I'd Rather Go Insane

The Zoo Crew is cranking up the raw, gritty vibes for the Zoo Freaks with "I'd Rather Go Insane" by Rhino Bucket, a hard-hitting track from their self-titled debut album, released in 1990. This song, with its sleazy, AC/DC-inspired energy, dives into a tale of a tumultuous relationship, packed with vivid lyrics about a "back stabbin', two timing woman" and a protagonist teetering on the edge of madness, as noted on LyricsMode and OldieLyrics. In a 2007 interview with Sleaze Roxx, frontman Georg Dolivo described the song as a fun, tongue-in-cheek nod to the chaos of love and life on the road, capturing the band’s no-frills approach to rock ‘n’ roll. Fans on the band’s Facebook page have echoed this, often citing the song’s infectious chorus and raw guitar riffs as a live show highlight.

Adding to the song’s lore, a fan discussion on MelodicRock forums highlighted its unpolished, barroom swagger, with some calling it a quintessential Rhino Bucket track for its blend of humor and attitude. The lyrics, like “I’d rather go insane, than to lose you lady,” reflect a playful yet desperate tone, which Dolivo, in a Metal-Rules interview, said came from late-night writing sessions fueled by whiskey and stories of romantic misadventures. A rare live performance clip shared on YouTube from a 1990 gig shows the band tearing through the song with high-octane energy, with fans in the comments reminiscing about its ability to get crowds rowdy. The song’s raw production, courtesy of producer Daniel Rey, also ties it closely to the band’s early influences, as noted in a AllMusic review of the debut album.

Rhino Bucket formed in Van Nuys, California, in 1988, driven by a shared love for hard rock and the raw, bluesy edge of bands like AC/DC and early Aerosmith. The band, led by Georg Dolivo (vocals/guitar) and including Greg Fields (guitar), Reeve Downes (bass), and Liam Jason (drums), came together in the late 80s Los Angeles rock scene, a time when glam metal dominated but grittier sounds were carving out a niche. As Dolivo recounted in a Sleaze Roxx interview, the band started jamming in small clubs, building a cult following through relentless gigging and a DIY ethos. Their self-titled debut, released on Reprise Records, caught attention for its unapologetic, stripped-down sound, with "I'd Rather Go Insane" embodying their raw, unfiltered approach.

The band’s early days were marked by playing dive bars and opening for bigger acts, gradually earning a reputation for their high-energy live shows. Despite label challenges and lineup changes, Rhino Bucket’s commitment to straightforward rock kept them going, with later albums like Get Used to It and Pain & Suffering building on their debut’s foundation. Fans can stay updated on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour news, throwback photos, and updates on new music, including their 2025 activities following a string of European shows.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, fan communities keep the Rhino Bucket spirit alive. The MelodicRock website hosts discussions and reviews of the band’s discography, with fans often praising "I'd Rather Go Insane" for its raw edge. The Dokken/Lynch Mob Fans Facebook group occasionally features Rhino Bucket chatter, given their shared 80s rock roots, with fans posting about rare live footage and vinyl finds. These platforms offer a space for enthusiasts to celebrate the band’s enduring, no-nonsense rock ‘n’ roll legacy, perfect for vibing with tracks like "I'd Rather Go Insane."