Your Mama Don't Dance

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the classic track "Your Mama Don't Dance" by Poison from their iconic album Open Up And Say...Ahh!. This song, a cover of the 1972 hit by Loggins and Messina, was released as the fourth single from the album in February 1989. Poison’s version climbed to #10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and went Gold in the US, capturing the rebellious spirit of the original with a glam metal twist. The track’s B-side, "Tearin' Down the Walls," added to its appeal for fans. Interestingly, the song’s music video, directed by Marty Callner, kicks off with skateboarders riling up an elderly couple in a park before cutting to Poison rocking out for an enthusiastic crowd, perfectly embodying the song’s theme of generational rebellion.

Diving into the song’s roots, the original by Loggins and Messina was inspired by Jim Messina’s strict upbringing in a household where his stepfather favored country music over rock ‘n’ roll. Messina shared in a 2018 interview with The College Crowd Digs Me that the lyric "Your mama don't dance and your daddy don't rock and roll" reflected his frustration with his parents’ disconnect from his musical passions. Poison’s cover, however, wasn’t universally praised. A reviewer from Record Mirror called it “completely naff” compared to the band’s earlier hit "Every Rose Has Its Thorn," while Music Week’s Jerry Smith felt it didn’t bolster Poison’s wild rocker reputation. Despite mixed reviews, the song’s infectious energy made it a fan favorite, with Reddit’s r/80smusic community noting its fun vibe, even if some preferred the original.

Poison’s take on "Your Mama Don't Dance" also caught attention for its cultural impact. The song was hailed by Distorted Sound Magazine as one of the best glam metal covers, rivaling Mötley Crüe’s "Smokin’ In The Boys’ Room." Its lyrics, painting a picture of a young rebel defying curfews and getting busted by the cops at a drive-in, resonated with the Zoo Freaks’ love for carefree, defiant anthems. Fun trivia: the voice of the cop in the original Loggins and Messina version, saying, “Out of the car, longhair,” was Merel Bregante, their drummer, adding a playful touch. Poison kept this vibe intact, with Bret Michaels’ vocals and C.C. DeVille’s guitar solo amplifying the song’s rowdy charm.

Now, let’s rewind to how Poison got their start. Formed in the early 1980s in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, the band began as a group of young musicians chasing big dreams. Drummer Rikki Rockett and singer Bret Michaels were the driving forces, initially playing together in a band called the Spectres. They later formed Paris with bassist Bobby Dall, but it was after relocating to Los Angeles that they became Poison. The band cycled through guitarists, with a notable audition from Slash, who later joined Guns N’ Roses. C.C. DeVille ultimately secured the spot, completing the lineup that would define their sound. Their early days were gritty, playing dive bars and building a following through sheer hustle and flashy performances, which laid the groundwork for their 1986 debut album, Look What the Cat Dragged In.

Poison’s rise to fame was meteoric, fueled by their glam metal aesthetic and catchy hooks. By the time Open Up And Say...Ahh! dropped in 1988, they were a household name, with the album hitting #2 on the Billboard 200 and earning 5x platinum status. Produced by Tom Werman after KISS’s Paul Stanley couldn’t commit, the album showcased Poison’s knack for blending party anthems with heartfelt ballads. Fans, or Zoo Freaks, can connect with the band on their official social media: Facebook, Instagram, and X. For those craving more, check out fan communities like the Poison Fan Club on Facebook or the band’s official website, poisonofficial.com, for tour updates and merch. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a new Zoo Freak, Poison’s legacy keeps the party rocking.