Everybody Loves You When You're Dead

The Zoo Crew is spinning the gritty, glam-infused track "Everybody Loves You When You're Dead" by Vains of Jenna, from their 2009 album The Art of Telling Lies, for all the Zoo Freaks tuning in. This song kicks off the album with a raw, Sunset Strip vibe, blending sleaze rock with a cynical edge. Its lyrics, like "Backstabbing vultures / Are feeding on depression," paint a picture of betrayal and fleeting fame, a theme that resonated with the band's own journey in the cutthroat music industry. In a 2009 review, MetalUnderground.com praised the track for transporting listeners back to the '80s hair metal era, with frontman Lizzy DeVine's vocals drawing comparisons to Vince Neil and Axl Rose. The song's infectious hooks and Nicki Kin’s searing guitar solo made it a standout, often cited by fans as a live performance highlight during the band’s U.S. tours.

Another tidbit about the song comes from its production. Produced by Brent Woods at Steakhouse Studios in North Hollywood, the track was part of an album that marked a polished evolution from the band’s debut. In a Sleaze Roxx review, the album was lauded for its eclectic influences, with "Everybody Loves You When You're Dead" setting a high-energy tone. Fans on Vains of Jenna’s official Facebook page have shared stories of hearing the song on MTV’s Jackass and LA Ink, where the band’s music often found a home, thanks to their connection with Bam Margera and Kat Von D. The song’s music video, though less documented, was part of the band’s effort to capture their rebellious spirit, with some fans on Myspace commenting on its gritty, in-your-face aesthetic that matched the track’s attitude.

Vains of Jenna formed in 2005 in Falkenberg, Sweden, when four young musicians—Lizzy DeVine (vocals/rhythm guitar), Nicki Kin (lead guitar), JP White (bass), and Jacki Stone (drums)—decided to chase their rock ‘n’ roll dreams. Barely out of their teens, they recorded a four-song demo featuring tracks like "Heartbreak Suicide," which became a fan favorite. Their big break came when they were invited to play Crüe Fest Hollywood at the Whisky a Go Go in January 2005. This performance caught the eye of Stevie Rachelle of Metal Sludge, who helped propel their career. Within six months, they were in a Hollywood studio with Gilby Clarke (formerly of Guns N’ Roses) cutting demos. By summer 2006, Bam Margera signed them to his Filthy Note Records after spotting them in Hollywood, leading to their debut album Lit Up/Let Down. The band relocated to Los Angeles, toured with Poison, and appeared on shows like Jackass and LA Ink, cementing their place in the sleaze rock revival.

Though Vains of Jenna disbanded in 2012, as announced on their Facebook and Myspace, their music lives on through fan communities. You can follow updates on their legacy via their official Facebook page and Myspace, though their Instagram and X accounts are less active. Fans keep the flame alive on platforms like the Vains of Jenna Fan Club on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks might find fellow enthusiasts sharing rare photos, bootlegs, and memories of the band’s electrifying live shows. The band never maintained an official website, but their Myspace remains a nostalgic hub for their music and history.