What You're Doing

The Zoo Crew is spinning "What You're Doing" by Skid Row from their 1992 EP B-Side Ourselves, a track that’s got the Zoo Freaks vibing to its raw, grinding energy. This song, a cover of Rush’s 1974 classic, was chosen by Skid Row to pay homage to their influences, showcasing their love for hard rock’s roots. In a 1992 interview with Metal Hammer, bassist Rachel Bolan said the band picked songs for the EP that “shaped us as kids,” with “What You're Doing” standing out for its driving rhythm and Geddy Lee’s iconic vocals, which frontman Sebastian Bach tackled with his own flair. The track’s inclusion on the EP wasn’t just a nod to Rush but a chance for Skid Row to flex their versatility, blending their gritty Jersey sound with Rush’s prog-rock edge.

One juicy piece of trivia comes from a 2017 GBHBL review, which noted that B-Side Ourselves was a “Sebastian Bach love fest,” especially evident in his passionate delivery on “What You're Doing.” Bach, a huge Rush fan, pushed for the song’s inclusion, and his vocal performance channels Geddy Lee’s high-pitched intensity while adding Skid Row’s signature swagger. On a 2017 X post, Bach shared a throwback photo from the EP’s recording sessions, captioning it, “Rush was my everything back then, still is!” Fans on the Skid Row Fans Facebook group echoed this, with one user recalling how the band played the cover live in ’92, “tearing the roof off” a small club in Phoenix. The song also appeared as a B-side to the “Wasted Time” single, making it a collector’s gem for diehard Zoo Freaks.

Skid Row got their start in 1986 in Toms River, New Jersey, when Rachel Bolan and guitarist Dave “Snake” Sabo decided to form a band that fused punk’s attitude with heavy metal’s power. According to their bio on Skid Row’s official website, the duo honed their sound in local clubs, drawing inspiration from bands like KISS, Judas Priest, and, of course, Rush. Their big break came when Jon Bon Jovi, a friend of Sabo’s, helped them land a deal with Atlantic Records in 1988. The addition of Sebastian Bach, with his larger-than-life voice and stage presence, completed the lineup. Their 1989 self-titled debut, featuring hits like “Youth Gone Wild” and “18 and Life,” skyrocketed them to fame, selling over five million copies worldwide. The band’s raw energy and rebellious spirit made them a staple of the late-’80s glam metal scene, though their punk and classic rock influences set them apart.

You can keep up with Skid Row on their official website, where they post tour dates and merch. They’re active on Facebook, sharing live performance clips and band updates, and on Instagram, where they post behind-the-scenes shots and fan art. Their X account is a mix of tour announcements and Bach’s personal reflections on the band’s legacy. Fans can also join the Skid Row Fans Facebook group, a lively community sharing rare photos, concert stories, and EP trivia. For more fan content, check out Skid Row Fan Club, a fan-run site with discographies and vintage interviews that’ll keep any Zoo Freak glued to the screen.