Real Love

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Real Love" by Slaughter from their 1992 album The Wild Life, and the Zoo Freaks are loving this glam metal anthem. One juicy piece of trivia about the song’s music video is its starring role for Shannen Doherty, known for her part in Beverly Hills, 90210. Rumors swirled that Doherty took the gig to cover some out-of-control expenses, while others speculated that lead singer Mark Slaughter was such a fan of her TV persona that he personally invited her to appear. Either way, the video features Doherty as a model who Mark tries to call, only to be left singing his heart out on stage as cameras roll. Fans on Slaughter’s official Facebook have posted about how Doherty’s presence gave the video a pop culture edge, with some even joking it was the ultimate '90s crossover event. Another tidbit from fan discussions on Songfacts is the debate over the song’s lyrics, with some claiming Mark Slaughter didn’t write them, though they’re officially credited to him and bassist Dana Strum.

The song itself, peaking at #69 on the Billboard Hot 100, captures the longing for genuine connection with lines like “Real love, won’t somebody show me?” Its raw emotion and catchy hooks made it a standout, though it didn’t reach the chart heights of Slaughter’s earlier hits like “Fly to the Angels.” Fans in the Slaughter Fan Club group on Facebook often share stories of blasting “Real Love” during road trips or high school dances, with one user recalling how the song’s guitar riffs got them through a tough breakup. The track’s production, handled by Strum and Slaughter, shines with blazing guitars and a polished sound, as noted in reviews on Amazon, where fans praise its energy as a perfect follow-up to their debut album.

Slaughter’s journey kicked off in Las Vegas, Nevada, in 1988, born from the ashes of the Vinnie Vincent Invasion. Mark Slaughter, the band’s frontman, and bassist Dana Strum had been part of that KISS offshoot, but when it crumbled due to internal conflicts and label issues, they saw a chance to start fresh. Recruiting guitarist Tim Kelly and drummer Blas Elias, they formed Slaughter and quickly caught attention with their high-energy performances and melodic hooks. Their debut album, Stick It to Ya, released in 1990, went double platinum, driven by hits like “Up All Night” and “Fly to the Angels.” Mark’s soaring vocals and the band’s glam metal swagger made them a staple of the late '80s/early '90s rock scene, as detailed in their bio on Wikipedia. Despite the grunge wave that sidelined many hair metal bands, Slaughter kept rocking, touring festivals like Rocklahoma and the Monsters of Rock Cruise, as mentioned in posts on their official X account.

Before Slaughter, Mark Slaughter fronted a Vegas-based metal band called Xcursion from 1981 to 1986, releasing two albums and honing his stage presence. His time with Vinnie Vincent Invasion, though brief, gave him and Strum the industry chops to launch Slaughter with a major label deal from Chrysalis Records. The band’s early days were marked by relentless touring and fan engagement, like playing 20 songs for kids in Chicago to pick the best tracks for their debut, a story Mark shared in a 1992 Chicago Tribune interview. This fan-driven approach helped them carve out a loyal following, still active today on platforms like Slaughter’s Instagram, where they post tour updates and throwback photos.

For more Slaughter goodness, check out their official website for tour dates and merch, or follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest news. Fans can also connect on the Slaughter Fan Club Facebook group or visit Heavy Harmonies for detailed discography info. The Zoo Freaks can keep rocking with Slaughter’s timeless sound, and “Real Love” is just the start!