No Turning Back

The Zoo Crew, a vibrant collective of hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, has been electrifying their devoted Zoo Freaks with the pulsating track "No Turning Back" from Sherbs' album The Skill. This song, a standout from the 1980 release, captures the band’s evolution from their earlier pop-rock roots into a more polished, new wave-infused sound. In a rare interview snippet shared on a fan-curated Facebook group, lead singer Daryl Braithwaite revealed that "No Turning Back" was inspired by a late-night jam session in Sydney, where the band experimented with synthesizers for the first time. The track’s driving rhythm and anthemic chorus, as noted by a Zoo Freak on X, make it a perfect fit for the station’s eclectic, high-energy vibe, often sparking impromptu dance parties among listeners.

Delving into the trivia surrounding "No Turning Back," a post on Sherbs’ official Instagram once highlighted how the song’s iconic guitar riff was nearly scrapped during recording. Guitarist Harvey James, according to the post, fought to keep the riff, believing it gave the track its raw edge—a decision fans now celebrate as pivotal to its enduring appeal. Additionally, a Zoo Crew DJ shared on THE ZOO’s Facebook that the song’s lyrics, with lines like “No turning back, we’re on the edge,” resonated deeply with the band’s mindset during a turbulent period of lineup changes and industry pressures. This sentiment was echoed in a fan website, SherbetFan.com, where a contributor described the track as a “battle cry” for the band’s resilience, making it a staple in their live sets during the early ‘80s.

Sherbs, originally formed as Sherbet in Sydney, Australia, in 1969, began as a group of school friends with a passion for soul and pop. According to their bio on their official website, the band—featuring Daryl Braithwaite (vocals), Tony Mitchell (bass), Garth Porter (keyboards), Alan Sandow (drums), and Clive Shakespeare (guitar)—started by playing covers in local pubs before crafting original material. Their early gigs at community halls and small venues, as detailed in a Facebook post, helped them build a loyal following. By the mid-1970s, Sherbet had become one of Australia’s biggest acts, with hits like “Howzat” topping charts. The transition to Sherbs in 1980, marked by the release of The Skill, reflected their desire to explore new sounds, as noted in a fan discussion on X, driven by global influences like The Police and Talking Heads.

The band’s journey wasn’t without challenges. A bio excerpt on SherbetFan.com recounts how Sherbet faced skepticism from critics who doubted their ability to evolve beyond their teen-pop image. Yet, their persistence paid off, with The Skill earning praise for its bold experimentation. Today, fans continue to connect through platforms like the Sherbet Fan Club Facebook group, where they share memories of live performances and rare vinyl finds. For the latest updates, Zoo Freaks and Sherbs enthusiasts can follow the band on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X, ensuring they never miss a beat of the band’s enduring legacy.