Under My Thumb

The Zoo Crew is spinning a classic today with Under My Thumb by Streetheart, a standout track from their 1979 album Under Heaven Over Hell. This Canadian rock band’s cover of the Rolling Stones’ 1966 original brought a fresh, disco-infused energy that resonated with fans, peaking at number 20 on the RPM singles chart in 1980. One intriguing piece of trivia is the controversy surrounding the album’s tracklist. Some versions of Under Heaven Over Hell replaced the original song Storyteller—from which the album’s title was derived—with Under My Thumb to capitalize on the cover’s popularity. Fans on platforms like Discogs have noted that this swap weakened the album’s narrative flow, though the cover’s commercial success was undeniable. The song’s production, handled by Manny Charlton of Nazareth, gave it a polished, late-’70s rock sheen, with clear vocals and sharp guitar riffs that made it a radio favorite.

Another layer of trivia comes from the song’s cultural context. The Rolling Stones’ original Under My Thumb sparked debate for its lyrics, which some interpreted as misogynistic, depicting a man asserting control over a woman. Streetheart’s version, while faithful to the original, leaned into a more upbeat, danceable vibe, softening the edge of the lyrics with their signature AOR (Album-Oriented Rock) style. In a 1979 interview snippet shared on CitizenFreak, lead singer Kenny Shields described the cover as a “fun challenge” to reinterpret a Stones classic for a Canadian audience. The band’s performance of the song also showcased their ability to blend hard rock with pop sensibilities, a hallmark of their sound that helped them stand out in the competitive late-’70s rock scene.

Streetheart’s journey began in the mid-1970s in Regina, Saskatchewan, where keyboard player Daryl Gutheil and bassist Ken “Spider” Sinnaeve formed a band called Witness Inc. After relocating to Winnipeg, Manitoba, they were joined by vocalist Kenny Shields, whose distinctive voice became the band’s centerpiece. The group, initially named Wascana, transformed into Streetheart in 1977 when guitarist Paul Dean and drummer Matt Frenette came on board. Their debut album, Meanwhile Back in Paris..., dropped in 1978, establishing their melodic hard rock sound. By the time Under Heaven Over Hell was released in 1979, Streetheart had honed their craft, though Dean and Frenette soon left to form Loverboy. Guitarist John Hannah stepped in, contributing to the album’s tight sound. The band’s early years were marked by relentless touring and a knack for covers, like Under My Thumb and Them’s Here Comes the Night, which helped them build a loyal fanbase across Canada.

Streetheart’s success in the late ’70s and early ’80s earned them six gold and four platinum albums in Canada, along with a Juno Award and other accolades. Their official website, streetheart.ca, offers a glimpse into their legacy, including tour history and merchandise. Fans can connect with the band’s community on social media via their Facebook page, though their Instagram and X accounts are less active, primarily sharing nostalgic posts and updates about re-releases. For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, fan-driven spaces like the Streetheart Facebook group provide a hub for sharing memories, rare photos, and discussions about the band’s discography. While no dedicated fan websites are currently prominent, platforms like Rate Your Music host detailed fan reviews and ratings, keeping the band’s legacy alive for new and longtime listeners alike.