Long Way To Go

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning "Long Way To Go" by Talisman from their 1993 album Genesis, firing up the Zoo Freaks in the audience. This track, a standout from the Swedish hard rock band's second studio album, carries the band’s signature blend of metal, funk, and pop influences. In a 2012 interview with MelodicRock.com, frontman Jeff Scott Soto shared that "Long Way To Go" was one of the songs written in a whirlwind three-week recording session at Stocksund Recording Studios in December 1992. Soto recalled the energy in the studio, saying, “We were just vibing off each other, and Marcel [Jacob] had this killer riff that became the backbone of the song.” The track’s infectious groove and Soto’s soulful vocals helped it resonate with fans, especially in Sweden, where the album sold over 15,000 copies shortly after release.

Another tidbit about "Long Way To Go" comes from a 2019 Facebook post by the band, reflecting on the Genesis album’s legacy. They noted that the song was a fan favorite during their 1993 Swedish club tour, with its driving rhythm and uplifting lyrics making it a staple in their live sets. The post also mentioned a special moment when Julie Greaux, Soto’s then-girlfriend and a guest pianist on the album, joined them on stage for a performance of the song, adding a grand piano flourish that “brought the house down.” Fans on the Talisman Fan Group echoed this sentiment, with one member sharing a memory of the band playing the song at a 1993 Stockholm gig, describing the crowd’s energy as “electric.”

Talisman was founded in 1989 by bassist and songwriter Marcel Jacob, a Swedish musician with a knack for crafting hook-heavy hard rock. Jacob, who had previously played with bands like Yngwie Malmsteen’s Rising Force, teamed up with American vocalist Jeff Scott Soto, whose powerful voice and soulful delivery shaped the band’s sound. According to a bio on their official website, the duo met through a mutual connection in the European music scene and quickly bonded over their shared love of rhythm and blues, soul, and classic rock. Their debut album, Talisman, released in 1990, laid the groundwork, but it was Genesis in 1993 that put them on the map, especially in Sweden and Japan. Jacob’s songwriting, paired with Soto’s dynamic vocals and contributions from guitarist Fredrik Åkesson and guest musicians like Greaux, gave the band a distinctive edge.

The band’s early days were marked by relentless hustle. In a 2005 interview with RockEyez, Soto recounted how Talisman juggled intense studio sessions with club tours across Sweden, often playing to packed venues despite limited resources. “We were a small operation, but Marcel’s vision kept us pushing forward,” he said. After Jacob’s tragic passing in 2009, the band reunited for one-off shows in 2014, 2016, and 2017, with Johan Niemann on bass, and released commemorative songs like “Never Die” in 2019 and “Save Our Love” in 2024 to honor Jacob’s legacy. These efforts were celebrated on their Instagram, where they shared behind-the-scenes photos and fan tributes.

Fans can connect with Talisman through their official website, which offers discography details and updates on their music. Their Facebook page is active with posts about re-releases and reunion performances, while their Instagram showcases vintage photos and fan art. On X, they occasionally share news about reissues and tributes to Jacob. For deeper fan engagement, the Talisman Fan Group on Facebook is a lively community where Zoo Freaks and other diehards swap stories, rare live videos, and memories of the band’s glory days. While no official fan websites are prominent, the fan group serves as a hub for Talisman’s enduring cult following.