Superstition (Live 1985)

The Zoo Crew is spinning the funky, electrified "Superstition (Live 1985)" by Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble, a track that gets all the Zoo Freaks grooving. This live rendition, captured during a blazing performance, is a cover of Stevie Wonder’s 1972 classic. One juicy piece of trivia comes from the song’s music video, shot at the Variety Arts Center in Los Angeles. In the video, Vaughan and his band play up the song’s theme by engaging in “bad luck” acts like walking under ladders. A black cat weaves through the scenes, crossing their paths, and hilariously gets revenge on everyone except Vaughan. The video ends with a cameo from Stevie Wonder himself, calling the cat back to his side, a nod to his original creation.

Another tidbit from the Genius page for the song highlights its playful yet gritty delivery. Vaughan’s version, released in 1986, amps up the blues-rock energy, clocking in at about 100 BPM, slower than Wonder’s funk-driven original but packed with searing guitar riffs. Fans on X have shared their love for this live cut, with posts like one from @JustRockContent in 2025 praising Vaughan’s peak performance energy during this era, backed by the tight rhythm section of Tommy Shannon on bass and Chris Layton on drums. The live 1985 version, often tied to performances like those at the Capitol Theatre, showcases Vaughan’s ability to take a familiar song and make it his own with raw, soulful intensity.

Stevie Ray Vaughan, born October 3, 1954, in Dallas, Texas, was a guitar prodigy who started playing at age seven, inspired by his older brother, Jimmie Vaughan. According to his bio on Wikipedia, young Stevie was drawn to the blues, soaking up influences from legends like Albert King, Buddy Guy, and Jimi Hendrix. By his teens, he was already a local standout, dropping out of high school in 1972 to chase music full-time in Austin’s vibrant club scene. His big break came in 1978 when he formed Double Trouble with drummer Chris Layton and bassist Jackie Newhouse (later replaced by Tommy Shannon). The band’s relentless gigging honed their sound, blending blues with rock’s raw edge. Their 1983 debut album, Texas Flood, catapulted them to fame, cementing Vaughan as a guitar hero. His career, though tragically cut short in a 1990 helicopter crash, left a lasting mark on blues-rock.

Vaughan’s legacy lives on through his official website, where fans can dive into his discography and story. His Facebook page keeps the community active with photos and updates, while the Instagram account shares iconic performance shots and fan art. On X, the official handle posts tributes and rare clips, engaging with fans who still rave about his soulful solos. For Zoo Freaks wanting more, fan-driven spaces like the Stevie Ray Vaughan Fans Facebook group offer a place to swap stories and memorabilia. The SRV Fan Club website is another hub for devotees, packed with rare photos and tour history, keeping Vaughan’s spirit alive for every listener tuning into THE ZOO.