Modern Day Cowboy

The Zoo Crew is spinning Tesla's "Modern Day Cowboy" from their debut album Mechanical Resonance, a track that’s a favorite among Zoo Freaks for its gritty riffs and rebellious vibe. One fascinating piece of trivia about the song comes from its music video, which features a unique narrative. Directed by Gregg Masuak, the video shows an older, inebriated man stumbling into a theater where a projectionist—implied to be Nikola Tesla himself—plays clips of the band performing alongside scenes from classic影片 like High Noon, Scarface, and Dr. Strangelove. The theater marquee at the video’s start cleverly displays the names of these films with missing letters, tying into the song’s theme of a timeless, confrontational spirit. The song’s lyrics weave a narrative comparing outlaws like Billy the Kid and Al Capone to the Cold War tensions of the 1980s, with the final verse referencing the USA and USSR as modern-day cowboys facing off. Fans on Reddit’s r/hairmetal have praised its raw energy, with one user recalling how it stood out on a late-’80s heavy metal compilation cassette, cementing its status as a standout track.

Another tidbit about "Modern Day Cowboy" is its cultural impact beyond the music scene. The song was featured in the video game Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock, introducing it to a new generation of fans who appreciated its hard-hitting guitar solos. Additionally, it appeared in the Supernatural episode "Beyond the Mat," adding to its pop culture footprint. On X, the band celebrated the song’s legacy with a 2020 post calling it a “Cowboy of the modern day” alongside a nostalgic image, and they’ve marked the anniversary of Mechanical Resonance’s 1986 release multiple times, asking fans to share their favorite tracks or memories. One fan on Reddit shared a story of seeing Tesla perform the song live in 2023, noting how it was the second song in their set and electrified the crowd. Some fans even speculate that the song’s themes influenced the manga/anime Trigun, suggesting Tesla’s music could inspire a live-action adaptation soundtrack.

Tesla got their start in Sacramento, California, in 1984, originally under the name City Kidd. The band—vocalist Jeff Keith, guitarists Frank Hannon and Tommy Skeoch, bassist Brian Wheat, and drummer Troy Luccketta—had been playing together for years, honing a bluesy hard rock sound influenced by ‘70s rock and contemporary heavy metal. At their manager’s suggestion, they adopted the name Tesla, honoring the eccentric inventor Nikola Tesla, who was famously underrecognized for his contributions to radio technology. This nod to an underdog innovator mirrored the band’s own workmanlike ethos, setting them apart from the flashier “hair metal” acts of the era. After grinding through local gigs and showcases in Los Angeles, they landed a deal with Geffen Records. Their debut album, Mechanical Resonance, released in 1986, hit the Billboard 200’s Top 40 and eventually went platinum, with "Modern Day Cowboy" becoming a minor hit that showcased their raw, unpretentious style.

Tesla’s official website, teslaband.com, is the hub for their latest news, tour dates, and merchandise. Fans can connect with the band on social media via their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share updates and engage with their dedicated fanbase. For fan communities, the Tesla Tribute_Modern Day Cowboy Facebook page, with over 550 likes, celebrates the band through a tribute act that’s been performing since 2005. While not an official fan club, the r/hairmetal subreddit is a lively space where Tesla enthusiasts discuss the band’s music and share concert experiences. These platforms keep the Zoo Freaks and other fans connected to Tesla’s enduring legacy as a band that’s stayed true to their roots while rocking stages for decades.