The Zoo Crew, those free-spirited hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are cranking up the vibes with "Hail! Hail! (Rock And Roll)" by Supagroup from their album Hail! Hail!. This track is a fist-pumping anthem that captures the raw, unfiltered spirit of rock 'n' roll, and it’s no surprise the Zoo Freaks are losing their minds over it. According to a 2011 review on Sleaze Roxx, the song bursts with a "good time feel" that makes you want to crank it up and dance, thanks to the infectious energy of brothers Chris and Benji Lee. The album, produced by Benji and mixed by Kevin Shirley, was described as feeling like a wild party, with this title track setting the tone for a rollercoaster of riffs and attitude. A post on Hard Rock Hideout also highlighted the music video for "Hail! Hail! (Rock And Roll)," featuring Dash Rip Rock’s Bill Davis and Trent Ortega, adding a layer of gritty, Southern rock camaraderie to the song’s larger-than-life persona.
Digging deeper, the song’s raw power is no accident. Eklektik Rock noted in 2011 that Supagroup had been road-tested for over 15 years by the time Hail! Hail! dropped, and this track showcases their ability to blend AC/DC-style hard rock with a more refined songwriting edge. The band’s frontman, Chris Lee, shared in an interview with Nola.com (linked via Hard Rock Hideout) that the album was meant to be a double-LP epic, with the title track kicking off what they called “Side One” in a series of previews they teased on MySpace. They even flipped the script by previewing the album’s end first, proving every song, including "Hail! Hail! (Rock And Roll)," was a banger. The track’s larger-than-life vibe is summed up perfectly on Last.fm, which calls Supagroup “ROCK MACARRA,” a band so over-the-top they’re practically a Tarantino flick come to life.
Supagroup got their start in the late 1990s in New Orleans, a city that’s as much a part of their sound as their Chinese-Alaskan heritage. Brothers Chris Lee (vocals/rhythm guitar) and Benji Lee (lead guitar/vocals) grew up in Alaska before diving into the sweaty, beer-soaked clubs of the Big Easy. According to their bio on Last.fm, they formed the band with a mission to channel the sleazy, high-octane spirit of classic rock, drawing heavily from bands like AC/DC and Danko Jones. Their early days were spent grinding it out in dive bars, building a cult following with their relentless energy and comic-book-level swagger. By the time they released their self-titled debut in 1996, they were already known for wild live shows that felt like a cross between a revival meeting and a bar fight. Over the years, they’ve stayed true to their roots, with Hail! Hail! marking their sixth studio album and a testament to their refusal to slow down.
You can keep up with Supagroup on their official website, where you’ll find updates on their music and merch. They’re also active on Facebook, sharing posts about gigs and their web series Amped!, a mockumentary that shows off their comedic chops. Their Instagram is a treasure trove of behind-the-scenes shots and throwbacks, while their X account keeps the conversation rolling with fans. For the die-hard Zoo Freaks, there’s a Supagroup Fans Facebook group where folks share stories, rare photos, and love for the band’s larger-than-life vibe. No official fan websites popped up, but the band’s socials and that fan group are where the community thrives.
Our passionate volunteer Zoo Crew, veteran rock jocks and music die-hards, is dedicated to restoring radio's greatness. We will make it great again with your help. Join the radio revolution.