Love Is Alive

The Zoo Crew is spinning the infectious track "Love Is Alive" by The Winery Dogs from their live EP Dog Years, a song that captures the raw energy of this hard rock supergroup. One intriguing piece of trivia about the song comes from its live recording context on the Dog Years: Live in Santiago album, released in 2017. The performance, recorded on May 27, 2016, in Santiago, Chile, showcases the band’s electric connection with South American audiences, known for their passionate responses. A review from AlexRox.com notes the crowd’s fervor, describing it as sounding like an arena show, amplifying the song’s high-octane delivery. Drummer Mike Portnoy, in a 2023 MetalTalk interview, highlighted the band’s ability to feed off such crowds, making "Love Is Alive" a standout for its funky, hard-hitting groove that resonates live.

Another tidbit about "Love Is Alive" ties to its place in the Dog Years EP, which was a companion to the live album. The EP includes studio tracks alongside live cuts, and "Love Is Alive" benefits from Richie Kotzen’s soulful vocals and blistering guitar work, which he discussed in a 2020 BraveWords Cameo post. Kotzen emphasized the band’s collaborative chemistry, noting that the song’s creation stemmed from spontaneous jams in his Los Angeles studio, a process that defined their early songwriting. Fans on the Winery Dogs Fans Facebook group often cite "Love Is Alive" as a quintessential example of the trio’s ability to blend classic rock influences like Led Zeppelin with modern grit, a nod to Portnoy’s comments on Last.fm about their inspirations.

The Winery Dogs formed in 2012 in Brooklyn, New York, as a supergroup uniting three seasoned musicians: drummer Mike Portnoy, bassist Billy Sheehan, and vocalist/guitarist Richie Kotzen. The band’s origin story began when Portnoy and Sheehan, both veterans of the rock scene, sought to create a power trio with a dynamic frontman. After an unsuccessful project with guitarist John Sykes, radio host Eddie Trunk suggested Kotzen, who had previously played with Sheehan in Mr. Big. According to a 2013 Wikipedia entry, the trio clicked during a jam session at Kotzen’s Los Angeles studio, laying down the foundations for their self-titled debut album, released in 2013. Their shared vision for a classic rock sound infused with modern edge drew from influences like Cream, Jimi Hendrix, and Soundgarden, as Portnoy noted in a Last.fm bio.

Richie Kotzen’s journey to The Winery Dogs began in Reading, Pennsylvania, where he was born on February 3, 1970. A musical prodigy, Kotzen started playing piano at age five and picked up the electric guitar at seven, inspired by Kiss, as detailed in his Wikipedia bio. By 19, he was discovered by Shrapnel Records’ Mike Varney, releasing his debut solo album, an instrumental record, in 1989. Kotzen’s early career included stints with glam metal band Poison (1991–1993) and Mr. Big (1999–2002), where he honed his songwriting and vocal skills. His versatility across genres—blues, R&B, jazz, and hard rock—set the stage for his role in The Winery Dogs, where he shines as both lead vocalist and guitarist.

Billy Sheehan, born March 19, 1955, in Buffalo, New York, started as a bassist with local band Talas before gaining fame with David Lee Roth’s solo band in the 1980s. His technical prowess and innovative bass techniques, like the two-handed tapping seen in “Yankee Rose,” earned him acclaim. Sheehan co-founded Mr. Big in 1988, contributing to hits like “To Be with You.” Mike Portnoy, born April 20, 1967, in Long Beach, New York, co-founded progressive metal giants Dream Theater in 1985, establishing himself as a drumming powerhouse. His work with Avenged Sevenfold and Adrenaline Mob showcased his versatility before he joined The Winery Dogs. The trio’s combined experience fuels their dynamic sound, evident in tracks like "Love Is Alive."

Fans can connect with The Winery Dogs through their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour updates, behind-the-scenes content, and new music teasers. The Winery Dogs Fans Facebook group is a vibrant community where Zoo Freaks can discuss songs like "Love Is Alive" and share concert experiences. Another fan hub, The Winery Dogs Fan Page, offers additional space for enthusiasts to celebrate the band’s work. These platforms keep the band’s legacy alive, much like the Zoo Crew’s spins keep the airwaves buzzing.