Cherry

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the classic track "Cherry" by UFO from their 1978 album Obsession, delighting their Zoo Freaks audience. This song, a melodic hard rock gem, holds a special place in UFO's discography. One piece of trivia about "Cherry" is its release as a single alongside "Only You Can Rock Me" in 1978, marking it as part of the band’s first three-track EP, which climbed to No. 50 in the UK charts. The track is noted for its dynamic shift, starting mellow before erupting into a full-on rocker, as highlighted by a fan blog, UFO: The Best Band in the World, which praises its catchy riffs and Phil Mogg’s compelling vocals. Additionally, the song was recorded in an unconventional setting—an abandoned post office in Los Angeles—adding a quirky backdrop to its creation. Fans on UFO Band Fans Facebook Group often share stories of how "Cherry" was a staple at late ’70s rock shows, with its infectious energy making it a crowd favorite.

Another tidbit about "Cherry" comes from its production, handled by Ron Nevison, with assistant engineer Mike Clink, who later became a legendary producer for bands like Guns N’ Roses. The album Obsession, including "Cherry," was adorned with artwork by the iconic design group Hipgnosis, known for their work with Pink Floyd. However, some fans on platforms like Reddit’s Classic Rock community have debated the album’s cover art, finding it less appealing than UFO’s earlier works like Phenomenon. Despite this, the song’s live performances, as captured in the 2024 deluxe edition of Obsession, showcase its enduring appeal, with a remixed live version from a 1978 Cleveland show highlighting Michael Schenker’s electrifying guitar work. Fan discussions on UFO’s official Facebook page often reminisce about Schenker’s solos in "Cherry," cementing its status as a fan favorite from the band’s golden era.

UFO began their journey in London in 1968, originally under the name Hocus Pocus, with a lineup featuring vocalist Phil Mogg, guitarist Mick Bolton, bassist Pete Way, and drummer Andy Parker. The band adopted the name UFO, inspired by a London club, and started as a bluesy, space-rock outfit influenced by the likes of Led Zeppelin. Their early sound, often dubbed "space rock," caught attention with albums like UFO 1 and Flying, but it was the arrival of 18-year-old guitarist Michael Schenker from Scorpions in 1973 that transformed their trajectory. Schenker’s fiery guitar style, showcased on albums like Phenomenon (1974), shifted UFO toward a harder-edged hard rock and heavy metal sound, making them pioneers in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. With Mogg as the sole constant member through numerous lineup changes, UFO built a loyal following through relentless touring and albums like Lights Out and Strangers in the Night, the latter a critically acclaimed live record from 1979.

Over their five-decade career, UFO released 23 studio albums, 14 live recordings, and 16 compilations, selling over 20 million records worldwide. Their influence is evident in bands like Iron Maiden and Metallica, with Steve Harris and Kirk Hammett citing UFO as a major inspiration. Despite disbanding three times and facing challenges like tensions between Mogg and Schenker, UFO’s legacy as a classic hard rock act endures. Phil Mogg announced his retirement in 2018, planning a final tour in 2019, but health issues led to the band’s cancellation of their farewell tour in 2022, with their final disbandment in 2024. Fans continue to celebrate UFO’s music through platforms like UFO’s Instagram and X account, where they share memories and updates.

For those looking to dive deeper into UFO’s world, their official website offers discography details and band history. Social media keeps the community alive, with UFO’s Facebook page posting archival photos and fan interactions, while their Instagram shares throwback performance clips. On X, fans and the band’s account discuss classic tracks like "Cherry" and Schenker’s impact. Fan-driven spaces like the UFO Band Fans Facebook Group and the blog UFO: The Best Band in the World provide forums for Zoo Freaks and other devotees to share stories, trade vinyl, and keep UFO’s spirit rocking.