Kickin’ My Heart Around

The song "Kickin’ My Heart Around" by The Black Crowes from their 1999 album By Your Side carries a raw, spontaneous energy that reflects the band’s return to their rock roots. According to producer Kevin Shirley, who was brought in on the recommendation of Aerosmith’s Joe Perry, the track was born during a pivotal moment in the studio. Shirley challenged the band to recapture the youthful, gritty spirit of their early days, feeling their initial demos leaned too heavily on the jammy, shuffle-heavy sound of their previous albums. In response, brothers Chris and Rich Robinson wrote "Kickin’ My Heart Around" on the spot, a testament to their songwriting chemistry and ability to channel frustration into a punchy, heartbreak-fueled anthem. The song’s lyrics, with lines like “Just come out and say it / Spit the words out of your mouth,” capture the raw emotion of a relationship gone sour, which Chris Robinson later described as drawing from personal experiences of betrayal and moving on.

The track became a standout single, peaking at number 3 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart for ten weeks starting November 28, 1998. Its promotion included a high-energy performance on the Late Show with David Letterman on January 11, 1999, just before the album’s release. Fans on platforms like The Black Crowes Facebook fan group often cite live performances of the song during the 1999 Souled Out Tour as particularly electrifying, with one fan recalling a Milwaukee show where the band’s raw delivery made the song feel “like a punch to the chest.” A memorable anecdote from the tour involves keyboardist Eddie Harsch, who missed several European shows due to emergency surgery for a twisted intestine. In his absence, the crew humorously placed a human-sized inflatable green alien at his keyboard station, a quirky nod that became a talking point among fans on The Black Crowes’ X account.

The Black Crowes formed in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1984, initially as a high school band called Mr. Crowe’s Garden, inspired by a Johnny Cash song. Brothers Chris and Rich Robinson, the band’s core, grew up steeped in their father’s record collection, which included blues, soul, and classic rock. By 1989, they had adopted the name The Black Crowes and signed with Def American Recordings, thanks to producer George Drakoulias, who discovered their demo tape. Their 1990 debut album, Shake Your Money Maker, propelled them to fame with hits like “Hard to Handle,” selling over five million copies. The band’s bluesy, hard rock sound, often compared to The Rolling Stones and Faces, stood out in an era dominated by hair metal and grunge, earning them a spot at #92 on VH1’s “100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock.” Despite lineup changes and internal conflicts, the Robinsons’ commitment to authentic rock ‘n’ roll has sustained the band through decades, with their Instagram showcasing recent tours and studio updates.

Fans can connect with The Black Crowes through their official Facebook page, where they share tour dates and archival photos, or on X, where the band engages with followers about new releases. Their Instagram offers behind-the-scenes glimpses, including recent posts about their 2024 album Happiness Bastards. Dedicated fan communities thrive online, such as the Black Crowes Fans Facebook group, where members swap concert stories and rare vinyl finds. Another fan hub, The Crowes Nest Forum, provides a space for in-depth discussions about the band’s discography and live performances, keeping the Zoo Freaks’ spirit alive for those spinning "Kickin’ My Heart Around" on THE ZOO’s airwaves.