Girls With Guns

Hey there, Zoo Freaks! The Zoo Crew is cranking up the vibes with Girls With Guns by Tommy Shaw, the title track from his 1984 solo debut album. This high-energy pop-rock anthem hit #6 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and climbed to #33 on the Hot 100, even catching air in the Miami Vice episode "Glades." In a 1984 radio interview with In The Studio with Redbeard, Tommy shared how he poured his hunger to reconnect with fans into this track after the theatrical overkill of Styx's Kilroy Was Here tour. He wanted a raw, direct sound, which is why he ditched a fluffier original video concept for a straightforward rock vibe, as noted in a 2013 Eighties Rare Videos blog post. Fun fact: the song’s video got heavy MTV rotation, and the album’s CD and cassette versions included extended cuts of Kiss Me Hello and Outside in the Rain.

Now, let’s dig into Tommy Shaw’s roots. Born on September 11, 1953, in Montgomery, Alabama, Tommy grew up jamming with local bands like The Smoke Ring and Harvest. His big break came after high school when he joined MSFunk, a Chicago-managed outfit. A two-week club gig in Chicago caught the eye of Styx, and when their guitarist John Curulewski bailed right before a national tour, Tommy got the call. As detailed on his official website, he jumped from playing bowling alley clubs to arenas, cementing his role as Styx’s co-lead vocalist and guitarist. His songwriting chops shone through with hits like Renegade and Blue Collar Man, making him a cornerstone of the band’s ‘70s and ‘80s success.

Want to keep up with Tommy? Check out his official website for tour dates and news. He’s active on Facebook, where he shares updates with over 50k followers, and Instagram, boasting 16k fans. You won’t find him on X, but his YouTube channel has 10k subscribers vibing to his music. For Zoo Freaks looking to connect, join the Tommy Shaw Fan Club on Facebook, a lively spot for fans to swap stories and celebrate his work. You can also dive into fan-driven content at sites like Styx World, which covers Tommy’s Styx legacy and solo ventures.