Still Alive and Well

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin "Still Alive and Well" by Rick Derringer from the album Hoochie Koo Once More. This track, a high-energy anthem, showcases Derringer’s raw guitar prowess and gritty vocals. One juicy piece of trivia comes from its live performance on the 1977 album Derringer Live, which many fans, including the folks at ClassicRockHistory.com, consider the definitive version. Recorded across multiple cities, the live cut features a stellar lineup with Kenny Aaronson on bass, Danny Johnson on guitar, and Vinny Appice on drums, delivering what’s often called the “sound of classic rock.” The song’s infectious energy made it a staple for bar bands in the ‘70s, and its title echoes the Johnny Winter album of the same name, which Derringer produced and played on in 1973.

Another cool tidbit about "Still Alive and Well" is its cultural reach. Fans on Reddit have shared how the song’s driving rhythm and bold lyrics, like “Did you ever take a look to see who’s left around?”, hit hard for those reflecting on resilience. Derringer himself has hinted in interviews, like one with Rock’s Backpages, that the song’s vibe was about surviving the wild rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle. It’s also been noted on Songfacts that Derringer’s live performances of this track sometimes carried a spiritual twist, with lines like “He’s still alive and well” interpreted as a nod to Jesus in later shows. The song’s legacy lives on, with fans on Facebook fan groups swapping stories about hearing it blast at ‘70s keg parties.

Rick Derringer kicked off his musical journey as Richard Zehringer, born August 5, 1947, in Celina, Ohio. At just 17, he fronted The McCoys, a garage rock band that shot to fame in 1965 with their No. 1 hit “Hang On Sloopy,” knocking The Beatles’ “Yesterday” off the charts. According to his bio on his official website, this early success led to years of touring before Derringer joined forces with Johnny Winter in 1969, forming Johnny Winter And. He didn’t just play guitar—he produced all of Winter’s gold and platinum records, including hits like “Frankenstein” and “Free Ride.” By 1973, Derringer went solo with his debut album All American Boy, featuring the iconic “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo,” cementing his status as a rock legend.

Derringer’s career exploded from there, collaborating with heavyweights like Steely Dan, Cyndi Lauper, and “Weird Al” Yankovic, producing Grammy-winning tracks like “Eat It.” His work with the World Wrestling Federation, producing albums like Piledriver: The Wrestling Album II, gave us Hulk Hogan’s entrance theme “Real American.” Fans can dig deeper into his story on his official website, follow him on Facebook, check his Instagram, or catch updates on X. For community vibes, join the Rick Derringer Fans Facebook group or browse fan sites like ClassicRockHistory.com for more on his epic career.