Up All Night

The Zoo Crew is spinning Up All Night by Slaughter, a high-energy anthem from their debut album Stick It to Ya, and the Zoo Freaks are surely loving this glam metal classic. This song, released as Slaughter's first single in 1990, was written by band members Mark Slaughter and Dana Strum. Its music video, directed by a then-emerging Michael Bay, landed on the New York Times' list of the 15 Essential Hair-Metal Videos, showcasing its cultural impact. The video features vibrant scenes of the band performing on a lit-up stage interspersed with clips of women dancing in the rain and other dramatic visuals, capturing the over-the-top aesthetic of the era. According to Last.fm, it’s Slaughter’s second most popular song, with its catchy chorus and fist-pumping rhythm embodying the party-all-night spirit of 80s hard rock.

One fun piece of trivia comes from posts on X, where Mark Slaughter celebrated the song’s 30th anniversary in 2020, noting its release date of April 17, 1990. Fans on platforms like Slaughter Fan Club often share stories of how Up All Night was a staple at late-night parties, with its lyrics about staying awake till dawn resonating with the carefree vibe of the time. The song’s production, handled by Mark Slaughter and Dana Strum, includes a curious cameo of My Country 'Tis of Thee in the guitar solo, a quirky touch that has sparked fan discussions on forums like Hair and Flannel. Some fans speculate it was a playful nod to American rock culture, though the band has never confirmed this.

Slaughter’s journey began in Las Vegas, Nevada, when Mark Slaughter and Dana Strum, both ex-members of the Vinny Vincent Invasion, decided to form their own band in 1988. After the collapse of Vinny Vincent’s group due to internal conflicts and financial issues with their label, Chrysalis, the duo saw an opportunity. Chrysalis transferred the existing contract to their new project, and with the addition of drummer Blas Elias and guitarist Tim Kelly, Slaughter was born. Their debut album Stick It to Ya, released in January 1990, went double platinum, driven by hits like Up All Night and Fly to the Angels. The band’s raw energy and Mark’s powerful vocals helped them stand out in the crowded glam metal scene, even as grunge began to take over in the early 90s.

Despite lineup changes and the tragic loss of Tim Kelly in 1998, Slaughter has remained a steady presence, touring regularly on events like the Rock Never Stops Tour. Their resilience is a testament to their love for music and their fans, as noted in a 2019 Classic Rock History article praising their ability to survive industry shifts. Today, you can keep up with Slaughter on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans also gather on dedicated spaces like the Slaughter Fan Club on Facebook and websites such as Hair and Flannel, where Zoo Freaks and other diehards share memories and celebrate the band’s enduring legacy.