Lights Out

Zoo Freaks, get ready to crank up the volume as The Zoo Crew spins the electrifying track "Lights Out" by UFO from their 1977 album of the same name! This song is a cornerstone of hard rock, packed with gritty riffs and raw energy. In a Songfacts interview, guitarist Michael Schenker revealed that the song kicked off with a riff from bassist Pete Way, with the band collaboratively building it from there, showcasing their spontaneous creative process. No strict strategy, just pure rock vibes! Vocalist Phil Mogg once shared in a 1980 Sounds magazine interview that he wrote "Lights Out" as an anti-authoritarian anthem, though keyboardist Paul Raymond thought it referenced the miners' strike, adding a layer of political intrigue. The definitive version of the song shines on UFO’s live album Strangers In The Night, recorded in 1978, which many fans, like commenter Barry from Gagetown on Songfacts, hail as the finest live heavy metal album ever.

The track’s legacy extends beyond the stage. It’s been covered by the Christian rock band Stryper on their 2011 album The Covering, with Stryper’s Michael Sweet noting in a Songfacts interview that their song "More Than A Man" was inspired by the same iconic riff. On social media, fans keep the love alive. A 2024 post by @MoMetalTrax on X called "Lights Out" part of UFO’s peak recording, praising tracks like "Love to Love" and "Too Hot to Handle" alongside it, while asking fans for their favorite UFO album. The album itself, as noted in a 2022 post by @oriettamusic, landed at No. 28 on Kerrang! magazine’s "100 Greatest Heavy Metal Albums of All Time," cementing its status as a classic.

UFO began their journey in 1968 in London, England, when lead singer Phil Mogg, guitarist Mick Bolton, bassist Pete Way, and drummer Andy Parker came together. Originally called Hocus Pocus, they renamed themselves UFO after the iconic UFO Club in London, a hotspot for psychedelic rock. Their early sound leaned into hard rock, blending it with the emerging heavy metal scene. By 1974, the addition of German guitarist Michael Schenker, formerly of Scorpions, marked a turning point. His fiery playing elevated albums like Phenomenon and Lights Out, helping UFO transition into a powerhouse of the new wave of British heavy metal. Despite lineup changes and three brief disbandments, Mogg remained the constant force, guiding the band through five decades. UFO’s influence is undeniable, with VH1 ranking them No. 84 on their "100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock" list, and their music inspiring countless metal acts in the ‘80s and ‘90s.

Stay connected with UFO through their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans can also dive into the community on the UFO Rock Band Fan Club on Facebook, a hub for Zoo Freaks and diehards alike to share stories, rare photos, and tour memories. For more on Michael Schenker’s time with UFO, check out his official website or follow him on X, where he often reflects on UFO’s golden era. Keep rocking, Zoo Crew!