Midnight Moses

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove to "Midnight Moses" by The Sensational Alex Harvey Band from their 1972 album Framed! This track is a hard-hitting classic, and its story runs deep. Originally penned by Alex Harvey for his 1969 solo album Roman Wall Blues, "Midnight Moses" got a heavier, electrified makeover when SAHB recorded it for Framed. Guitarist Zal Cleminson, in a 2022 interview with The College Crowd Digs Me, recalled how Harvey introduced the song’s riff to the band, then known as Tear Gas. They "beat the shit out of it," and Harvey loved the raw energy, making it a staple of their live sets. The song’s gritty, proto-punk vibe, blending influences from Foghat to AC/DC, earned it a spot as a heavy metal cover favorite, with bands like Britny Fox and The Dead Daisies delivering their own takes. A 2025 X post from @clydeforged praised its "heaviest, driving riffs," tying it to Glasgow’s industrial roots. Some fans, like those at Brace for the Obscure, even speculate the lyric "I had an afternoon fever when I flew off to Geneva" might hint at a pandemic premonition, adding a quirky layer to its lore.

The song’s infectious energy comes alive in its lyrics, with lines like "They call me the Midnight Moses, everything I touch is comin' up roses." It’s no wonder it resonated with audiences and inspired covers. A 2018 SoundCloud post by TT3 showcased a faithful cover, proving its enduring appeal. Nick Cave, a massive SAHB fan, revealed in a 2018 chat with Primal Scream’s Bobby Gillespie that his first band was essentially an Alex Harvey cover outfit, playing "Midnight Moses" and other Framed tracks like "Framed" at their debut gig—a Battle of the Bands where they took second place. The song’s raw power and theatrical edge made it a perfect fit for SAHB’s aggressive, glam-rock stage shows, which Robert Smith of The Cure once called a precursor to British punk, per a Wikipedia entry.

Alex Harvey, the mastermind behind The Sensational Alex Harvey Band, was a Scottish rock and blues icon born in Glasgow’s Kinning Park on February 5, 1935. His journey to stardom was anything but conventional. Before music, Harvey worked eclectic jobs—carpentry, waiting tables, even carving gravestones—before diving into performance in 1954 with skiffle groups. By 1959, he led the Alex Harvey Big Soul Band, blending rock, blues, and soul. In the early ’60s, he took the band to Hamburg, recording his first LP, Alex Harvey and His Soul Band, in 1963. Despite early struggles, he kept pushing, dabbling in psychedelic rock with Giant Moth in 1967 and releasing his solo Roman Wall Blues in 1969. His big break came in 1972 when he joined forces with the progressive rock band Tear Gas—Zal Cleminson (guitar), Chris Glen (bass), and cousins Hugh and Ted McKenna (keyboards and drums)—to form SAHB. Their theatrical live shows and genre-bending sound, mixing glam rock, blues, and avant-garde, won critical acclaim in the UK and a cult following in the US, especially in Cleveland, per AllMusic. Harvey’s charisma and SAHB’s bold style influenced acts like AC/DC and Nick Cave, cementing his legacy until his death from heart failure in 1982.

Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper into SAHB’s world can check out their official presence online. While the band’s official website is no longer active, fans keep the spirit alive at Last.fm for music and stats. Connect with fellow fans on social media via Facebook and Instagram, where updates and tributes flow. On X, the band’s account shares memories and fan interactions. For community vibes, join the Sensational Alex Harvey Band Fan Group on Facebook or visit fan sites like DaveGott.com for album details and reviews. These hubs are perfect for swapping stories and celebrating SAHB’s wild legacy!