Arlington, Texas, in 1981, founded by brothers Vinnie Paul (drums) and Dimebag Darrell (guitar), alongside vocalist Terry Glaze and bassist Tommy D. Bradford, who was soon replaced by Rex Brown. Initially a glam metal act, the band released four albums in the 1980s through their own Metal Magic Records, as detailed on Wikipedia. Seeking a heavier sound, they replaced Glaze with Phil Anselmo in 1986, releasing Power Metal in 1988. Their breakthrough came with 1990's Cowboys from Hell, which introduced their signature groove metal style, blending thrash and heavy metal. Albums like Vulgar Display of Power (1992) and Far Beyond Driven (1994), which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, cemented their status as metal giants, as noted on Last.fm.

Pantera's official website is pantera.com, where fans can find tour updates and merchandise. Their Facebook page keeps the community engaged with posts about their legacy and recent tours featuring Anselmo, Brown, and touring members Zakk Wylde and Charlie Benante. On Instagram, they share throwback photos and performance clips, while their X account connects with fans through tour announcements and tributes to their history. Fan communities thrive on platforms like the r/Pantera subreddit, with over 33,000 members discussing everything from rare tracks to live shows. The Pantera Fans Facebook group is another hub where Zoo Freaks can join fellow enthusiasts to celebrate the band's enduring impact.