Fortunate Son

The Zoo Crew is spinning the hard-hitting cover of Fortunate Son by The Dead Daisies from their 2016 album Make Some Noise, and the Zoo Freaks are surely feeling the raw energy of this classic! Originally written by John Fogerty for Creedence Clearwater Revival in 1969, the song was an anti-war anthem during the Vietnam era, reaching No. 3 on the US charts and later ranking No. 99 on Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” list. The Dead Daisies, known for their gritty rock style, recorded their version in 2016, infusing it with their signature heavy riffs and powerful vocals, or as they call it, “Daisifying” the track. A 2019 post on X from the band highlighted their love for the song, noting how they recorded a stripped-back acoustic version that same year, released as a single to showcase its timeless appeal. They even shared a video of band members like Doug Aldrich and John Corabi discussing why the song resonates with them, emphasizing its rebellious spirit and universal message about social inequality.

Another cool tidbit comes from the band’s own words on their official website, where they marvel at Fogerty’s claim that he wrote Fortunate Son in just 20 minutes—an almost unbelievable feat for such an iconic track. The Daisies’ version, featured on both Make Some Noise and their 2017 live album Live & Louder, was a staple in their live sets, with the band noting they played it “many, many times” to roaring crowds. Their cover stays true to the song’s protest roots but amps up the intensity, with a heavier guitar-driven sound that pays homage while carving out their own space. Fans on Facebook have praised this rendition, with some calling it a “beast of a cover” that brings fresh fire to a classic, perfect for the Zoo Freaks rocking out to THE ZOO’s vinyl spins.

The Dead Daisies kicked off their journey in 2012 in Sydney, Australia, when singer-songwriter Jon Stevens, formerly of Noiseworks and INXS, teamed up with guitarist David Lowy, previously of the band Mink. Their meeting was sparked by David Edwards, a music industry veteran and ex-manager of INXS, who reintroduced the two. As Lowy recalled in an interview on Last.fm, he was itching to get back into music after a hiatus, and the chemistry with Stevens was instant. The duo sat down with a couple of guitars and, in just six hours, churned out twelve songs—laying the foundation for what would become The Dead Daisies. This powerful musical collective, often dubbed a “supergroup,” boasts a rotating lineup of rock heavyweights, including members who’ve played with Guns N’ Roses, Whitesnake, and Motley Crue, among others. Their self-titled debut album, recorded in just two weeks in 2013 at Wishbone Studios in Los Angeles with producer John Fields, hit the scene via Caroline/Universal, marking their arrival as a force in hard rock.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, you can connect with The Dead Daisies’ official website for the latest news, tour dates, and merch. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X to catch updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more posts about tracks like Fortunate Son. Fans have also created spaces to celebrate the band, like the The Dead Daisies Fan Group on Facebook, where enthusiasts share concert experiences, discuss albums, and keep the rock spirit alive. Another fan-driven hub is the Last.fm community page, where listeners track their favorite Daisies tracks and connect with others. So, crank up Fortunate Son, join the fan groups, and keep rocking with The Zoo Crew!