Street of Dreams

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning "Street of Dreams" by Rainbow from their 1983 album Bent Out of Shape, and the Zoo Freaks are totally vibing! This track, a standout in Rainbow’s catalog, has some wild stories behind it. According to vocalist Joe Lynn Turner in a 2009 interview, the song was literally born from a dream. He woke up, scribbled down sketches, and by morning, had crafted the lyrics about reincarnation and mystery, which he felt hit all the right notes. Turner’s dream-inspired process gives the song its haunting, otherworldly feel, perfect for the Zoo Freaks’ late-night airwaves. Guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, in comments shared on his official website, called "Street of Dreams" one of his favorite Rainbow tracks, praising its emotional depth and melodic pull.

The song’s music video, directed by Storm Thorgerson of Hipgnosis fame, stirred up some drama. It features a trippy narrative where a man named Mark shares a dream about his missing girlfriend, only to discover she’s been locked in a closet by an evil psychiatrist. The video’s hypnotic scenes, including a street lined with beds and the band rocking in a basement, led to it being banned by MTV after initial airplay for its supposedly controversial content, as noted in Blackmore’s biography on his website. This ban only added to the song’s mystique, making it a cult favorite among fans. The Zoo Crew probably loves cranking this one up to spark calls from Zoo Freaks sharing their own dream-inspired tales.

Rainbow, the band behind "Street of Dreams," was formed in 1975 by guitar legend Ritchie Blackmore, who’d just left Deep Purple to chase a new creative vision. Blackmore teamed up with vocalist Ronnie James Dio and members of the band Elf to launch Rainbow, blending hard rock with mystical, medieval vibes. Their debut album, Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow, dropped in 1975 and set the stage for their epic run. Over the years, Rainbow cycled through lineups, with vocalists like Joe Lynn Turner (who sang on Bent Out of Shape) and drummers like Cozy Powell shaping their sound. Blackmore’s virtuosic guitar work and knack for blending classical influences with heavy rock made Rainbow a staple in the ‘70s and ‘80s rock scene, as detailed on their fan-run website.

The band’s early days were fueled by Blackmore’s desire to break free from Deep Purple’s constraints and explore a broader musical palette. Dio’s fantastical lyrics about wizards and rainbows gave the band its signature mythic edge, while later vocalists like Turner leaned into more commercial, radio-friendly sounds, as heard in "Street of Dreams." Rainbow’s ability to evolve kept them relevant, though they took a long hiatus after Bent Out of Shape, only reforming briefly in the mid-‘90s and again in 2015. Fans can dive deeper into the band’s history on the Rainbow Fanclan Legacy, a dedicated fan site packed with discographies, photos, and lore.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to connect with Rainbow’s legacy, the band’s official presence is a bit scattered since they’re not actively touring or releasing new music. Ritchie Blackmore’s official website is the best hub for updates on his current projects, including his folk-rock band Blackmore’s Night. Rainbow’s official Facebook page shares throwback content and fan engagement, while their Instagram posts vintage photos and album art. On X, the band’s account keeps the vibe alive with occasional posts about their classic hits. Fans can also join the Rainbow (Official Fan Group) on Facebook to swap stories, share rare bootlegs, and keep the Zoo Crew spirit rocking.