Hang Tough

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Hang Tough" by Tesla, a gritty anthem from their 1989 album The Great Radio Controversy, and the Zoo Freaks are surely feeling the vibe. This track, the second single from the album, hit #34 on the Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and became a staple of Tesla’s raw, no-frills sound. One cool tidbit comes from a post on X by guitarist Frank Hannon, who shared that the solo in "Hang Tough" was played on his favorite Gibson Les Paul, a used gem he picked up in 2000 at Skip’s Music. He used it heavily on tours and recordings, giving the song’s searing guitar work a special edge. The music video, directed by Nigel Dick, kicks off with a nod to the album’s theme—a kid messing with an old telegraph, tying into the Nikola Tesla vs. Guglielmo Marconi radio inventor debate that inspired the album’s title. Fans on X, like user @Akki_Sixx8429, have raved about how the song’s opening riffs hooked them instantly, with its emotional vocals from Jeff Keith sealing the deal as a standout track.

Another piece of trivia ties to the song’s impact. Released on February 1, 1989, The Great Radio Controversy marked Tesla’s rise to fame, and "Hang Tough" was a key driver. Posts on X from accounts like @RockTheseTweets highlight how the album, including this track, helped Tesla stand out in the late ’80s hair-metal scene. Unlike flashy bands like Poison, Tesla rocked a jeans-and-tees look, and "Hang Tough" embodied their blue-collar ethos with lyrics about resilience: “You gotta give it your best shot, give it everything you got.” The song’s tempo, clocking in at 91 BPM, makes it a perfect fist-pumping anthem for Zoo Freaks tuning in. The album went double platinum by 1998, and "Hang Tough" remains a fan favorite, often cited for its raw energy and relatable message of perseverance through tough times, whether in love or life.

Tesla’s story began in Sacramento, California, in 1984, when the band, originally called City Kidd, came together. Vocalist Jeff Keith, guitarists Frank Hannon and Tommy Skeoch, bassist Brian Wheat, and drummer Troy Luccketta had been grinding it out for years under their old name. Their manager suggested the switch to Tesla, inspired by the eccentric inventor Nikola Tesla, whose overlooked contributions to radio sparked the band’s imagination. This nod to the “mad scientist” vibe even influenced some of their songwriting. They signed with Geffen Records and dropped their debut album, Mechanical Resonance, in 1986, which scored a minor hit with “Modern Day Cowboy.” But it was The Great Radio Controversy that launched them into the big leagues, with "Hang Tough" and hits like “Love Song” and “Heaven’s Trail (No Way Out)” dominating MTV’s Headbangers Ball. Tesla’s blend of bluesy hard rock and sharp songwriting set them apart from the glam-metal crowd, earning them a loyal fanbase.

Despite the grunge wave of the early ’90s hitting many ’80s bands hard, Tesla kept their core fans through their workmanlike approach. Their 1990 acoustic album, Five Man Acoustical Jam, even inspired MTV’s Unplugged series, proving their songs held up stripped down. Over the years, they’ve released albums like Forever More (2008) and Shock (2019), staying true to their roots. Tesla has sold over 14 million albums in the U.S. alone, a testament to their enduring appeal. After a hiatus in the late ’90s, they reunited in the 2000s and have kept rocking ever since, with their down-to-earth style resonating with fans old and new.

You can keep up with Tesla on their official website, where they post tour dates and news. They’re active on social media too—check out their Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates, throwback posts, and fan interactions. For Zoo Freaks wanting to connect with other fans, there are dedicated spaces online. The Tesla Fans Facebook Group is a lively spot where fans share memories, discuss songs like "Hang Tough," and post about shows. Another fan hub is the Tesla Fans website, which offers news, forums, and band history. These communities keep the Tesla spirit alive, perfect for any Zoo Freak looking to dive deeper into the band’s legacy.