Hard Lovin’ Man

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Hard Lovin' Man" by Riot, a high-octane track from their 1982 album Restless Breed, and the Zoo Freaks are surely feeling the raw energy. This song kicks off the album with a gut-punch of gritty rock, showcasing the powerful vocals of Rhett Forrester, who replaced Guy Speranza just as Riot was on the cusp of breaking big. According to a review on deKe's Vinyl Reviews, Rhett sings it like he lived it, backed by the searing guitar work of Mark Reale and Rick Ventura, who trade off solos in a relentless barrage. The track's intensity is amplified in a rare live EP from July 1982, included in a deluxe edition of Restless Breed, which captures Riot's unbridled stage presence. Fans on the Riot (Mark Reale) Fan Group often share stories of how this song's raw power hooked them, with one member recalling scoring the deluxe CD for just $9.98 on Amazon before the price jumped to $19.98 days later.

Another tidbit from the Restless Breed era comes from drummer Sandy Slavin's social media, where he frequently posts anecdotes about his time with Riot. On his Facebook page, Slavin has shared memories of the chaotic energy during the recording sessions, describing how Rhett's larger-than-life personality drove the band to push harder on tracks like "Hard Lovin' Man." The song's streetwise swagger and no-nonsense riffs reflect Riot's New York City roots, a vibe that resonated with fans who discovered the album through ads in magazines like Circus or Hit Parader. The live version of "Hard Lovin' Man" from the 1982 EP, as noted in a blog post on deKe's Vinyl Reviews, is particularly revered for its raw, unpolished edge, making it a fan favorite among Zoo Freaks who crave authentic hard rock.

Riot's journey began in the basement of guitarist Mark Reale's Brooklyn home in the summer of 1976. The band, fueled by a love for hard rock and heavy metal, quickly built a local following before recording their debut album, Rock City, in 1977 for New York's Firesign Records. The album's success led to licensing deals worldwide, catching the attention of Capitol Records, who signed Riot for their sophomore effort, Narita, released in 1979. By 1981, with the release of Fire Down Under, Riot was poised for stardom, but internal changes, including the departure of original vocalist Guy Speranza, brought Rhett Forrester into the fold for Restless Breed. Despite challenges with record labels and management, as detailed in interviews compiled in Martin Popoff's book on Riot, the band’s resilience and Reale’s vision kept them forging ahead, cementing their cult status in the hard rock scene.

Fans can stay connected with Riot through their official website and social media presence on Facebook, Instagram, and X. The Riot (Mark Reale) Fan Group on Facebook is a vibrant community where Zoo Freaks and other devotees share memorabilia, discuss albums like Restless Breed, and celebrate the band’s legacy. Another fan hub, the Encyclopaedia Metallum page, offers detailed discographies and band history, making it a go-to for diehards. Riot’s enduring appeal lies in their ability to deliver unapologetic rock, and "Hard Lovin' Man" remains a testament to their gritty, street-level ethos.