Holding Back The Storm

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Holding Back The Storm" from Paul Rodgers' 1997 album Now, a track that captures his soulful rock essence with poetic lyrics and powerful vocals. Co-written with Raymond Rodriguez, the song paints a vivid picture of a woman with "the heart of a lion" and "the soul of a mountain stream," embodying strength and love that can "hold back the storm." According to Genius Lyrics, the song’s imagery, like "fly, on the wings of a white dove," conveys a message of hope and resilience, with Rodgers delivering a freestyle outro that adds a raw, emotional touch. While specific interviews about this song are scarce, Rodgers has shared in broader discussions, like one with Louder, that his songwriting often draws from personal experiences and universal themes of love and perseverance, which shine through in this track. Fans on X have occasionally praised the song’s uplifting vibe, with one post calling it "a hidden gem from Now that deserves more airplay," though Rodgers himself hasn’t spotlighted it on social media recently.

Delving into the creation of Now, the album marked Rodgers’ return to original solo material after a 14-year gap since 1983’s Cut Loose. In a 2023 interview with Louder, Rodgers reflected on his solo work, noting how he enjoys the freedom to explore diverse styles, which is evident in Now’s blend of blues, rock, and soul. For "Holding Back The Storm," Rodgers played 12-string guitar, adding a rich texture to the track, as noted in the album’s Wikipedia entry. The song’s romantic and defiant spirit aligns with Rodgers’ philosophy of music as a force for connection, a theme he’s emphasized in posts on his Facebook, where he often shares messages about music’s healing power. While no specific stories about the song’s recording have surfaced, Rodgers’ collaboration with Rodriguez suggests a shared vision of crafting an anthem-like piece, fitting for the Zoo Freaks’ eclectic taste.

Paul Rodgers began his musical journey in Middlesbrough, England, born on December 17, 1949. As a teenager, he was drawn to blues and soul, inspired by artists like Muddy Waters and Otis Redding, whose emotional delivery shaped his own style. According to his official bio, Rodgers is a self-taught multi-instrumentalist who started performing in local clubs before forming the band Free at age 17. Free’s breakthrough came with the 1970 hit "All Right Now," which Rodgers co-wrote and sang, catapulting the band to international fame. His powerful voice and stage presence earned praise from peers like Freddie Mercury, who called him a key influence, as noted in Wikipedia. After Free disbanded in 1973, Rodgers formed Bad Company, cementing his legacy with hits like "Feel Like Makin’ Love" and "Bad Company." His career spans over five decades, including stints with The Firm, The Law, and a collaboration with Queen as Queen + Paul Rodgers from 2004 to 2009.

Fans can connect with Paul Rodgers through his official website, where they’ll find tour dates, discography, and news about his latest projects, like his 2023 album Midnight Rose. His Facebook page is active with updates, photos, and fan interactions, often highlighting his performances and milestones, such as his 75th birthday announcement in 2024. On Instagram, Rodgers shares behind-the-scenes glimpses and throwback images, engaging with followers through captions about his musical journey. His X account features occasional posts about new releases, like his collaboration with Slash on "Born Under a Bad Sign," and retweets from fans celebrating his work. For fan communities, the Paul Rodgers & Bad Company Fan Group on Facebook is a vibrant space where Zoo Freaks can join discussions, share memorabilia, and celebrate Rodgers’ music. While no dedicated fan websites stand out prominently, fan-driven content thrives on social platforms, keeping the spirit of Rodgers’ music alive.