Big Mistakes

Greetings, Zoo Freaks, from your groovy pals at THE ZOO radio station! We're spinning the killer track "Big Mistakes" by Trevor Rabin from his album Rio, and we've got some far-out trivia to share. In interviews, Rabin revealed that "Big Mistakes" is a nostalgic nod to his wild youth, capturing the reckless vibe of his late teens and twenties. He’s quoted saying, “We played in the fire, we danced in the rain. Up all night we made Big Mistakes,” adding that he could’ve called it “I Can’t Believe I’m Alive” because he’s shocked he survived those crazy days. This track, the lead single from Rio, dropped with a video showing Rabin rocking out in the studio, playing nearly every instrument himself—guitar, bass, keyboards, you name it—except for drums by Lou Molino and backing vocals by Dante Marchi and Liz Constantine. Rabin’s perfectionist streak had him second-guessing the song’s release as the first single, but his label, InsideOutMusic, insisted it was the one, and it’s now a fan favorite for its catchy melody and soaring riffs that echo his Yes days.

Another cool tidbit comes from Rabin’s chat with Yesfans, where he discussed his studio approach for "Big Mistakes." He layered vocal harmonies with a nod to his Yes influence, creating that epic, singalong chorus Zoo Freaks are loving. On X, Rabin hyped the song’s premiere on August 4, 2023, sharing a link to the video and thanking fans for their stoked reactions. The song’s Tom Petty-meets-Yes vibe, as noted by reviewers, makes it a perfect fit for our eclectic airwaves. Plus, Rabin painted the album’s cover art himself, a digital piece inspired by his granddaughter Rio, which he mentioned on Instagram. Fans on the Trevor Rabin Music Facebook page have been raving about how this track feels like a love letter to his rock roots after years of scoring Hollywood flicks.

Now, let’s rewind to how Trevor Rabin got his start, pulling from his bio. Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, on January 13, 1954, Rabin grew up in a musical family, tickling the ivories as a toddler and picking up the guitar at 12. By his teens, he was a session musician, jamming with local acts and honing his chops. In 1972, he co-formed Rabbitt, a rock band that became South Africa’s biggest act, dropping hits and snagging awards like the SARI for Best Contemporary Music Artist. Rabin’s first solo album, Beginnings, hit in 1977, recorded in a whirlwind six weeks. Eager to expand, he moved to London in 1978, signing with Chrysalis Records and releasing more solo work, including Face to Face. His production gigs with artists like Manfred Mann’s Earth Band kept him busy before he relocated to Los Angeles in 1981.

In L.A., Rabin’s career skyrocketed when he joined the prog rock giants Yes in 1983. His demos shaped their mega-selling album 90125, featuring the chart-topping “Owner of a Lonely Heart,” which he wrote and helped produce. Rabin’s 12-year stint with Yes included four albums, earning him a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2017. After leaving Yes in 1994, he dove into film scoring, composing for blockbusters like Armageddon and National Treasure. His return to vocal-led rock with Rio in 2023, after focusing on soundtracks and an instrumental album, Jacaranda, marks a full-circle moment for this multi-talented artist.

For more on Rabin, check out his official site at trevorrabinmusic.com, follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X. Zoo Freaks can also connect with fellow fans on the Trevor Rabin Fans Facebook Group or dive into discussions at Yesfans.com, a fan hub for Rabin and Yes devotees. Keep it locked to THE ZOO for more righteous tunes and stories from your favorite artists!