SexDrugsRockn'Roll

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the wild anthem "SexDrugsRockn'Roll" by Shotgun Messiah from their 1991 album Second Coming, firing up their devoted Zoo Freaks. This track, the opener of the album, is a high-octane glam metal banger that captures the hedonistic spirit of the era with its cheeky lyrics like “I got what you’re lookin’ for, baby / I got what you need.” According to Genius Lyrics, the song’s raw energy and provocative vibe made it a standout, embodying the band’s playful yet rebellious attitude. In a 2021 collaboration, goth metal icon Jyrki 69 of The 69 Eyes teamed up with Shotgun Messiah’s Tim Sköld for a reimagined version of the track, released on Jyrki’s album American Vampire. Bandcamp notes that this version came with a full-scale concept video, amplifying the song’s enduring legacy with a darker, modern twist.

Digging into the song’s trivia, "SexDrugsRockn'Roll" was a perfect reflection of Second Coming’s evolution from Shotgun Messiah’s debut. The album, as reviewed by Metal Temple Magazine, saw the band leaning into a hybrid of metal, rap, pop, and classical influences, with Tim Sköld stepping up as vocalist after Zinny J. Zan’s departure. The track’s production, featuring a mix of programmed and triggered drums alongside live cymbals by drummer Stixx Galore, added a polished yet gritty edge, as detailed on Wikipedia. Fans on Amazon rave about the song’s infectious energy, with one reviewer calling the album “pure hard rock glam” and lamenting that Shotgun Messiah didn’t achieve the fame of bands like Poison. The song’s title alone became a cultural shorthand for the rock lifestyle, echoed in fan discussions across platforms like Metal Kingdom.

Shotgun Messiah’s story began in 1985 in Skövde, Sweden, under the name Kingpin, as chronicled on Wikipedia. Founded by guitarist Harry Cody and bassist Tim Sköld, the band initially included drummer Pekka “Stixx Galore” Ollinen and singer Jukka “J.K. Knox” Kemppainen. They recorded their debut album Welcome to Bop City in 1988, scoring a Swedish chart-topping single, “Shout It Out.” After relocating to Hollywood and signing with Relativity Records, they discovered a naming conflict with a San Francisco band, prompting the switch to Shotgun Messiah. Their remixed debut album, released in 1989, sold nearly 500,000 copies, with AllMusic noting their “cocky, loud and rough” style. The band’s lineup shifted when Zinny J. Zan left in 1990, leading Sköld to take over vocals and Bobby Lycon to join as bassist, setting the stage for Second Coming’s release.

Though Shotgun Messiah disbanded in 1993 after their industrialcluding their official social media accounts and fan communities. Their official website is not active, but fans can connect through their Facebook page, where updates and nostalgia thrive. On Instagram, they share throwbacks and rare photos, while their X account engages with fans and posts about reissues. Fan communities like the Shotgun Messiah Fans Facebook group keep the spirit alive with discussions and memorabilia. For more, check out fan-driven sites like Metal Kingdom, a hub for discography and lyrics.