Something to Hold on To

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as they spin the infectious track "Something to Hold on To" by Trevor Rabin from his 1989 album Can't Look Away. This song hit big, climbing to No. 3 on the U.S. Billboard Mainstream Rock chart, and its music video earned a nomination for Best Video, Short Form at the 1990 Grammy Awards. Fun fact: the video featured actress Shelley Duvall alongside lizards and iguanas, with behind-the-scenes photos shared by fans on X in 2021 and 2024, showcasing her quirky charm with reptiles. Rabin recorded this track with a stellar lineup, including drummer Alan White from Yes, though White’s drumming had to compete with programmed drum machines, giving the song its distinct 80s pop-rock vibe. Fans on ProgArchives praise the album’s production and Rabin’s guitar solos, though some note its AOR style leans more radio-friendly than his progressive rock roots.

The song’s creation involved notable collaborators like producer Bob Ezrin, known for work with Alice Cooper and Pink Floyd, who co-wrote three tracks on the album, and Anthony Moore of Slapp Happy, who contributed lyrics to two. Rabin’s father, Geoffrey, and former Rabbitt producer Patric van Blerk also lent their talents to one track each, adding a personal touch. Reviewers on Rate Your Music call the album a creative standout, likening its experimental edge to early Paul McCartney solo work, with Rabin’s guitar rhythms and lead runs stealing the show. The Zoo Crew knows this track’s catchy hooks and polished production make it a perfect fit for your hippie soul, so crank it up and hold on tight!

Trevor Rabin, born January 13, 1954, in Johannesburg, South Africa, kicked off his musical journey in a family steeped in classical music. His father was concertmaster for the Johannesburg Symphony, and his mother was a skilled piano teacher, sparking Rabin’s early love for piano and guitar. By age 12, he was already strumming chords, and as a teen, he became a session musician, producing and playing for various artists. In 1972, he joined the rock band Rabbitt, which gained a strong following in South Africa. Rabin’s first solo album, Beginnings, dropped in 1977, recorded in just six and a half weeks. He moved to London in 1978 to chase bigger dreams, signing with Chrysalis Records and reissuing his debut as Trevor Rabin. By 1981, he relocated to Los Angeles, where he joined Yes in 1983, co-writing their mega-hit “Owner of a Lonely Heart” and reshaping their sound for the 80s.

Stay connected with Trevor Rabin through his Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where he shares updates on his music and film scoring career. Fans can dive deeper at the official Yes website or join discussions on ProgArchives, a hub for progressive rock enthusiasts. Check out the Yes Fans Facebook group for lively chats about Rabin’s work with the band and his solo projects. The Zoo Crew and Zoo Freaks can keep the vibes flowing by following these communities, celebrating Rabin’s legacy from Rabbitt to Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction with Yes in 2017.