Rock Machine

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Rock Machine" by Steve Plunkett from his album Straight Up, and Zoo Freaks, this track is a high-octane blast from a rock legend! Released as the lead single on June 5, 2024, via Cleopatra Records, "Rock Machine" kicks off with a driving guitar riff and a chanted lyric that grabs you instantly. Plunkett himself described the song as a "powerblast of pure, unfiltered rock mania" in a press release, aiming to capture the raw energy of his early days. He told Classic Rock History that the album, including this track, was about plugging in his guitar and doing what feels good, with no deep lyrical complexity—just fast, fun, and loud rock. However, not all feedback was glowing. A review on ROCKPOSER controversially suggested the song’s simplistic lyrics, like those in other tracks, might hint at AI involvement, calling it a "soulless" effort—a claim that sparked debate among fans on Reddit’s r/hairmetal community, where some defended Plunkett’s back-to-basics approach.

In a July 2024 interview with ListenIowa, Plunkett shared that Straight Up came together organically during the COVID downtime, a period when he finally had a moment to focus on his own music after years of writing for others. He emphasized that "Rock Machine" and its parent album were not meant to mimic his old band Autograph but to channel the straightforward, guitar-driven vibe of his youth. Fans on Reddit’s r/ToddintheShadow noted the song’s nostalgic ’80s hair metal vibe, with some calling it a bold comeback attempt, though others felt it leaned too heavily on retro tropes. Plunkett’s own words on Facebook echo his intent: “With ‘Straight Up,’ I wanted to get back to rock basics. No parameters or targets—just the kind of real rock that got me excited back in the day.” The track’s release was celebrated by fan groups like Love 80s Hairbands and Southern Rock Bands !! They Rock!!, where members shared excitement over Plunkett’s return.

Steve Plunkett’s journey to "Rock Machine" began in a small Arizona town, where he was born with music in his blood. As he revealed in the Classic Rock History interview, his father taught him mandolin at age nine, and by ten, he was playing electric guitar in an instrumental band inspired by The Ventures. His teenage years were spent gigging at school dances and rented halls, honing his craft in local bands. By the early ’80s, Plunkett had moved to Los Angeles, where he formed Autograph, the band that skyrocketed with their 1984 hit “Turn Up the Radio” from the album Sign In Please. The song, written in 20 minutes over coffee, became a defining anthem of the ’80s, as Plunkett shared with ListenIowa. Autograph’s success led to tours with Van Halen and gold-record status, but by 1989, shifting musical trends and grunge’s rise prompted the band’s breakup.

Post-Autograph, Plunkett carved out a prolific career as a songwriter and producer, penning over 170 songs for artists like The Go-Go’s, Vixen, and Edgar Winter, and producing for Cyndi Lauper and Graham Nash. His songs appeared in TV shows like Beverly Hills 90210 and The Simpsons, and he wrote the theme for 7th Heaven. His first solo album, My Attitude, dropped in 1991, showcasing his evolving songwriting. Despite a 2013 Autograph reunion offer, Plunkett declined, citing his busy writing schedule and lack of interest in touring, as he told Sleaze Roxx. Today, he connects with fans via his official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where he shares updates on Straight Up and engages with Zoo Freaks and beyond.

For those craving more, check out fan communities like the Love 80s Hairbands and Southern Rock Bands !! They Rock!! Facebook group, where Plunkett’s work is celebrated alongside other ’80s icons. Another fan hub, Autograph Fan Group, keeps the spirit of his Autograph days alive, sharing memories and news. While no dedicated fan websites for Plunkett’s solo career were found, these groups are vibrant spaces for Zoo Freaks to connect over his music, from “Turn Up the Radio” to the roaring “Rock Machine.”