No Easy Way Out

Zoo Freaks, get ready to crank up the volume as The Zoo Crew spins “No Easy Way Out” by Roxx Gang from their debut album Things You’ve Never Done Before! This sleazy glam metal anthem, released in 1988, is a high-octane ride with gritty riffs and Kevin Steele’s raw vocals. One juicy piece of trivia: the song’s music video, shot against a stark white backdrop with a mysterious woman by the band’s logo, was a staple on MTV’s rotation back in the day. Fans on the Roxx Gang Fanatics Facebook group still rave about catching it late at night, with one user recalling, “It was like a rebellious wake-up call at 2 a.m.!” The track also gained a second life in 2006 when it was featured in the video game Saints Row, alongside another album cut, “Ball ‘N Chain,” introducing Roxx Gang’s swagger to a new generation of headbangers.

Another tidbit comes from a 2009 fan post on the Metal Excess blog, where a Tampa Bay native mentioned spotting Roxx Gang members around town in the ‘80s, hinting that the “No Easy Way Out” video might’ve been filmed locally, capturing the gritty vibe of their Florida roots. The song itself, clocking in at 4:43, is a standout for its catchy chorus and unapologetic attitude, with lyrics that scream late-‘80s excess. Fans on Roxx Gang’s Instagram often share throwback stories, like one who wrote, “This song was my high school rebellion soundtrack—blasting it in my car with the windows down!” The band’s producer, Beau Hill, known for his work with Ratt and Warrant, gave the track a polished yet dirty edge, making it a perfect fit for the glam metal era.

Roxx Gang was born in 1982 in St. Petersburg, Florida, when frontman Kevin Steele teamed up with guitarist Eric Carrell to form a band that would embody the wild, rebellious spirit of glam metal. Their early days were all about grinding it out in local clubs, building a cult following with their raw energy and larger-than-life personas. By 1987, their demo Love ‘Em and Leave ‘Em caught the attention of Virgin Records, leading to the recording of Things You’ve Never Done Before. The lineup for the album—Steele, guitarists Jeff Taylor Blanchard and Wade Hayes, bassist Roby “Strychnine” Strine, and drummer David James Blackshire—delivered a sound that blended Mötley Crüe’s sleaze with a touch of Florida’s southern grit. Despite selling a quarter million copies worldwide, the band faced infighting and label issues, leading to a breakup in 1991. Steele later reformed the group, eventually evolving into the blues-rock outfit The Mojo Gurus, but the legacy of their debut album endures among diehard fans.

For more Roxx Gang goodness, check out their official website for updates and merch, or follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for throwbacks and news. Fans can dive deeper by joining the Roxx Gang Fanatics Facebook group, where Zoo Freaks and other devotees swap stories, rare photos, and vinyl finds. Another great spot is the fan-run Heavy Harmonies site, which catalogs Roxx Gang’s discography and connects collectors. So, keep it loud, keep it sleazy, and let “No Easy Way Out” rock your soul!