Rock This Town

Hey there, Zoo Freaks! The Zoo Crew is spinning the rockabilly classic "Rock This Town" by Stray Cats from their album Built for Speed, and we’ve got some cool trivia to share. This track, released as a single in the UK in January 1981 and later in the US in August 1982, hit No. 9 on both the UK Singles Chart and the Billboard Hot 100. It’s no small feat that the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame listed it as one of the "500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll," cementing its place in music history. The song’s infectious energy even found its way into pop culture, featured in video games like Guitar Hero II, Elite Beat Agents, and the Cars video game based on Pixar’s 2006 film. Its raw, live vibe captures the band’s sweaty stage presence, a quality later echoed in their 2020 live album Rocked This Town: From LA to London, which includes a blistering performance of the song from their 40th Anniversary Tour.

Another fun tidbit comes from the song’s creation and impact. "Rock This Town" was born from the band’s love for 1950s rockabilly, blended with a punk edge that made it stand out in the early '80s new wave era. The Washington Post noted in a 2019 article that the Stray Cats became MTV stars with their rockabilly sound, and this song’s music video was a staple on the channel, helping Built for Speed achieve platinum status in the US. Brian Setzer, the band’s frontman, once reflected on the song’s live power, saying it becomes an "epic anthem" with wild guitar and bass solos, as reported by Newsday in 2019. Fans on Reddit have also pointed out how the song’s retro sound confused listeners in 1982, sounding like it was straight out of the 1950s, sparking a rockabilly revival alongside bands like The Cramps and The Meteors.

Now, let’s dive into how Stray Cats got their start. Formed in 1979 in Massapequa, New York, the band came together when guitarist/vocalist Brian Setzer, upright bassist Lee Rocker, and drummer Slim Jim Phantom bonded over their shared passion for rockabilly music. Inspired by 1950s icons like Eddie Cochran, Carl Perkins, and Gene Vincent, they began playing local gigs under names like the Tomcats and Bryan and the Tom Cats. Setzer later explained they switched names to trick club owners into booking them for consecutive nights, always keeping "Cats" in the title so fans knew it was them. By 1980, after cutting their teeth at New York venues like CBGB and Max’s Kansas City, they heard about a rockabilly revival in the UK and took a leap, moving to London. There, they caught the attention of producer Dave Edmunds, who helped them record their self-titled debut album in 1981, which included "Rock This Town."

Their unique blend of retro sound and modern punk attitude, paired with a bold visual style—think pompadours, tattoos, and greaser vibes—set them apart. Their music was, as their official site describes, "elegant yet hard, jazzy yet completely rocking." After their UK success, they signed with EMI America, releasing Built for Speed in 1982, which propelled them to fame in the US with hits like "Rock This Town" and "Stray Cat Strut." Despite a breakup in 1984, when Setzer pursued a solo career, the band reunited multiple times, including a 2018 Las Vegas show announced on Facebook and a 2019 album, 40, to celebrate their 40th anniversary. They’ve stayed true to their rockabilly roots, earning a loyal fanbase that still raves about them on platforms like Amazon, where fans call their music "nostalgic" and "pure rockabilly."

Stay connected with Stray Cats through their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts for the latest tour updates and releases. Fans can also join the conversation at dedicated spaces like the Stray Cats Fans Facebook Group, where Zoo Freaks and rockabilly lovers share their love for the band’s timeless sound. Keep rocking this town, Zoo Crew style!