Love to Love

The Zoo Crew is spinning the epic track "Love to Love" by UFO from their 1977 album Lights Out, and the Zoo Freaks are surely vibing to its lush, orchestral glory. This seven-minute masterpiece, a Phil Mogg and Michael Schenker composition, is a standout for its dramatic string arrangements, a bold move for a hard rock band. According to Pete Way’s autobiography, A Fast Ride Out of Here, producer Ron Nevison (credited as Ronnie Fury) shocked the band by bringing in a string section to AIR Studios in London. Way initially thought it sounded “f--king awful, like Des O’Connor,” but the final product changed his tune, blending soulful vocals, swirling strings, and a searing Schenker solo that rivaled the era’s greatest epics. Fans and critics alike have praised its majesty, with Quireboys guitarist Guy Griffin noting its “world-class” construction, and veteran journalist Martin Popoff arguing it surpasses Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” for its smarter composition and production.

The song’s impact resonates beyond the studio. Steve Harris of Iron Maiden has called "Love to Love" his favorite song, a testament to its influence, as Maiden famously plays UFO’s “Doctor Doctor” before every show. The track’s cinematic quality landed it in pop culture, featured in the 1999 film Detroit Rock City and covered by Djali Zwan for the 2002 movie Spun. On social media, fans have shared their love, with a Reddit user on r/progrockmusic calling it UFO’s “Magnum Opus” for its proggy, epic feel, blending Moody Blues-like grandeur with hard rock edge. Keyboardist Derek Sherinian revealed on X that the piano in "Love to Love" inspired the piano section in Dream Theater’s “Lines in the Sand,” showcasing its reach across genres. The song’s live versions, especially from the 1979 album Strangers in the Night, are electrifying, with one fan on Reddit describing the opening as “unbelievable” for its raw power.

UFO began in London in 1968, originally under the name Hocus Pocus, with lead singer Phil Mogg, guitarist Mick Bolton, bassist Pete Way, and drummer Andy Parker. Renamed after the UFO Club, a psychedelic hotspot, they started as a boogie-driven act with psychedelic and space rock leanings, evident in their 1970 debut album UFO and 1971’s Flying, which included the hour-long space rock odyssey “One Hour Space Rock.” Their early sound drew comparisons to early Deep Purple, but commercial success was limited, with their cover of Eddie Cochran’s “C’mon Everybody” gaining some traction. The turning point came in 1973 when 18-year-old Michael Schenker, poached from Scorpions, joined as lead guitarist. His arrival shifted UFO toward a heavier, blues-infused hard rock sound, crystallized in 1974’s Phenomenon, which spawned fan favorites like “Doctor Doctor” and “Rock Bottom.” This lineup, later joined by keyboardist Paul Raymond for Lights Out, propelled UFO to international fame, selling over 20 million records and influencing bands like Metallica, Pearl Jam, and Megadeth.

Despite lineup changes and Schenker’s departure in 1978, UFO remained a force, with Phil Mogg as the sole constant member through their 2024 disbandment. Their classic era, marked by albums like Lights Out and the seminal live album Strangers in the Night, cemented their legacy as a bridge between early hard rock and the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. Fans can stay connected through UFO’s official website, Facebook, and X accounts, though their Instagram has been quiet since 2022. For deeper dives, fan communities thrive on platforms like the UFO Band Fans Facebook group, where enthusiasts share memories, setlists, and rare photos. Websites like ClassicRockHistory.com and SleazeRoxx.com offer detailed retrospectives, while Heavy Metal Wiki provides a comprehensive band history. The Zoo Freaks can keep the UFO spirit alive by exploring these hubs and cranking “Love to Love” loud.