Brother Louie

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove to "Brother Louie" by The Quireboys from their 1993 album Bitter Sweet & Twisted, a track that’s got that raw, bluesy rock vibe perfect for our hippie DJ spins at THE ZOO. This song, a cover of Hot Chocolate’s 1973 soul-funk hit about an interracial romance, was given a gritty, hard-rock edge by The Quireboys, hitting #32 on the UK Singles Chart. Directed by Samuel Bayer, the music video captures the band’s sleazy, rambunctious energy, filmed at Chaplin Stage, A&M Records Studio. Fun fact: the song’s lyrics, with lines Hawkins, stirred up some dust when the band took it home to meet their parents, reflecting the racial tensions of the original Hot Chocolate version. The Quireboys’ version, produced by Bob Rock and Chris Kimsey, strips back some of the spoken-word parts from the Hot Chocolate original, leaning into a tighter, disco-infused rock sound that’s pure early ‘90s swagger.

While specific interviews or social media posts about "Brother Louie" from The Quireboys are scarce, the band’s frontman Spike has often spoken about their love for classic rock and soul influences, which shine through in this cover. In a blog post from Mentalidad Divergente, fans note how the band’s 1993 release of Bitter Sweet & Twisted faced harsh criticism from American press, who pitted them against The Black Crowes, calling the album an “unnecessary continuation.” Yet, fans on the blog rave about the album’s fidelity to the band’s bluesy, country-tinged rock roots, with "Brother Louie" standing out as a live favorite for its infectious energy. The song’s performance at gigs is described as a “superfiesta,” perfect for cracking open a few beers and letting loose, as fans share on the same blog.

The Quireboys, originally formed in 1984 in London as The Choirboys, took their name from a 1977 comedy film before switching to The Queerboys and finally settling on The Quireboys by 1987 to avoid controversy. Vocalist Jonathan “Spike” Gray, hailing from Newcastle, moved to London at 17 and met guitarist Guy Bailey in a bar, sparking the band’s formation. With a lineup that included Guy Griffin, Chris Johnstone, Nigel Mogg, and Ian Wallace, they built a following at the Marquee Club and signed with EMI for their debut, A Bit of What You Fancy, which hit #2 on the UK Albums Chart in 1990. Their sleazy, Faces-inspired rock drew comparisons to Rod Stewart, and tours with Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, and the Rolling Stones cemented their rep as a powerhouse live act.

After Bitter Sweet & Twisted, the band split in 1993, partly due to the grunge wave and label disputes, but reformed in 2001 with a new lineup. Spike pursued solo projects and collaborations during the hiatus, including albums with Darrell Bath and Tyla. The band’s journey, from Newcastle roots to global stages, is a testament to their enduring love for rock ‘n’ roll. Fans can catch up with them on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. For fan communities, check out the Quireboys Fan Club on Facebook for updates and tour buzz from dedicated Zoo Freaks.