Thunderbird (Live 2022)

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning "Thunderbird (Live 2022)" by Tony Spinner from his album Official Live Bootleg, firing up the Zoo Freaks with its electrifying vibe. This track, a cover of ZZ Top’s classic, kicks off the live album with a burst of energy, recorded in a blues club in Rhede, Germany. According to a review from Bluestown Music, Spinner’s rendition is “energiek en losjes rockend,” highlighting his biting and piercing guitar work that sets the tone for the entire performance. The song’s raw, live energy captures Spinner’s ability to make covers his own, infusing them with what fans on Amazon call his unique “Spinner flavor.” This performance showcases not just his guitar prowess but also the tight synergy with his long-time bandmates, Michel Mulder on bass and Alex Steier on drums, who bring a rock-solid rhythm to the boogie-driven track.

While specific interviews or social media posts about “Thunderbird (Live 2022)” are scarce, the album’s reception offers some juicy tidbits. A fan review on Amazon raves about Spinner’s guitar solos, describing them as “ripping” and “tasty,” with “cool wah wah” effects that shine in this live setting. The choice of “Thunderbird” as the opener wasn’t random; it’s a nod to Spinner’s blues-rock roots and his knack for reinterpreting classics by legends like ZZ Top, Jimi Hendrix, and Stevie Ray Vaughan, all featured on the album. RockTimes notes that the live recording captures Spinner’s playful yet skillful style, riding the same waves as iconic guitarists like Rory Gallagher and Johnny Winter. The track’s high-octane delivery and Spinner’s soulful vocals make it a standout, with the crowd’s energy in Rhede adding to the album’s authentic, unpolished charm.

Tony Spinner, born June 9, 1963, in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, kicked off his musical journey in Arkansas, where his love for blues and rock took root. According to his Wikipedia bio, Spinner’s early career saw him honing his guitar and vocal skills in local scenes before breaking out with his debut solo album, Saturn Blues, in 1993. His big break came when he joined Toto in 1999, handpicked by David Paich as a backup guitarist and backing vocalist. Spinner toured with Toto until their temporary hiatus in 2008, even taking lead vocals on “Stop Loving You” during live shows. His time with Toto and later with Paul Gilbert on the 2010 “Fuzz Universe” European tour cemented his reputation as a versatile, soulful performer. Over the years, Spinner has released a string of solo albums, blending original tracks with covers that pay homage to his influences, all while maintaining a gritty, authentic sound.

Spinner’s online presence keeps fans connected to his music and live shows. His official website, tonyspinner.com, offers updates on tours, albums, and merch. You can catch him on Facebook, where he shares gig photos and interacts with fans, or on Instagram for behind-the-scenes glimpses of his performances. His X account keeps the conversation going with quick updates and fan shoutouts. For diehard Zoo Freaks, there’s also a fan-driven Tony Spinner Fans Facebook group, where supporters swap stories, share live videos, and discuss his discography. While no major fan websites stand out, the community on these platforms keeps the Spinner spirit alive, celebrating his blues-rock legacy.