Built for the Future

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Built for the Future" by The Fixx from their 1986 album Walkabout, and the Zoo Freaks are vibing to its new wave groove. This track, the second single from the album, hit #13 on the U.S. Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart in July 1986. According to a post on burningtheground.net, the song’s Germany 12" vinyl release featured exclusive remixes, including an Extended Version and an Undermind Mix, both clocking in over seven minutes and remixed by producer Rupert Hine. Fans on the site praised the song’s “great hooks” and “perfect mix of Synthpop/New Wave/AOR,” lamenting that The Fixx didn’t get the attention they deserved despite their appeal to fans of bands like Eurythmics. In a 2012 interview on classicbands.com, lead singer Cy Curnin shared that Walkabout was inspired by his time living in Africa, which influenced the album’s themes of simplicity and social consciousness, evident in the song’s introspective lyrics about resilience and forward-thinking.

Another tidbit comes from fan discussions on the official Fixx Facebook page, where The Fixx boasts over 63,000 followers. Fans, affectionately called “Fixxtures,” often share how “Built for the Future” resonates with them for its optimistic yet grounded message. A fan-run Facebook group, Fixxtures, with over 4,000 members, buzzes with stories of fans crossing state lines to catch the band live, some attending dozens of shows. One fan, Stacey Carmody, wrote on her blog staceycarmody.blog about meeting guitarist Jamie West-Oram, who recognized her from social media, a moment she described as “shocking” and unforgettable. The band’s engagement with fans extends to Instagram, where they share tour updates and nostalgic posts, and on X, where Cy Curnin has been active, releasing new tracks and EPs like Lockdown and Age of Hearts.

The Fixx began in London in 1979, born from the vision of college friends Cy Curnin (vocals) and Adam Woods (drums). Initially called Portraits, they placed an ad for bandmates, recruiting keyboardist Rupert Greenall, guitarist Tony McGrail, and bassist Russell Mckenzie, later replaced by Charlie Barrett. Portraits released two singles, “Little Women” (1979) and “Hazards in the Home” (1980), for Ariola Records. By 1980, McGrail left, and Jamie West-Oram joined on guitar, prompting a name change to The Fix. They recorded “Lost Planes” for 101 Records in 1981, gaining BBC radio play. MCA Records signed them but insisted on tweaking their name to The Fixx to avoid drug-related connotations. Their debut album, Shuttered Room (1982), featured hits “Stand or Fall” and “Red Skies,” charting in the U.S. and UK. Bassist Dan K. Brown joined during 1983’s Reach the Beach, which went double Platinum, cementing their place in new wave history with hits like “One Thing Leads to Another.”

Fans can stay connected with The Fixx through their official website for tour dates and new music, like their latest single “Winter’s Time” from Every Five Seconds (2022). The Facebook page is a hub for Fixxtures to share memories, while Instagram offers behind-the-scenes glimpses. On X, Cy Curnin engages directly with fans. For deeper fan interaction, Fixxtures on Facebook and Stacey Carmody’s blog are go-to spots for collectibles, concert stories, and community. The Fixx continues to tour and create, their enduring sound keeping the Zoo Freaks dancing.