Rockin’ Train

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning "Rockin’ Train" by The Joe Perry Project from their 1980 album Let The Music Do The Talking, firing up the Zoo Freaks with its infectious R&B-heavy boogie. This track, co-written by Joe Perry and lead singer Ralph Morman, captures the raw energy of a "smokin' locomotive rollin' on that party track," as described in its lyrics. In his 2014 autobiography Rocks, Joe Perry revealed that "Rockin’ Train" was a deliberate return to his musical roots, emphasizing funk and blues influences that defined his early sound. The song’s driving rhythm and gritty guitar riffs were crafted to get crowds moving, and Perry noted in a 2021 Louder interview that it was one of the tracks meant to prove he could thrive outside Aerosmith, channeling his frustration into electrifying performances. Fans on Reddit have shared stories of catching The Joe Perry Project live in the early '80s, with one recalling a Boston show where Perry’s stage presence was so intense it felt like the "train" was about to derail the venue.

Another layer of trivia comes from the album’s production. Let The Music Do The Talking, which includes "Rockin’ Train," was produced by Jack Douglas, a longtime Aerosmith collaborator. Perry shared in a 1980s interview, quoted on Wikipedia, that the recording process was a stark contrast to the chaotic Aerosmith sessions, allowing him to work fast and freely. The song’s vibe also reflects Perry’s love for British rock and blues, influences he’s cited in posts on his Instagram, where he often shares throwback photos from the era. A fan on the Aerosmith Blue Army Facebook group mentioned hearing "Rockin’ Train" at a small Boston club in 1980, describing how Perry’s guitar solos felt like a "heart attack party track" live, echoing the song’s own lyrics. The track’s raw edge and party anthem spirit made it a standout, even if the album’s sales of 250,000 copies were modest compared to Aerosmith’s later triumphs.

Joe Perry, the mastermind behind The Joe Perry Project, kicked off his musical journey in Lawrence, Massachusetts, born Joseph Anthony Pereira on September 10, 1950. Growing up in Hopedale, he was drawn to music early, inspired by the raw energy of Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry, as noted in his Wikipedia bio. His obsession with guitar deepened at Vermont Academy, where he first heard Jimi Hendrix and British bands like The Who and The Yardbirds, whose "Train Kept a Rollin’" later became an Aerosmith staple. Perry would spend hours syncing his guitar riffs to records, perfecting his craft, as he described in his 2014 memoir Rocks. By the late 1960s, he was gigging in Boston’s music scene, forming Aerosmith in 1970 with Steven Tyler and others. His gritty, blues-infused guitar style became the band’s backbone, earning him a spot as the 84th greatest guitarist in Rolling Stone’s list and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001.

The Joe Perry Project was born out of Perry’s 1979 exit from Aerosmith, sparked by tensions, including a infamous backstage incident where his then-wife Elyssa threw milk at bassist Tom Hamilton’s wife during a Cleveland show, as recounted on IMDb. Frustrated with Aerosmith’s drug-fueled chaos and slow recording pace, Perry launched the Project with Ralph Morman, bassist David Hull, and drummer Ronnie Stewart. Signing with Columbia Records, he poured his energy into Let The Music Do The Talking, a back-to-basics rock record. Though the Project dissolved in 1984 when Perry rejoined Aerosmith, he’s revived it periodically, including a 2009 tour and 2022 New England shows, as noted on Wikipedia. His X account often teases these side gigs, keeping fans hyped.

For more on The Joe Perry Project, check out Joe Perry’s official website for tour updates and merch. Connect with him on social media via Facebook, Instagram, and X, where he shares behind-the-scenes glimpses and music insights. Fans can dive deeper at fanart.tv for album art and visuals or join the Aerosmith Blue Army Facebook group to swap stories with fellow Zoo Freaks. The r/Aerosmith subreddit is another hot spot for Project fans to geek out over "Rockin’ Train" and Perry’s legacy.