St. Anthony

Zoo Freaks, get ready for a wild ride as The Zoo Crew spins "St. Anthony" by The Sensational Alex Harvey Band from their 1972 debut album Framed! This track is a barnburner, and we’ve got some juicy trivia to share. In a 2022 interview with thecollegecrowddigsme.com, guitarist Zal Cleminson revealed that "St. Anthony" was one of the first songs Alex Harvey brought to the band when they were still known as Tear Gas, before evolving into SAHB. Cleminson noted it was performed as a sort of "dress rehearsal" when Harvey joined them on stage, highlighting its raw, riff-driven energy that became a fan favorite. He described it as one of his proudest tracks to play live, with its infectious guitar gauntlet setting the tone for SAHB’s theatrical proto-punk vibe. The song’s haunting melody and lyrics, which explore themes of faith and redemption through the metaphor of St. Anthony—the saint who helps find lost things—resonated with the early 1970s counterculture, a time when many sought spiritual direction amid social upheaval.

Digging deeper, "St. Anthony" showcases SAHB’s knack for blending rock, blues, and vaudevillian flair. According to a Songtell analysis, the song’s reflective tone and repeated invocation of St. Anthony capture a yearning for guidance, making it a standout on Framed. Fans on The Sensational Alex Harvey Band Fan Club Facebook group often rave about its live performances, where Harvey’s intense delivery and Cleminson’s mime-inspired stage persona—developed after seeing Marcel Marceau in New York—amped up the drama. Cleminson shared in the same interview that their theatrical edge, especially on tracks like "St. Anthony," initially confused audiences but won them over, particularly during their 1973 Slade tour support slot. This song’s raw power even caught the ear of folks like Nick Cave, whose early band covered it, cementing its influence on punk and post-punk scenes.

Now, let’s rewind to how Alex Harvey, the heart of The Sensational Alex Harvey Band, got his start. Born Alexander James Harvey on February 5, 1935, in Glasgow’s working-class Kinning Park (or possibly the Gorbals, per some reports), Harvey was a true Renaissance man of rock. Before music, he worked eclectic jobs—carpentry, waiting tables, even carving gravestones—honing a gritty, everyman perspective that fueled his stage charisma. His music journey kicked off in Simplified: 1954 with skiffle groups, tapping into the UK’s folk-blues craze. By 1960, his Big Beat Band was opening for Johnny Gentle and His Group (aka an early Beatles lineup) in Alloa, Scotland, a gig that marked his entry into the rock scene. Harvey’s early years included cutting blues records like Alex Harvey and His Soul Band (1964) and The Blues (1965) for Polydor, which found a strong following in Germany.

Harvey’s career took a pivotal turn in the late 1960s when he played guitar in the London production of Hair, soaking up its psychedelic ethos. This led to stints with bands like Giant Moth and Rock Workshop, where he recorded an early version of "Hole in Her Stocking" (later on Framed). In 1972, after connecting his brother Les with Maggie Bell for Stone the Crows (tragically, Les died in a 1972 stage accident), Harvey formed SAHB with ex-Tear Gas members Zal Cleminson, Chris Glen, and cousins Hugh and Ted McKenna. Their glam-rock-meets-street-theater style, with Harvey’s vaudeville shirts and Cleminson’s mime makeup, made them a UK sensation, though they remained a cult act in the US, especially in Cleveland. Harvey’s larger-than-life presence and SAHB’s eclectic sound left a lasting mark until his death from heart failure in 1982 at age 46.

For more on this legendary band, check out their official pages and fan communities. While no current official website exists for SAHB, you can dive into their legacy on Facebook and follow updates on Instagram. Their X account keeps the vibe alive with posts about reissues and tributes. Fans gather at the The Sensational Alex Harvey Band Fan Club on Facebook, sharing memories and rare clips. Another great spot is the fan-run SAHB website, packed with discography and history. So, Zoo Freaks, keep those dials locked on THE ZOO as we celebrate the untamed spirit of "St. Anthony" and SAHB’s enduring legacy!