Need Your Love so Bad

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove to the soulful blues of Rocky Athas’ “Need Your Love So Bad” from his album Shakin’ The Dust, spinning now on THE ZOO! This track, a cover of a classic slow blues number written by Mertis John Jr. and originally recorded by Little Willie John in 1955, showcases Athas’ ability to pour raw emotion into his guitar work. In a 2012 interview with Blues.Gr, Athas emphasized his improvisational approach, noting that he never writes out solos, letting the moment guide his playing. This spontaneity shines through in “Need Your Love So Bad,” where his guitar weaves a heartfelt narrative, a nod to the song’s legacy with versions by legends like Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac and Gary Moore. The song’s intense feeling, as highlighted in a Concert Monkey review, is one of Athas’ strongest points, making it a perfect fit for the Zoo Crew’s vibe.

Another tidbit about “Need Your Love So Bad” comes from its place on Shakin’ The Dust, released in 2017 on Cherryburst Records. The album, produced by Grammy-winning producer Jim Gaines, marked Athas’ return to his solo career after eight years with John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers. A Rock and Blues Muse review praises Athas’ forceful guitar tone, noting how he uses a muscular wah-wah pedal to leave his mark on other covers, but for this track, he keeps the focus on the emotional depth of the slow blues. Fans on Athas’ official Facebook page have shared their love for the album, with one commenting, “Just downloaded it Saturday, absolutely love it!!!!” The song’s universal appeal, as Athas himself might agree, lies in its ability to connect personally with listeners, much like the Zoo Freaks tuning in for that authentic hippie DJ spin.

Rocky Athas, born in 1954 in Oak Cliff, Texas, kicked off his musical journey in a place that was a hotbed for blues talent. Growing up alongside schoolmate Stevie Ray Vaughan, Athas was steeped in the Texas blues scene from his teenage years. By 23, he was named one of the top ten guitarists in Texas by Buddy Magazine, a testament to his early prowess. His first band, Lightning, gained local notoriety, and by the late 1970s, he was working as a session musician for Polygram Records at Memphis’ Ardent Studios. Athas’ career took him through stints with Black Oak Arkansas, Buddy Miles, and Double Trouble, but his solo work, starting with his 1999 debut album, solidified his reputation as a Texas guitar legend. His time with John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers from 2009 to 2016 further honed his craft, leading to the creation of Shakin’ The Dust.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper into Rocky Athas’ world, check out his official website for updates on shows and music. Connect with him on Facebook, where he shares stories and fan videos, or follow his Instagram for behind-the-scenes glimpses of his guitar-driven life. On X, Athas has posted about his music, like the 2018 world premiere video for “Dictator” from Shakin’ The Dust, asking fans to retweet and share their thoughts. For fan communities, the Rocky Athas Fans Facebook group is a vibrant spot where supporters discuss his albums and live performances, perfect for Zoo Freaks looking to join the tribe of blues enthusiasts.