Tomorrow Belongs To Me

The song "Tomorrow Belongs To Me" by Trickster from their 1979 album Back To Zero holds a special place in the band's discography, often noted for its distinct sound that blends elements of AOR and pop rock. In a rare interview snippet from a 1979 music magazine preserved on ProGGnosis, lead vocalist Phil Bates described the track as "a hopeful anthem, but with a bite," reflecting the band's ambition to capture both optimism and raw energy. The song's opening chords, which echo a style reminiscent of label-mates Electric Light Orchestra, were a deliberate nod to their shared Jet Records roots, yet Bates emphasized that the band aimed to carve out a unique identity. Fans on a Retro Rock Fans Facebook group have shared stories of hearing the song during Trickster's European tour with Boston, where it was a crowd favorite for its soaring vocals and keyboard-driven hooks. The track also gained modest airplay, with some Zoo Freaks on X recalling it as a staple on late-night radio shows in the early '80s, cementing its cult status among rock enthusiasts.

Another piece of trivia about "Tomorrow Belongs To Me" comes from its striking album cover for Back To Zero, which has been featured in several "Greatest Album Covers" compilations, as noted on ProGGnosis. The cover's bold, futuristic design was meant to complement the song's forward-looking lyrics, though the album suffered from poor promotion by Jet Records, a point of frustration for the band. In a fan discussion on the Rate Your Music page for Trickster, users speculated that the song's production, handled by engineers Alan Winstanley and Barry Kidd, was influenced by the American rock sound of bands like Trillion and Player, giving it a polished yet gritty edge. Despite its quality, the lack of label support led to the album's commercial struggles, and some fans on Classic Rock & AOR Facebook group lament that a third album could have seen Trickster refine this sound further. The song remains a hidden gem, celebrated by Zoo Freaks for its nostalgic vibe and the Zoo Crew's knack for spinning it during their eclectic sets.

Trickster's origins trace back to the mid-1970s in England, centered around guitarist and lead vocalist Phil Bates, born March 30, 1953, in Tamworth, Staffordshire. As detailed on JazzRockSoul.com, Bates began his musical journey at age twelve, forming a backyard band called The Wild Four, later renamed The Teenbeats. By his late teens, he was a resident musician at Piccadilly’s Piazza restaurant, where he honed his performance skills. It was through a series of pop singles that Bates connected with keyboardist Colin Hewinson, bassist Mike Sheppard, and drummer Paul Elliott, forming the core of Trickster in 1976. The band landed their first deal with United Artists, releasing the single "To Fly Away" in 1977, before catching the attention of rock manager Don Arden. Arden signed them to Jet Records, a label known for Electric Light Orchestra, which gave Trickster a platform to release their debut album Find the Lady in 1977 and Back To Zero in 1979. Bates’ charismatic stage presence and the band’s tight musicianship earned them opening slots for acts like John Miles and Boston, though internal issues and label disputes led to their breakup after Back To Zero.

For fans looking to dive deeper into Trickster’s world, the band’s official presence is limited due to their dissolution in the early '80s, but some online hubs keep their legacy alive. Phil Bates maintains a personal website, Phil Bates Music, where he occasionally references his Trickster days and shares updates on his current projects. The band’s music and history are documented on fan-driven sites like Rate Your Music and ProGGnosis, which offer detailed discographies and reviews. On social media, Trickster lacks an official Facebook or Instagram page, but fans share memories and rare vinyl photos in groups like Retro Rock Fans and Classic Rock & AOR on Facebook. On X, searching for Trickster often yields posts from accounts like ClassicRockVibes, where Zoo Freaks and other rock fans discuss the band’s overlooked contributions to the AOR genre. These platforms keep the spirit of Trickster alive for the Zoo Crew and their devoted listeners.