Ain't For the Faint

Hey there, Zoo Freaks, the Zoo Crew is cranking up the vibes with Tuk Smith & The Restless Hearts' killer track "Ain't For the Faint" from their debut album Ballad Of A Misspent Youth. This song’s a gritty, swagger-filled banger, and it’s got some wild stories behind it. Tuk Smith himself said in a Guitar World interview that he made a point to pack every song on the album with guitar solos, and "Ain't For the Faint" is no exception, rocking a raw, in-your-face riff that channels the spirit of Keith Richards. One reviewer on Maximum Volume Music called it “sleazy, but pure in its filth,” with a stomp that grabs you by the collar and doesn’t let go. Tuk recorded this track with his longtime pal Dan Dixon in a garage studio, giving it that authentic, no-frills edge. Fun fact: Tuk used a beat-to-hell 1973 Ibanez “Lawsuit” Flying V for the song’s crunchy guitar parts, a gem he swears sounds phenomenal despite its scars.

Now, let’s talk about how Tuk Smith got his start. Growing up as an outsider in rural Georgia, Tuk found his tribe in the raw energy of hardcore punk bands like Black Flag and The Exploited. As he told V13.net, his childhood was tough, marked by rebellion and a chip on his shoulder that fueled his drive. He soon dove into the sounds of ‘70s New York punk like The Dead Boys and New York Dolls, then crossed the Atlantic to soak up British acts like The Buzzcocks and The Clash. Tuk started forming his own bands as a teen, hitting the road hard and building a cult following with his high-energy live shows. Before Tuk Smith & The Restless Hearts, he fronted Biters for nearly a decade, a band that blended punk grit with glam swagger. When Biters split, Tuk didn’t miss a beat, launching his new project in 2020 with the single “What Kinda Love,” though the pandemic threw a wrench in his plans for a massive stadium tour with Mötley Crüe and Def Leppard. Still, he poured his heart into writing, and Ballad Of A Misspent Youth was born from that resilience.

Wanna keep up with Tuk and the band? Check out their official site at tuksmithandtherestlesshearts.com, where you can grab merch and catch tour updates. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest news, behind-the-scenes snaps, and Tuk’s thoughts on rock ‘n’ roll life. Zoo Freaks looking to connect with fellow fans can join the Tuk Smith & The Restless Hearts Fan Group on Facebook, a spot where diehards share concert pics, trade vinyl, and keep the restless spirit alive. So, crank up "Ain’t For the Faint," let those guitars howl, and stay wild, Zoo Freaks!