Downtown Train

Zoo Freaks, get ready to hop aboard the Downtown Train with Rod Stewart’s soulful cover that’s got us all vibin’ at THE ZOO! This track, originally penned by Tom Waits for his 1985 album Rain Dogs, was transformed by Rod into a chart-topping hit in 1989, reaching number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and snagging a Grammy nomination for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance. Fun fact: the song’s journey to Rod’s mic was sparked by Rob Dickins, his label exec, who played it for him on a cassette in 1989, insisting Rod make it his own. Rod told The Guardian he heard a melody in the chorus that Waits didn’t fully explore, so he cranked it up to eleven, giving us that iconic, heart-tugging sound we love. But here’s some juicy trivia—Bob Seger recorded a version of Downtown Train first and shared it with Rod during a London meet-up. A month later, Rod’s version hit the airwaves before Seger’s, sparking a feud that reportedly strained their friendship, with Seger’s manager fuming to the Boston Globe in 1990. Seger held off releasing his take until 2011, letting Rod’s shine. Oh, and Tom Waits? He jokingly called his house “The House That Rod Built” thanks to the royalties, according to a friend from Amoeba Records on Reddit. The music video, directed by Amy Goldstein, features Rod in a slick black trench coat strolling through a train station, adding that romantic, urban edge to the tune.

Rod Stewart, born Roderick David Stewart on January 10, 1945, in London, kicked off his musical odyssey in the early 1960s with a harmonica and a dream. Growing up in a working-class family, Rod initially had his sights set on football, even trialing for Brentford FC as a teenager, but music called louder. By 1962, he was busking with a harmonica, soaking up folk and R&B influences from artists like Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan. His first gig was with The Dimensions in 1963 as a harmonica player and vocalist, followed by stints with Long John Baldry and the All Stars and the Jeff Beck Group in 1967. It was in 1969 that Rod’s career exploded when he joined The Faces and dropped his debut solo album, An Old Raincoat Won’t Ever Let You Down. His 1971 album Every Picture Tells a Story, with the smash hit “Maggie May,” catapulted him to global stardom, topping charts in the UK, US, Canada, and Australia. That raspy, soulful voice and knack for blending rock, folk, and soul made him a legend, selling over 120 million records worldwide.

Zoo Freaks, you can keep up with Rod’s latest grooves and throwback vibes on his official website at rodstewart.com, where he’s got a virtual museum of his career, from vintage photos to tour updates. Connect with him on Facebook, where he shares tour snaps and fan love, or check out his Instagram for behind-the-scenes glimpses of his spiky-haired swagger. On X, Rod drops quick updates and cheeky banter with fans. For those craving more, dive into fan communities like the Rod Stewart Fan Club on Facebook, where diehards swap stories and rare vinyl finds. Another gem is rodstewartfanclub.com, packed with discographies, concert reviews, and fan meet-up deets. So, crank up Downtown Train, Zoo Crew, and let’s ride this soulful wave together!