Everyone Loves Eileen

The Zoo Crew is spinning the classic track "Everybody Loves Eileen" by Steelheart from their debut album Steelheart, and the Zoo Freaks are loving every second of this glam metal anthem. This song, released in 1990, is a high-energy ode to a captivating woman, with lyrics like "She's got a fire burnin' in her eyes" and a infectious chorus that screams rock 'n' roll. One juicy piece of trivia comes from a 2017 interview with frontman Miljenko "Mili" Matijevic on The Rockpit, where he shared that the song was inspired by a real-life muse who embodied the wild, untamed spirit of the era. The music video, which you can catch on YouTube, captures the band performing to a hyped-up concert crowd, complete with big hair and leather, perfectly encapsulating the MTV hair metal vibe. Fans on Reddit’s hairmetal community often rave about how the song’s guitar riffs and Matijevic’s soaring vocals still get their blood pumping, with one user calling it "the ultimate party starter."

Another cool tidbit comes from Steelheart’s 30th-anniversary album release in 2023, detailed on their official merch store. The band re-recorded "Everybody Loves Eileen" with a 40-piece orchestra from Skopje, Macedonia, giving it a fresh, epic twist while keeping its raw energy. Matijevic mentioned in a Rockpit article that they wanted to honor the song’s legacy while showing its timeless appeal. On Steelheart’s Facebook, fans frequently post throwback photos from the band’s early tours, with some sharing stories of hearing "Eileen" live in the '90s, describing it as a moment that "blew the roof off." The song’s enduring popularity is evident in its inclusion in setlists as recent as their 2018 live album Rock’n Milan, proving it’s still a fan favorite among Zoo Freaks and beyond.

Steelheart got their start in Norwalk, Connecticut, in 1989, originally under the name Red Alert. According to their bio on Last.fm, the band was founded by vocalist Miljenko Matijevic, whose four-octave vocal range became their signature. Matijevic, a Croatian-American, was joined by bassist James Ward, lead guitarist Chris Risola, rhythm guitarist Frank DiCostanzo, and drummer John Fowler. After moving to Los Angeles, they landed a deal with MCA Records, changed their name to Steelheart, and released their self-titled debut in 1990, which hit #40 on the Billboard 200. The album’s success, driven by singles like "I’ll Never Let You Go" and "Everybody Loves Eileen," was boosted by producer Mark Opitz, known for working with AC/DC. Matijevic’s vocal prowess and the band’s larger-than-life stage presence quickly made them a staple of the glam metal scene, though they faced challenges with the rise of grunge in the early '90s.

For more on Steelheart, check out their official website at steelheart.com, where you can find tour dates and merch. Follow them on Facebook for fan interactions and throwback content, or hit up their Instagram for behind-the-scenes shots and tour updates. Their X account is another spot for news and fan chatter. Zoo Freaks can also connect with other fans on the Steelheart Fans Facebook group, a lively community sharing concert memories and rare band photos. For deeper dives, fan-run sites like Metal Archives offer detailed discographies and band history, perfect for any die-hard listener tuning in to THE ZOO.