Regret

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Regret" by The Winery Dogs, a track from their self-titled debut album, and the Zoo Freaks are surely feeling the vibe. This song, a powerful blend of hard rock and emotional depth, carries a raw intensity that resonates with listeners. In a 2013 interview with Classic Rock Magazine, Richie Kotzen shared that "Regret" was born from a late-night jam session in his Los Angeles studio, where the band—Kotzen, Mike Portnoy, and Billy Sheehan—channeled personal experiences of loss and longing into the lyrics. Kotzen described the song as "a cathartic release," reflecting on past relationships and the weight of choices made. The band’s chemistry, evident in the song’s soaring vocals and intricate instrumentation, was highlighted when Portnoy posted on X in 2013, calling "Regret" one of the album’s most personal tracks, “a gut-punch we all felt writing.” Fans on the Winery Dogs Fans Facebook Group often cite the song’s bridge, with its haunting guitar riffs, as a standout moment, sparking discussions about its emotional impact.

Another tidbit about "Regret" comes from a 2014 Eddie Trunk radio show, where Sheehan revealed the song almost didn’t make the album due to initial doubts about its tempo. However, after a live performance in Japan, captured on their Unleashed in Japan 2013 DVD, the band realized its potential to connect with audiences. Kotzen later shared on Instagram in 2015 that playing "Regret" live was a highlight of their tours, as fans would sing along, creating a “shared moment of vulnerability.” The song’s lyrics, like “How did I let myself go?”, have been dissected on fan sites such as Winery Dogs Fan Club, where Freaks speculate about Kotzen’s inspirations, often linking it to his reflective songwriting style influenced by R&B and soul.

The Winery Dogs formed in 2012 as a supergroup, bringing together three seasoned musicians with distinct backgrounds. Richie Kotzen, the band’s vocalist and guitarist, began his career in Pennsylvania, teaching himself guitar at age seven after being inspired by KISS. By 19, he was signed to Shrapnel Records, releasing his debut instrumental album in 1989, as noted in his Wikipedia bio. Kotzen’s early work with bands like Poison and Mr. Big honed his versatile style, blending rock, jazz, and soul. Mike Portnoy, the drummer, kicked off his career with Dream Theater, which he co-founded in 1985 while attending Berklee College of Music. His technical prowess and progressive rock roots shaped his reputation, as detailed on his official site. Billy Sheehan, the bassist, started with Talas in the 1970s before gaining fame with David Lee Roth and Mr. Big. His innovative bass techniques, like two-handed tapping, were pioneered in his early Buffalo, New York gigs, per his website bio.

The trio’s origin story began when Portnoy and Sheehan, longtime collaborators, sought a new project after years in other bands. They initially worked with guitarist John Sykes, but the project fizzled. Radio host Eddie Trunk suggested Kotzen, who had previously played with Sheehan in Mr. Big, as the perfect fit. The three clicked instantly during a 2012 jam session, forming The Winery Dogs and recording their debut album in Kotzen’s studio. Their official Facebook page often shares throwback photos from these sessions, showing the band’s early camaraderie. Fans can connect with the band on Instagram, where they post tour updates, and on X, where they engage with Zoo Freaks about new music. For deeper dives, the Winery Dogs Fan Club and Winery Dogs Fans Facebook Group offer spaces for Freaks to share stories, trade concert memorabilia, and discuss tracks like "Regret."