Pickin' up the Pieces

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the infectious track "Pickin' Up the Pieces" by Tokyo Motor Fist for all the Zoo Freaks out there. This song, the opener from their self-titled debut album, bursts with the kind of catchy, uplifting melodic hard rock that defined the '80s. According to a review by Sleaze Roxx, the track has all the ingredients of a classic feel-good anthem: thunderous drums, choral background vocals, a wild mid-section solo, and lyrics about heartbreak, making it a perfect kickoff to the album’s eleven tracks. The song’s vibrant energy is captured in its official music video, which MelodicRock.com describes as a nostalgic trip back to the glory days of MTV, filled with the kind of hard rock visuals that had fans glued to their screens in the '80s.

Delving into the song’s creation, guitarist and producer Steve Brown shared his enthusiasm in an interview with BLABBERMOUTH.NET, saying, “As a songwriter, I couldn’t be happier with the way the songs came together. Fans of TRIXTER, DANGER DANGER, DEF LEPPARD, BON JOVI and CHEAP TRICK will get the best of all those worlds.” Lead singer Ted Poley echoed this excitement, noting, “The vocals of Steve and I along with his SHREDDING guitar, combined with the world-class rhythm powerhouse section of Greg Smith and Chuck Burgi is amazing. The sound is HUGE.” This collaboration was a labor of love, with Poley highlighting the massive choruses and great melodies that drew him to the project. A fan cover of the song on YouTube further shows its appeal, proving its hooks resonate enough to inspire tributes.

Tokyo Motor Fist formed in 2017 as a supergroup of seasoned musicians from the melodic rock scene. Ted Poley, the voice of Danger Danger, brought his signature high-energy vocals, while Steve Brown, formerly of Trixter, handled guitar and production. The rhythm section, featuring bassist Greg Smith and drummer Chuck Burgi—both with credits including Rainbow, Alice Cooper, and Blue Öyster Cult—added a powerhouse foundation. Their shared history and chemistry, as Poley noted in a MelodicRock.com feature, stemmed from long-time friendships, particularly between Poley and Brown, who had always wanted to collaborate. This debut album was a nod to their influences, blending the party anthems of Danger Danger with Trixter’s smart melodic rock, as described by Cryptic Rock.

The band’s origins trace back to the vibrant '80s hair metal scene. Ted Poley joined Danger Danger in the late '80s, lending his voice to hits like “Bang Bang,” which gained modest chart success. Steve Brown founded Trixter as a teenager, scoring hits like “One in a Million” and touring with bands like KISS. Greg Smith and Chuck Burgi, with their extensive resumes, brought a wealth of experience from playing with rock legends. According to Stephen H. Provost, Tokyo Motor Fist’s sound, especially on tracks like “Pickin’ Up the Pieces,” evokes Def Leppard’s Hysteria era, a testament to Brown’s brief stints filling in for Def Leppard guitarists. The band’s formation was a natural evolution for these veterans, united by a shared love for big hooks and high-energy performances.

Fans can connect with Tokyo Motor Fist through their official channels. Their Facebook page shares updates on releases and live shows, while their Instagram offers behind-the-scenes glimpses. On X, they engage with fans through posts about new music and tour dates. The band’s label, Frontiers Music Srl, serves as their official website, offering merch and album details. For fan communities, the Tokyo Motor Fist Fan Group on Facebook is a hub for Zoo Freaks and other enthusiasts to discuss the band, share concert experiences, and celebrate their music.