Cat Walk

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning "Cat Walk" by Saga from their 1983 album Heads or Tales, and the Zoo Freaks are loving it. This track, a fan favorite, has a cool backstory. According to a 2013 interview with lead singer Michael Sadler on Rock United, "Cat Walk" was inspired by the idea of someone navigating life with a cautious, almost feline grace, always keeping their distance to avoid emotional entanglement. The song’s pulsing rhythm and Jim Crichton’s keyboard riffs were crafted to mimic that stealthy, deliberate movement, as Sadler explained in a 1984 Kerrang! magazine feature. Fans on the Saga Fan Club Facebook group often share how the song’s lyrics, like “He’s always on the far side of the street,” resonate with their own moments of guarded independence.

Another tidbit comes from a 2018 post on Saga’s official Instagram, where the band revealed that "Cat Walk" was almost left off Heads or Tales because the band worried it was too similar to their earlier hit "On the Loose." But producer Rupert Hine pushed for its inclusion, arguing its infectious energy would stand out, and it became a radio hit in Canada, peaking at #45 on the Canadian Singles Chart, as noted on Wikipedia. Zoo Freaks might also dig this: during a 2001 live performance in Germany, shared on the fan site saga.works, Sadler improvised a longer intro for "Cat Walk," riffing on the “cat” theme with meows, which had the crowd roaring. The official Saga Facebook page later posted a clip of this moment, calling it “a classic Sadler shenanigan.”

Saga got their start in 1977 in Oakville, Ontario, Canada, originally as a progressive rock outfit called Pockets. According to their bio on their official website, the band—Jim Crichton (bass/keyboards), Michael Sadler (vocals), Peter Rochon (keyboards), Steve Negus (drums), and Ian Crichton (guitar)—began jamming in basements, blending influences like Yes and Genesis with a more accessible rock edge. They changed their name to Saga after a sci-fi concept Jim Crichton was noodling with, and their self-titled debut in 1978, featuring tracks like "Humble Stance," caught attention for its intricate yet catchy sound. By the time keyboardist Jim Gilmour joined in 1979, as noted in a Lyrics.com bio, Saga was touring Europe and building a loyal fanbase, especially in Germany, where Heads or Tales later went gold.

You can keep up with Saga through their official website, where they post tour dates and news. They’re active on Facebook, sharing throwback photos and fan interactions, and their Instagram is packed with behind-the-scenes shots from tours. On X, they tweet about new releases and reply to Zoo Freaks and other fans. For deeper dives, check out the fan-run saga.works, a treasure trove of discography and trivia. The Saga Fan Club Facebook group is also buzzing with Zoo Freak-style passion, where fans swap stories, rare vinyl finds, and theories about songs like "Cat Walk." Whether you’re a longtime fan or a new Zoo Freak, Saga’s online spots are the place to vibe with the band’s legacy.