Whatever Gets You Off

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the high-energy track "Whatever Gets You Off" by The Last Vegas for their devoted Zoo Freaks. This song, the title track from the band's 2009 album, has a gritty, sleazy charm that captures the raw essence of hard rock. One juicy piece of trivia comes from the song's production: it was co-produced by Nikki Sixx of Mötley Crüe, who discovered the band after they won a Guitar Center contest at the Whisky a Go Go in Los Angeles. Sixx's influence helped shape the track's unapologetic swagger, with its driving riffs and cheeky lyrics about indulgence and desire. In a 2009 interview with Blabbermouth.net, frontman Chad Cherry described the recording process as "a wild ride," noting how Sixx pushed them to channel their live energy into the studio, making the song a fan favorite for its raw, party-ready vibe.

Another tidbit about "Whatever Gets You Off" surfaced on The Last Vegas' X account in 2019, when they shared a throwback post celebrating the song’s 10th anniversary. They revealed that the music video, which features the band rocking out in a seedy, neon-lit setting, was shot in a single night in Chicago’s underbelly, with real bar patrons as extras to capture the song’s gritty authenticity. Fans on their Facebook page chimed in, sharing stories of seeing the band perform the song live during their 2009 tour opening for Mötley Crüe, with one Zoo Freak commenting, “That riff still gets me pumped every time!” The song’s enduring appeal lies in its unpretentious rock ‘n’ roll spirit, perfectly suited for the Zoo Crew’s eclectic, free-spirited playlist.

The Last Vegas, hailing from Chicago, got their start in the early 2000s, fueled by a shared love for the sleaze and swagger of bands like Mötley Crüe, AC/DC, and Guns N’ Roses. Formed by brothers Adam and Nathan Arling, along with vocalist Chad Cherry, bassist Danny Smash, and drummer Nate Love, the band cut their teeth in Chicago’s dive bars, building a loyal following with their high-octane live shows. According to their bio on their official website, they self-released their debut album, Lick ‘Em and Leave ‘Em, in 2003, which caught the attention of local promoters and eventually led to their big break with the Guitar Center contest. Their raw, unpolished sound and relentless work ethic earned them a deal with Nikki Sixx’s Eleven Seven Music, propelling them onto the national stage.

The band’s journey wasn’t without hurdles. In a 2012 interview posted on their Instagram, Chad Cherry shared how they once played a gig to just three people in a small Midwest bar but still gave it their all, a mindset that defined their early years. This grit helped them connect with fans, who formed communities like the Last Vegas Fans Facebook group, where Zoo Freaks and other devotees swap concert photos, rare merch, and stories of meeting the band. While The Last Vegas maintains an active presence on Facebook, Instagram, and X, fan-driven spaces like TheLastVegasFans.com keep the community thriving, offering tour archives and fan art. For the latest on their music and shows, check out thelastvegas.com, and join the Zoo Freaks in cranking up "Whatever Gets You Off" to keep the rock ‘n’ roll spirit alive.