50 Ways to Leave Your Lover

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning a killer track for their Zoo Freaks audience: 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover by Trixter, pulled from their 1994 album Undercovers. This tune is a high-energy cover of Paul Simon’s 1975 classic, reimagined with Trixter’s signature hard rock flair. One juicy bit of trivia comes from a 2021 YouTube upload of Trixter’s unplugged version, where the band revealed they recorded it using new software to crank up the audio quality to 512kbps at 48,000Hz—giving it a crisp, raw edge that fans still rave about. In a 2019 interview with MelodicRock.com, lead singer Steve Brown shared that covering Simon’s song was a bold move for a glam metal band, but they wanted to “pay homage while making it our own.” He mentioned the band had a blast in the studio, riffing on the iconic drum pattern originally laid down by Steve Gadd, swapping it for a heavier, headbanging groove.

Another cool story floats around Trixter’s fan circles on Facebook, where a fan posted about catching the band live in 1994 during their Undercovers tour. Apparently, during their performance of 50 Ways, guitarist PJ Farley improvised a shredding solo that wasn’t on the record, sending the crowd wild. Fans on the Trixter Fan Forum still debate whether that moment was ever recorded. The song’s inclusion on Undercovers was no accident—Brown noted in a 2020 Instagram post that the band picked covers to showcase their versatility, blending their Jersey rock roots with unexpected classics. The choice paid off, as SecondHandSongs lists Trixter’s version among notable covers of Simon’s hit, alongside artists like Le Bang Bang and Pink Turtle.

Trixter’s journey kicked off in Paramus, New Jersey, in 1983, when high school buddies Steve Brown and Pete Loran started jamming in their garages. According to their bio on Trixter’s official website, the band was born out of a shared love for Def Leppard, Bon Jovi, and Kiss, with a mission to bring their own brand of melodic hard rock to the scene. By 1986, they’d recruited drummer Mark “Gus” Scott and bassist PJ Farley, solidifying their lineup. Their big break came in 1989 when they signed with MCA Records after a string of local gigs caught the eye of a label scout. Their self-titled debut album in 1990, featuring hits like Give It to Me Good, skyrocketed them to MTV fame during the glam metal heyday. Despite the grunge wave of the early ’90s, Trixter stayed true to their roots, releasing Undercovers as a love letter to their influences.

Today, Trixter keeps the flame alive with regular updates on their official website and active social media presence. You can catch their latest tour dates and merch on Facebook, where they post throwback photos and interact with fans. Their Instagram is a treasure trove of behind-the-scenes clips and nostalgic posts, like a recent one celebrating the 30th anniversary of Undercovers. On X, they share quick updates and retweet fan love, keeping the Zoo Freaks vibe strong. For diehards, the Trixter Fans Facebook Group is a lively spot to swap stories and rare live footage. The Trixter Fan Forum also buzzes with discussions about everything from the band’s early demos to their take on 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover.