What You Give

The Zoo Crew is spinning the heartfelt track "What You Give" by Tesla from their 1991 album Psychotic Supper, and the Zoo Freaks are surely feeling the vibe. This ballad, a standout on the platinum-certified album, hit #7 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks and #86 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1992. One juicy story comes from guitarist Frank Hannon, who shared in a 2016 Ultimate Classic Rock interview that he crafted the song’s melancholy guitar intro late at night while strumming on a couch, half-watching TV. Things got wild when he played the riff for Poison’s C.C. DeVille during a hotel room jam session with members of Poison. DeVille tried to steer the song’s bridge in a different direction, prompting Hannon to grab his guitar and bolt at 9 a.m. after an all-night party, determined to keep his vision intact. Fans on Reddit’s hair metal community often praise the song’s emotional depth, noting its philosophical take on relationships, with its slow build and interplay between Hannon’s acoustic and Tommy Skeoch’s electric guitars making it a memorable anthem.

Another tidbit from the Sleaze Roxx review highlights "What You Give" as a genuine, heartfelt track, blending the raw energy of Tesla’s earlier hits like “Little Suzi” with the emotional pull of “Love Song.” The song’s tenderness stands out against the album’s heavier rockers, showcasing Tesla’s ability to balance introspective ballads with their bluesy, hard rock edge. In a 2023 post on X by the band, they celebrated Psychotic Supper’s 32nd anniversary, noting that “What You Give” remains a fan favorite, with live versions featured on their recent album Full Throttle Live. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its relatable lyrics and Jeff Keith’s raspy, powerful vocals, which Mike Ladano’s review called one of the most underrated voices in rock, capable of shining in both ballads and high-energy tracks.

Tesla got their start in Sacramento, California, in the early 1980s, originally as City Kidd, a name bassist Brian Wheat and guitarist Frank Hannon used when they formed the band in 1981. According to their Wikipedia page, the classic lineup came together by 1984 with vocalist Jeff Keith, guitarist Tommy Skeoch, and drummer Troy Luccketta joining the fold. The band renamed themselves Tesla, inspired by the visionary scientist Nikola Tesla, after discovering another band had a similar name to City Kidd. Their manager suggested the new moniker, which also fueled lyrical themes in songs like “Edison’s Medicine.” Tesla’s debut album, Mechanical Resonance, dropped in 1986 via Geffen Records, spawning hits like “Modern Day Cowboy” and a cover of “Little Suzi.” Their bluesy, hard rock sound, influenced by 1970s giants like Led Zeppelin and Bad Company, set them apart in the hair metal scene, earning them the tag of the “thinking man’s hair metal band” from Loudwire.

The band’s rise continued with 1989’s The Great Radio Controversy, which went double-platinum thanks to the top-ten single “Love Song.” Their 1990 live album Five Man Acoustical Jam was a game-changer, peaking at #12 on the Billboard 200 and featuring a cover of “Signs” that hit #8 on the Billboard Hot 100. Despite their success, Tesla faced challenges, including internal struggles and the grunge wave that overshadowed their 1994 album Bust a Nut. After a hiatus, they reformed in 2000, playing a sold-out show at Sacramento’s ARCO Arena, as noted in a Sacramento Bee report. Today, Tesla continues to tour and release music, staying true to their no-frills rock roots.

Stay connected with Tesla through their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour updates, throwback posts, and fan interactions. Fans can also join the Tesla Fans Facebook group, a vibrant community sharing memories, photos, and discussions about the band’s legacy. For tribute band action, check out Psychotic Supper - Tesla Tribute Band on Myspace, which keeps the spirit of the album alive with covers and live performances. Whether you’re a longtime Zoo Freak or new to Tesla’s sound, “What You Give” is a perfect vibe to keep the hippie DJ spirit spinning.