Mother Mary (Live 1979)

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin the electrifying "Mother Mary (Live 1979)" from UFO's iconic album Strangers in the Night. This track, recorded during their 1978 U.S. tour, isn’t just a high-octane rock anthem—it’s got a wild backstory. Unlike most of the album’s live cuts, "Mother Mary" was actually recorded in the studio at The Record Plant in Los Angeles because the band didn’t have enough live material for a double LP. Producer Ron Nevison had the band set up their gear like they were playing a gig, capturing that raw live energy, then added crowd noise to keep the concert vibe. Fans on Discogs rave about these studio versions, with one calling them “UFO 70s gems” that “kick ass” thanks to Michael Schenker’s blistering guitar work. But here’s the kicker: some purists hope the crowd noise was stripped from the 2021 clear vinyl release for Record Store Day, wanting that pure studio sound. Either way, this track’s a testament to UFO’s ability to blur the line between studio and stage.

The song itself, co-written by Phil Mogg, Michael Schenker, and Andy Parker, has sparked debate among fans about its meaning. According to Songfacts, it’s as close to a hymn as UFO gets, with references to the Virgin Mary, but the lyrics also hint at deeper themes. Some fans on SongMeanings argue it’s about standing firm in your beliefs—religious or otherwise—while others see it as a critique of religion, with lines like “Head held up to ransom, by a quick hand and a gun” suggesting a crisis of faith. One fan even ties the “wild colonial boy” lyric to a parallel between the chaotic life of touring and a rebellious “gang” lifestyle, showcasing Phil Mogg’s knack for weaving social and literary references. The live version from Strangers in the Night is a fan favorite, with The Gear Page users praising Schenker’s “wicked tone” and admitting to air-guitaring to “Mother Mary” for years.

Now, let’s rewind to how UFO got their start. Formed in London in 1969, the band began as a quartet featuring vocalist Phil Mogg, bassist Pete Way, guitarist Mick Bolton, and drummer Andy Parker. According to Last.fm, they initially leaned into a “space rock” sound influenced by the 60s rock scene, blending the heavy riffs of Led Zeppelin with a cosmic vibe. Playing gigs in pubs like the Hocus Pocus, they caught the attention of Beacon Records and released their debut album, UFO 1, which gained traction in Japan. The game-changer came in 1973 when 18-year-old guitar prodigy Michael Schenker joined from Scorpions, shifting their sound to hard-edged rock. This lineup, later rounded out by Paul Raymond on keyboards, became the classic UFO roster that delivered albums like Phenomenon and Force It, setting the stage for the legendary Strangers in the Night. Despite tensions—Schenker and Mogg’s clashes were so intense they jokingly “recreated World War 2,” per Louder—their chemistry fueled UFO’s rise to hard rock stardom.

Want to dive deeper into UFO’s world? Check out their official website at ufo.band for tour updates and merch. Connect with them on social media via Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest news and fan interactions. For Zoo Freaks looking to join the community, the UFO Fan Club on Facebook is a great spot to swap stories and discuss tracks like “Mother Mary.” Fan-run sites like UFO Freaks also offer discographies, rare photos, and forums to keep the UFO spirit alive. So, crank up “Mother Mary,” let Schenker’s solos rip, and keep rocking with the Zoo Crew!