Rock ’N Roll (I Just Wanna)

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the high-energy anthem "Rock ’N Roll (I Just Wanna)" by Steelheart from their self-titled debut album, firing up the Zoo Freaks in the audience. This track, released in 1990, captures the rebellious spirit of rock with its raw vocals and driving riffs, perfectly embodying the glam metal vibe of the era. While specific interviews or social media posts about the song are scarce, its lyrics, penned by frontman Miljenko Matijevic and bassist James Ward, channel a universal yearning to break free from societal constraints—school, work, and rules—to live for the thrill of rock 'n' roll. Fans on platforms like Steelheart’s official Facebook often share how this song’s defiant energy still resonates, with some recalling it as a staple of their teenage rebellion. The song’s placement on the album, nestled among power ballads like "I’ll Never Let You Go," shows Steelheart’s versatility, blending hard-hitting anthems with emotional depth.

Trivia about "Rock ’N Roll (I Just Wanna)" highlights its role in Steelheart’s live performances, as evidenced by its inclusion in their 2018 live album Rock’n Milan, recorded in Milan, Italy. Fans on Steelheart’s Instagram have posted clips of Miljenko Matijevic delivering the song’s soaring vocals live, showcasing his multi-octave range that’s been a hallmark of the band since day one. A lesser-known story comes from the band’s early days, shared in a fan group on Facebook (Steelheart Fans), where members recount how the song was a crowd-pleaser during Steelheart’s 1990-1991 tours, often igniting mosh pits and sing-alongs. The song’s unapologetic attitude also reflects the band’s struggle against being pigeonholed as just another glam metal act, a sentiment Miljenko has echoed in interviews about wanting to push musical boundaries.

Steelheart’s journey began with Miljenko Matijevic, born on November 30, 1964, in Zagreb, Croatia. At age six, he moved to the United States with his family, settling in Connecticut. By his early teens, Miljenko knew he wanted to be a rock star, honing his powerful voice and multi-octave range. In the 1980s, he joined a local band called Red Alert, which included James Ward on bass and Chris Risola on guitar. After moving to Los Angeles, securing a record deal, and recruiting rhythm guitarist Frank DiCostanzo and drummer John Fowler, the band rebranded as Steelheart. Their self-titled debut, released on May 10, 1990, hit #40 on the Billboard 200 and went gold, driven by the hit "I’ll Never Let You Go." Despite being labeled a one-hit wonder in the U.S., Steelheart built a global fanbase, particularly in Asia, and continued evolving their sound through albums like Wait and Through Worlds of Stardust.

Today, Steelheart remains active, with Miljenko leading the band alongside current members Mike Humbert (drums), Joe Pessia (guitar), and James Ward (bass). Their official website, steelheart.com, offers tour updates, merchandise, and a glimpse into their ongoing legacy. Fans can connect on Facebook, where the band shares tour photos and interacts with over 85,000 followers, or on Instagram for behind-the-scenes content. On X, Steelheart posts about upcoming shows and music releases. Dedicated fan communities thrive on sites like rocknroll-i-just-wanna.com, a fan-made tribute to the song and band, and the Steelheart Fans Facebook group, where Zoo Freaks and other devotees swap stories, rare photos, and concert memories, keeping the spirit of Steelheart’s rock ‘n’ roll rebellion alive.