Six String Hero

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Six String Hero" by Steve Plunkett from his 2024 album Straight Up, and the Zoo Freaks are loving the high-energy vibes. This track, one of ten on the album, embodies Plunkett’s return to raw, unfiltered rock with its razor-sharp guitar riffs and straightforward lyrics. In a 2024 interview with ListenIowa, Plunkett shared that the album, including "Six String Hero," was born out of a desire to plug in his guitar and have fun, with no deep lyrical complexity—just pure, nostalgic rock. He described the creative process as a throwback to his early days, focusing on guitars, bass, and drums, which is evident in the song’s driving rhythm and anthemic feel.

However, not all reception has been glowing. A review on Rockposer Dot Com criticized "Six String Hero" for its simplistic lyrics, quoting lines like “I play my solo on my knees. Are you ready to rock with me?” as overly cliché and lacking depth. The reviewer, a longtime fan of Plunkett’s work with Autograph, speculated that the song’s basic structure might hint at AI-generated content, though there’s no evidence to support this claim. Despite the critique, the song’s raw energy aligns with Plunkett’s stated goal for Straight Up, as he told Blabbermouth in 2024: “No parameters or targets—just the kind of real rock that got me excited back in the day. Fast, fun and loud!” This makes "Six String Hero" a perfect fit for the Zoo Crew’s eclectic, high-spirited playlist.

Steve Plunkett’s journey in music began in the early 1980s when he fronted the glam metal band Autograph, best known for their 1984 hit “Turn Up The Radio.” Born in Los Angeles, Plunkett was immersed in the vibrant Sunset Strip music scene, playing in various bands before forming Autograph in 1983. According to his IMDb biography, he studied record production under legendary producers Eddie Kramer (Jimi Hendrix) and Andy Johns (Led Zeppelin), which shaped his technical and creative approach. Autograph’s debut album, Sign In Please, went gold, driven by Plunkett’s fiery vocals and songwriting. After Autograph disbanded in 1989, he pivoted to songwriting and production, crafting songs for artists like The Go-Go’s, Vixen, and Edgar Winter, and producing for Cyndi Lauper and Graham Nash.

Plunkett’s career diversified in the 1990s as he delved into music for film and TV, co-writing and producing for over 40 movies, including Gods and Monsters, and creating themes for shows like 7th Heaven. His work as a staff writer at All Nations Music honed his ability to write across genres, with over 200 of his songs featured in projects like Beverly Hills 90210 and The Simpsons. In 2002, he became General Manager of Fender Records, a label he helped establish, and later took on roles at Meteor 17 and USA-Yahoo! Music. His return to solo work with Straight Up after a 33-year gap since his 1991 debut My Attitude reflects a rediscovery of his rock roots, sparked during the creative freedom of the COVID era.

Fans can connect with Steve Plunkett through his official website, where updates on his music and projects are posted. His social media presence includes Facebook, where he shares news about releases like Straight Up, and Instagram, featuring behind-the-scenes glimpses of his studio work. On X, Plunkett engages with fans and posts about his latest endeavors. For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, the Love 80s Hairbands and Southern Rock Bands !! They Rock!! Facebook group occasionally discusses Plunkett’s work, especially his Autograph days. While dedicated fan sites for Plunkett are scarce, Heavy Harmonies offers a detailed discography and forum for fans of his hard rock catalog.