I Hate How Much I Want You (featuring Phil Collen & Joe Elliott)

The Zoo Crew is spinning a real gem today with The Struts' "I Hate How Much I Want You," featuring Def Leppard's Phil Collen and Joe Elliott, from the album Strange Days. This track is a high-energy glam rock anthem, born out of a whirlwind recording session during the 2020 lockdown. The song captures the raw emotion of love and longing, with frontman Luke Spiller trading electrifying vocals with Joe Elliott, while Phil Collen’s ferocious guitar riffs drive the swaggering groove. According to Spiller, the collaboration with Collen and Elliott infused the song with a timeless quality, making it feel like a "glam rock stomper" straight out of the 1970s, evoking bands like Slade and Sweet. The Zoo Freaks are surely feeling that nostalgic vibe today!

The story behind the song’s creation is as wild as its sound. The Struts recorded Strange Days in just ten days, holed up in producer Jon Levine’s Los Angeles home after getting tested for COVID-19. This intense, creative burst led to a track that Joe Elliott described as making him "feel like a kid again" every time he hears it. Elliott, a longtime fan of The Struts, jumped at the chance to collaborate, saying yes to Spiller’s invitation before even knowing the details. The song’s infectious chorus and explosive energy were so compelling that Elliott premiered it on his Planet Rock radio show, calling it a "world exclusive" and praising its nod to 1970s rock. A quirky touch is the song’s intro, which features a recorded phone call between Spiller and Elliott, adding a playful, behind-the-scenes feel—though some fans found it a bit cheesy!

Phil Collen also shared his enthusiasm, noting that he loved The Struts’ sound from the moment he heard them. He described the collaboration as "mutual, mischievous, explosive rowdiness," a perfect fit for the band’s larger-than-life style. Social media buzz amplified the excitement, with The Struts’ X account posting in October 2020 about how "dreams really do come true" with this Def Leppard feature. They also shared a link to a podcast where Spiller, Elliott, and Collen discussed the song’s creation, revealing fun tidbits like how a drunken night out influenced Collen’s Def Leppard journey. For Zoo Freaks craving more, this podcast, hosted by Louder, is a must-listen for its candid rock ‘n’ roll stories.

Now, let’s dive into how The Struts got their start. Hailing from Derby, Derbyshire, the band—Luke Spiller (voc vocals), Adam Slack (guitar), Jed Elliott (bass), and Gethin Davies (drums)—formed in 2009. Their early days were spent honing a glam-rock sound inspired by icons like Queen, The Rolling Stones, and T. Rex. Spiller and Slack began writing together, blending theatrical flair with catchy hooks, and soon built a local following with their electrifying live shows. By 2012, they’d signed with Virgin EMI, and their debut single “I Just Know” caught attention for its bold, retro vibe. Opening for The Rolling Stones in 2014, before even releasing their first album, was a game-changer, cementing their reputation as a must-see live act.

The Struts’ 2014 debut album, Everybody Wants, showcased their knack for anthemic rock, earning praise from outlets like NME. Their relentless touring, including gigs with Guns N’ Roses, The Who, and Mötley Crüe, built a global fanbase. Paris Jackson, who later collaborated with them, recalled being blown away by their performance at a Mötley Crüe show, describing it as a time-traveling rock ‘n’ roll experience. The band’s move to Interscope/Polydor and the release of Young & Dangerous in 2018 further solidified their status, with Strange Days in 2020 proving their ability to evolve while staying true to their roots.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to connect with The Struts, their official website is thestruts.com. You can follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest updates, tour news, and behind-the-scenes content. Fans have also created vibrant communities, like the Struts Fans Unite Facebook group, where enthusiasts share concert photos, discuss albums, and organize meetups. Another great spot is the r/TheStruts subreddit, a hub for discussions and fan art. These spaces are perfect for Zoo Freaks to join the global Struts fandom and keep the rock ‘n’ roll spirit alive!