Superstition (Live 1985)

The Zoo Crew is spinning the funky, electrified riffs of "Superstition (Live 1985)" by Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble from their iconic album Live Alive, and the Zoo Freaks are surely grooving to this blues-rock masterpiece. This live rendition, recorded during the Live Alive Tour, captures the raw energy of Vaughan's performance, with his searing guitar work and soulful vocals breathing new life into Stevie Wonder’s classic. One juicy piece of trivia comes from the song’s music video, where Vaughan and his band playfully engage in “bad luck” antics like walking under ladders, only to be outwitted by a black cat that gets revenge on everyone except Vaughan. The cat then returns to its owner—none other than Stevie Wonder himself, who makes a cheeky cameo, tying the two artists together in a nod to the song’s origins. Another tidbit: the Live Alive album, which includes this track, was recorded at venues like the Montreux Jazz Festival and the Austin Opera House, with some studio overdubs to polish the live magic. Fans on Reddit have raved about a 1988 performance where Vaughan and Wonder jammed "Superstition" together, joined by Prince’s band, calling it one of the funkiest versions ever, showcasing Vaughan’s ability to hold his own with musical giants.

The Live Alive version of "Superstition" also reflects a pivotal moment in Vaughan’s life. As noted in tour details, Vaughan and bassist Tommy Shannon had achieved sobriety by the start of the 1986 tour, having completed rehab just before. This newfound clarity fueled Vaughan’s performances, and he often used his platform to warn audiences about substance abuse, sometimes weaving these messages into his sets. Lighting technician Hensley, quoted in Guitar World, described Vaughan’s relentless energy: unlike other artists who paused for applause, Vaughan dove straight into the next song, packing as many tracks as possible into his 90-minute sets, often kicking off with instrumentals like “Scuttle Buttin’” before tearing into crowd-pleasers like "Superstition." Fans on Facebook groups still share stories of his electrifying live shows, with one recalling a 1987 concert where Vaughan’s guitar work left them “mesmerized,” converting them from metalheads to blues devotees on the spot.

Stevie Ray Vaughan’s journey to becoming a blues legend began in Dallas, Texas, where he was born on October 3, 1954. Inspired by his older brother Jimmie, a guitarist, Vaughan picked up the instrument at age seven, soaking up the sounds of blues giants like B.B. King, Albert King, and Freddie King, alongside rock innovators like Jimi Hendrix and jazz players like Wes Montgomery. By 1969, he was gigging with local bands, and at 17, he dropped out of high school to move to Austin, Texas, chasing his musical dreams. There, he played with bands like the Cobras before forming the Triple Threat Revue in 1977 with vocalist Lou Ann Barton. After Barton’s departure, the band became Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble in 1978, named after an Otis Rush song, with Vaughan stepping up as lead vocalist. The power trio—Vaughan, drummer Chris Layton, and bassist Tommy Shannon (joined later by keyboardist Reese Wynans)—honed their sound in Austin’s clubs, eventually catching the eye of producer Jerry Wexler, who booked them at the 1982 Montreux Jazz Festival. This led to a deal with Epic Records and their debut album, Texas Flood, in 1983, cementing Vaughan’s place as a blues-revival powerhouse.

Zoo Freaks can dive deeper into Vaughan’s legacy through his official website, which offers discography, photos, and more. While Vaughan’s official Facebook and Instagram accounts share tributes and rare footage, his estate’s X account keeps the conversation alive with fans. For community vibes, check out the Stevie Ray Vaughan Fan Club on Facebook, where devotees swap stories and memorabilia, or visit fan sites like SRV Fan Club for detailed histories and concert archives. These platforms keep the spirit of Vaughan’s music burning bright, perfect for any Zoo Freak looking to ride the blues wave.