Livin' On Borrowed Love

The Zoo Crew is spinning the infectious track "Livin' On Borrowed Love" by Stage Dolls, from their 1991 album Stripped, and the Zoo Freaks are surely vibing to its raw, melodic energy. This song, with its catchy hooks and heartfelt lyrics, captures the essence of fleeting romance and the rock 'n' roll spirit. In a 2019 interview with RockEyez, lead vocalist Torstein Flakne shared that the song's creation was inspired by the band's love for classic rock storytelling, aiming to blend gritty emotion with an upbeat tempo. He mentioned how the line "pickin' up what I can get" came from late-night jam sessions where the band reflected on the transient nature of life on the road. The song's vivid imagery, like "bedroom eyes in a skintight sweater," paints a picture of a chance encounter, a theme that resonated with fans for its relatable yet rebellious charm.

Despite its popularity, "Livin' On Borrowed Love" has some lesser-known trivia that adds to its allure. According to a post on the Stage Dolls Fans Facebook group, the band initially recorded a slower, acoustic version of the song during the Stripped sessions but opted for the punchier, electric rendition to better suit the album's stripped-down yet vibrant aesthetic. Fans on X have also noted that the song was a staple in the band's early '90s live sets, often extended with improvised guitar solos by Morten Skogstad, which drove audiences wild. A 1992 Norwegian radio interview, archived on a fan site called Stage Dolls Net, revealed that the band drew inspiration for the song's rhythm from American bands like Aerosmith, aiming to capture a similar swagger. This cross-cultural influence helped the track stand out in the European rock scene.

Stage Dolls began their journey in the mid-1980s in Trondheim, Norway, when childhood friends Torstein Flakne (vocals/guitar), Terje Storås (bass), and Morten Skogstad (drums) decided to form a band rooted in their shared passion for rock music. According to their bio on their official website, the trio started playing covers of bands like The Rolling Stones and Van Halen in local pubs, honing their craft before writing original material. Their big break came with their 1985 self-titled debut album, which showcased their knack for melodic hard rock. The band's persistence paid off with their 1988 hit "Wings of Steel," which gained international attention and set the stage for albums like Stripped. Flakne has often credited their small-town roots for keeping them grounded, a sentiment echoed in a 2020 Instagram post where he reminisced about their early days practicing in a garage.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper into the world of Stage Dolls, the band remains active online. Their official website, stagedolls.com, offers updates on tours, music, and merch. You can catch their latest posts on Facebook, where they share throwback photos and engage with fans, or follow their Instagram for behind-the-scenes glimpses of their current projects. On X, the band occasionally interacts with fans and posts about their music. For a more community-driven experience, check out the Stage Dolls Fans Facebook group, where enthusiasts swap stories, rare photos, and concert memories. The fan-run Stage Dolls Net is another great resource, archiving interviews, discographies, and fan-contributed content that keeps the band's legacy alive.