Little Suzi

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Little Suzi" by Tesla from their debut album Mechanical Resonance, a track that’s got the Zoo Freaks vibing with its hard rock energy. This song, released in 1986, is actually a cover of a 1981 new wave tune called "Little Suzi’s on the Up" by the British band Ph.D. The original, driven by keyboards and a quirky vibe, was the fifth music video ever played on MTV when the channel launched on August 1, 1981. Tesla’s version swapped the synths for gritty guitars, giving it a raw, rock edge that resonated with fans, peaking at #91 on the Billboard Hot 100. The Ph.D. track, named after the band members’ initials (Simon Phillips, Tony Hymas, and Jim Diamond), never charted in the U.S., but its early MTV exposure likely caught Tesla’s attention, inspiring their reimagining of the song.

Another cool tidbit about "Little Suzi" comes from fan discussions on platforms like SonicHits, where listeners praise Tesla’s ability to infuse the cover with their signature heart-and-soul rock sound, distinct from the hair metal scene of the ‘80s. Fans on Reddit have called Mechanical Resonance one of the decade’s best albums, with "Little Suzi" often highlighted for its uplifting lyrics about chasing dreams against the odds. Posts on X from accounts like @JustRockContent note that while the song wasn’t a massive chart-topper, it helped cement Tesla’s rep for blending covers and originals seamlessly, a testament to their versatility.

Tesla got their start in Sacramento, California, in 1981, originally under the name Earthshaker. Band members Brian Wheat (bass) and Frank Hannon (guitar) were jamming together before forming City Kidd in 1982. By 1984, with a solid lineup including vocalist Jeff Keith, guitarist Tommy Skeoch, and drummer Troy Luccketta, they were gigging in clubs and honing their songwriting. Their big break came after L.A. showcase performances that landed them a deal with Geffen Records. Their manager suggested renaming the band Tesla, after the inventor Nikola Tesla, to reflect their electrifying sound and nod to the scientist’s overlooked genius. This led to their 1986 debut, Mechanical Resonance, which went platinum and put them on the map with hits like "Modern Day Cowboy" alongside "Little Suzi."

You can keep up with Tesla on their official website, where they share tour dates and merch. They’re active on social media, too, with their Facebook page posting updates and throwback photos, their Instagram showcasing live performance shots, and their X account sharing fan interactions and music news. Fans gather on sites like TeslaFans.net, a dedicated fan website with forums and band history. There’s also a vibrant Tesla Fans Facebook group, where Zoo Freaks and other diehards swap stories, share concert experiences, and celebrate the band’s legacy.