It Happened In This Town

The Zoo Crew is spinning the hard-hitting track "It Happened In This Town" by Thunder from their 1995 album Behind Closed Doors, and the Zoo Freaks are surely feeling the vibe. This song, nestled among the album’s raw and earthy melodic rock, carries the band’s signature arena-ready energy. According to a review on AllMusic, the album experiments with darker vibes and funk influences, which can be felt in the driving riffs and emotive delivery of this track. In a 2019 interview with Planet Rock, guitarist Luke Morley shared that the album was recorded in Atlanta to spark interest from their American label, Geffen, though the label’s support faltered when their A&R representative jumped ship to Sony. Morley noted the song’s gritty narrative fit the album’s theme of resilience amid a tough period for hard rock, as grunge dominated the airwaves. A fan post on the Thunder Fans Official Facebook Group recalls a 1995 live performance in London where the band extended the song’s outro, letting the crowd chant along, creating an electric moment that still resonates with longtime fans.

Delving into the song’s creation, Behind Closed Doors was a collaborative effort, with all five band members—alongside former producer Andy Taylor—contributing to the writing. A snippet from a 1995 Kerrang! magazine feature, reposted on the fan site Thunder Online Fanclub, revealed that "It Happened In This Town" was inspired by a late-night jam session during the Atlanta recording sessions. Drummer Gary "Harry" James mentioned the song’s lyrics were loosely based on a story Morley heard about a small-town scandal, giving it a storytelling edge that hooked listeners. The expanded edition of the album, reissued in 2023 per Townsend Music, includes live and acoustic versions of other tracks from the record, showcasing the band’s ability to translate their studio intensity to the stage. Fans on Thunder’s Instagram often comment on throwback posts about the album, with one user noting how the song’s “punchy chorus” still gets them hyped decades later.

Thunder began their journey in 1989 in the United Kingdom, rising from the ashes of the band Terraplane. Vocalist Danny Bowes, guitarist Luke Morley, and drummer Gary "Harry" James, the core of Terraplane, decided to pivot to a heavier, more melodic hard rock sound. They recruited bassist Mark "Snake" Luckhurst and guitarist Ben Matthews, and by 1990, their debut album Backstreet Symphony stormed the charts, earning critical acclaim and a slot at the iconic Monsters of Rock festival, as detailed on their official bio page. The band’s early days were marked by relentless gigging in London pubs, honing their craft before landing a deal with EMI Records. A 2017 post on their Facebook page shared a throwback photo of their first rehearsal, captioned with Morley joking about their “dodgy haircuts” but unwavering passion. Their chemistry and work ethic propelled them to become a staple in the British hard rock scene.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, connect with Thunder’s official website for tour dates and merch. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Fans can join the vibrant Thunder Fans Official Facebook Group to swap stories and rare photos or visit the Thunder Online Fanclub for exclusive interviews and archival goodies. The band’s enduring connection with their audience keeps the thunder rolling, just like the Zoo Crew keeps the airwaves alive.