Young Turks

Zoo Freaks, get ready for some righteous vibes as The Zoo Crew spins "Young Turks" by Rod Stewart from his 1981 album Tonight I’m Yours. This track, a synth-pop anthem with a new wave edge, tells the tale of Billy and Patti, two young lovers breaking free from their small-town constraints with dreams bigger than their wallets. Fun fact: the song’s title never appears in the lyrics, which instead groove on the chorus “Young hearts, be free tonight.” According to a fan on Songfacts, Rod got the phrase “Young Turks” from an article about rebellious youth, sparking the song’s theme of defying societal norms. The term itself hails from the early 20th-century Ottoman reform party, symbolizing bold rebellion, a vibe that resonates with our free-spirited Zoo Crew ethos.

The music video for “Young Turks” was a trailblazer, being the first on MTV to feature breakdancing, as noted by drummer Carmine Appice in a Songfacts interview. Shot in downtown Los Angeles, it stars Elizabeth Daily as Patti—yep, the voice of Tommy from Rugrats! The video captures the couple’s runaway adventure, from a gritty Santa Fe Grill to a railway yard, blending raw energy with the song’s pulsing drum machine and synth beats. Appice also shared that the track’s innovative sound came from keyboardist Duane Hitchings’ new sequencer, inspired by Devo’s quirky style, making it a fresh pivot for Rod’s sound in the early ’80s.

Rod Stewart, born Roderick David Stewart on January 10, 1945, in London, kicked off his career with a raspy voice that’s now legendary. Growing up with Scottish and English roots, Rod initially chased a football career, even trying out for Brentford F.C., but music stole his heart. In the early ’60s, he busked around Europe, playing harmonica and singing folk tunes, before joining the Jeff Beck Group in 1967, where his gritty vocals shone on albums like Truth. By 1969, he was a dual force, fronting the Faces and launching a solo career with An Old Raincoat Won’t Ever Let You Down. His blend of rock, folk, and soul, plus hits like “Maggie May,” skyrocketed him to fame, cementing his status as a versatile showman.

Stewart’s knack for adapting to trends—disco with “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?” and new wave with “Young Turks”—kept him relevant across decades. His storytelling, as he noted in the Storyteller album liner notes, thrives in songs like “Young Turks,” where he crafts vivid narratives within rock’s tight confines. With over 250 million records sold, he’s earned a Grammy, a Brit Award, and two Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions (solo in 1994, with Faces in 2012). Catch up with Rod on his official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans can join the love fest at Rod Stewart Fan Club on Facebook or dive into tributes at Rod Stewart Fan Club, where Zoo Freaks can connect with fellow devotees.