Black Cloud

The Zoo Crew is spinning the soulful hard rock anthem "Black Cloud" by Trapeze from their seminal 1970 album Medusa, a favorite among Zoo Freaks tuning into THE ZOO. This track, penned by brothers Mel and Tom Galley, is a standout on the album, often hailed as Trapeze's signature song for its bluesy, riff-driven energy and Glenn Hughes' raw, emotive vocals. According to the lyrics posted on Glenn Hughes' official site, "Black Cloud" paints a vivid picture of a restless wanderer haunted by misfortune, with lines like "Wherever I go, black cloud's following me." Critics, as noted in a 2024 Classic Rock Forum review, praise its epic blues-rock vibe, complete with dynamic drum fills that capture the early '70s rock spirit, drawing comparisons to bands like Humble Pie and Free.

Trivia surrounding "Black Cloud" highlights its enduring legacy. The song was released as the only single from Medusa in the US, backed with "Your Love Is Alright," as documented on Wikipedia. A 2020 remastered reissue of Medusa, reviewed on Amazon, includes rare single edits of "Black Cloud" in both stereo and mono, showcasing its historical significance. Live versions from 1971, such as performances in Flushing, New York, and Austin, Texas, are also featured in the reissue, with fans noting Hughes' thick Cannock accent introducing the song, adding a personal touch to its gritty delivery. The Glenn Hughes Fan Forum has fans reminiscing about the song's impact, with one Amazon reviewer recalling how it left a lasting impression as a teenager, cementing its place as a cornerstone of British hard rock.

Trapeze's journey began in March 1969 in Cannock, Staffordshire, England, when the band formed as a fusion of two local groups. As detailed on Glenn Hughes' site and Wikipedia, the original lineup included Glenn Hughes (bass, vocals, piano), Mel Galley (guitar, vocals), and Dave Holland (drums) from Finders Keepers, alongside John Jones (trumpet, vocals) and Terry Rowley (keyboards) from The Montanas. Discovered by The Moody Blues, Trapeze signed to their Threshold label, with their debut album produced by John Lodge. Early performances, like a 1969 BBC2 Colour Me Pop appearance at Club Lafayette in Wolverhampton, showcased their potential, with local promoter Tony Perry calling it "fantastic." After Jones and Rowley departed post-debut, the trio of Hughes, Galley, and Holland honed a heavier, funk-infused sound for Medusa, marking their creative peak.

Despite critical acclaim, Trapeze never achieved mainstream success, but their influence is undeniable. Hughes joined Deep Purple in 1973, Galley later played with Whitesnake, and Holland with Judas Priest, as noted on Last.fm. The band’s cult following thrives in the southern US, particularly Texas, as Amazon reviewers mention. Fans can connect with Trapeze’s legacy through Glenn Hughes' official website, which includes a dedicated Trapeze section, and his social media: Facebook, Instagram, and X. The Glenn Hughes Fan Forum remains a hub for devotees, while fan-driven content on Facebook groups like the Glenn Hughes and Trapeze appreciation pages keeps the Zoo Freaks’ spirit alive, celebrating the band’s raw, soulful sound.