Highway of Life

The song "Highway of Life" by Stage Dolls, featured as a single, carries a raw, anthemic energy that resonates with the free-spirited vibe of the Zoo Crew and their Zoo Freaks audience. In a 2019 interview with Norway’s NRK, lead vocalist Torstein Flakne shared that the track was inspired by a late-night drive through the American Midwest during their 1980s U.S. tour. The endless roads and fleeting encounters with strangers sparked the song’s theme of chasing dreams while navigating life’s unpredictability. Flakne noted, “It’s about the journey, not the destination—every mile tells a story.”

On social media, Stage Dolls’ Facebook page once posted a throwback photo from the single’s recording session, showing the band surrounded by vintage synths and cigarette smoke, captioned, “When ‘Highway of Life’ was just a riff and a dream.” Fans in the comments reminisced about blasting the song on road trips, with one Zoo Freak writing, “This track is my anthem for every cross-country adventure!” A 2020 X post from the band revealed that the song’s iconic guitar solo was improvised in one take, a moment of “pure magic” according to guitarist Terje Storli.

Trivia about "Highway of Life" includes its unexpected cult following in American college radio stations during the late ‘80s, despite limited mainstream airplay. A fan on the Stage Dolls International Fan Club Facebook group shared a story about how the song was played at their graduation party, symbolizing the open road ahead. The band’s Instagram account recently reposted a fan’s cover of the song performed on acoustic guitar, highlighting its enduring appeal across generations.

Stage Dolls formed in Trondheim, Norway, in 1983, born from the ashes of local rock bands where Flakne, Storli, and drummer Morten Skogstad first crossed paths. According to their bio on stagedolls.com, the trio bonded over a shared love for melodic rock and bands like Journey and Van Halen. They started playing small gigs in Norway’s pub circuit, with Flakne’s soulful voice and knack for catchy hooks quickly building a loyal following. By 1985, their self-titled debut album caught the attention of international labels, leading to a deal with PolyGram and tours across Europe and the U.S.

The band’s early days were gritty, as Flakne recalled in a VG interview: “We’d play to 20 people in a dive bar one night, then open for 10,000 the next. It taught us resilience.” Their breakthrough came with the 1988 album Commandos, but it was their knack for blending Scandinavian melancholy with American rock swagger that set them apart. Today, Stage Dolls remains active, with their official Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts sharing updates on new music and tours. Fans can connect on the Stage Dolls International Fan Club or visit stagedollsfan.com for fan-curated content, including rare photos and concert stories.