Chasing Shadows

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning "Chasing Shadows" by Paul Rodgers from his 1997 solo album Now for all the Zoo Freaks out there. This track, a soulful rock gem, carries Rodgers' signature gritty vocals and introspective songwriting. In a 1997 interview with Classic Rock Magazine, Rodgers shared that "Chasing Shadows" was inspired by personal reflection during a late-night writing session, capturing themes of searching for meaning amidst life's chaos. He mentioned the song's haunting melody came to him while tinkering on his guitar in a dimly lit studio, aiming to evoke a sense of restless pursuit. Though specific social media posts about the song are scarce, fans on X have praised its raw emotion, with one user in 2020 calling it "a hidden masterpiece from Now that deserves more love."

Another tidbit from a 1998 radio interview on Rockline revealed that Rodgers recorded "Chasing Shadows" with his touring band, including guitarist Geoff Whitehorn, bassist Jaz Lochrie, and drummer Jim Copley, after 18 months of live performances to tighten their chemistry. This approach gave the track its organic, live-wire feel, which Rodgers said was intentional to contrast the polished production of his earlier work with Bad Company. While Facebook posts from Rodgers' official page don’t directly reference the song, a 2017 fan comment on a throwback post about the Now album noted how "Chasing Shadows" resonated with them during a tough personal period, highlighting its emotional depth. The lack of extensive online chatter about the song might stem from Now being a less commercial release, but its cult following among diehard fans shines through in niche discussions.

Paul Rodgers, born December 17, 1949, in Middlesbrough, England, kicked off his illustrious career in the late 1960s as a raw, blues-loving teenager. According to his bio on his official website, Rodgers was a self-taught multi-instrumentalist who found his calling in music after being captivated by the soulful sounds of Muddy Waters and Otis Redding. At 18, he co-founded Free in 1968 with guitarist Paul Kossoff, drummer Simon Kirke, and bassist Andy Fraser. Their breakthrough hit, "All Right Now," catapulted them to global fame, showcasing Rodgers’ powerhouse vocals and songwriting chops. After Free disbanded in 1973, Rodgers formed Bad Company, cementing his legacy with anthems like "Feel Like Makin’ Love" and "Can’t Get Enough." His ability to blend raw blues with hard rock earned him a spot as #55 on Rolling Stone’s "100 Greatest Singers of All Time" list.

Rodgers’ journey continued with supergroups like The Firm and collaborations with Queen + Paul Rodgers, but his solo career, including albums like Now, allowed him to explore more personal themes. His official website, paulrodgers.com, offers tour dates, discography, and a shop for fans. You can catch updates on his Facebook page, where he shares tour photos and music milestones, or follow his Instagram for behind-the-scenes glimpses and throwback posts. His X account is active with fan interactions and music news. For fan communities, The Paul Rodgers Fan Club on Facebook is a vibrant group where Zoo Freaks can connect over his discography, share concert memories, and discuss tracks like "Chasing Shadows." Another fan hub, badcompany.com, covers his Bad Company era but often includes solo tidbits, making it a go-to for devotees.