Mystery Train (Live 1980)

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning "Mystery Train (Live 1980)" by UFO for their devoted Zoo Freaks. This track, captured live in Chicago, is a high-octane cover of the blues standard originally penned by Junior Parker in 1953. UFO’s rendition, featured on their Live Sightings deluxe edition, showcases their raw energy and hard rock swagger. According to a 2016 Bandcamp post, this performance is part of a super deluxe 4CD box set, highlighting UFO’s early ’80s live prowess with founding members Phil Mogg, Pete Way, and Andy Parker, joined by Paul Chapman and Paul Raymond. The set even includes a bonus LP of unreleased 1972 recordings with guitarist Larry Wallis, formerly of Pink Fairies and Motörhead, adding a rare glimpse into UFO’s early days.

One juicy tidbit about "Mystery Train" comes from its historical roots. The song’s title, as noted in a Wikipedia entry, is a bit of a puzzle since it’s never mentioned in the lyrics, possibly drawing from older folk traditions like the Carter Family’s "Worried Man Blues." UFO’s 1980 live version, performed in Dortmund’s Westfalenhalle as aired on Rockpalast, cranks up the tempo, transforming the bluesy original into a headbanging anthem. Fans on UFO’s Facebook group often rave about how Phil Mogg’s gritty vocals and Chapman’s blistering guitar riffs give the song a new lease on life, with one fan calling it “a rocket-fueled ride that captures UFO at their peak.”

UFO began their journey in 1969 in London, originally under the name Hocus Pocus. The band, led by vocalist Phil Mogg, guitarist Mick Bolton, bassist Pete Way, and drummer Andy Parker, took their new moniker from a London club called UFO, reflecting their fascination with sci-fi and cosmic vibes. Their early sound, described as “space rock” on Last.fm, blended the psychedelic grooves of the ’60s with the heavier riffs of Led Zeppelin. Their 1971 debut album, UFO 1, leaned heavily into this vibe, but it was the 1973 recruitment of 18-year-old guitarist Michael Schenker from Scorpions that shifted them toward a harder-edged rock sound. This pivot, as detailed on their official website, marked UFO as a bridge between classic rock and the emerging New Wave of British Heavy Metal, influencing bands like Iron Maiden and Metallica.

Over the decades, UFO’s lineup evolved, but Phil Mogg remained the constant, his distinctive voice anchoring hits like “Doctor Doctor” and “Lights Out.” Their relentless touring and raw live performances, like the 1980 Chicago show, cemented their cult status. You can catch up with UFO on their official website, follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest news and throwback posts. Fans also gather at dedicated spots like the UFO – Official Fan Group on Facebook, where they share rare photos, bootlegs, and stories about chasing the band’s cosmic trail. For deeper dives, check out fan sites like UFOFreaks.com, a hub for discographies and tour anecdotes that keep the Zoo Freaks’ spirit alive.