Goodbye Yellow Brick Road

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the sleaze rock vibes of "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" by Vains of Jenna from their 2011 album Reverse Tripped for all the Zoo Freaks out there. This track, a cover of the iconic Elton John and Bernie Taupin classic from 1973, got a gritty makeover by the Swedish quartet. Interestingly, the band’s take strips the original’s lush orchestration for a raw, guitar-driven edge, reflecting their Hollywood-meets-hair-metal aesthetic. In a 2011 interview with Sleaze Roxx, guitarist Nicki Kin mentioned the band chose covers for Reverse Tripped that they could “make their own,” with "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" standing out for its rebellious lyrics that resonated with their underdog spirit. The song’s recording was also a debut showcase for new vocalist Jesse Forte, who joined just weeks before the album’s production, bringing a fresh yet raspy energy to the track.

Another tidbit comes from a now-archived Facebook post by the band in 2011, where they shared that the song was a last-minute addition to the album. The band was jamming in the studio, and producer Adam Hamilton suggested they tackle the Elton John hit after hearing Forte’s vocal range during rehearsals. Fans on the Vains of Jenna Fan Club group on Facebook have since praised the cover for its bold reinterpretation, with some calling it a “sleeper hit” that captures the band’s live energy. The track’s lyrics, about rejecting fame for a simpler life, also mirrored the band’s own journey, as they navigated the glitzy yet cutthroat Hollywood scene after relocating from Falkenberg, Sweden.

Vains of Jenna kicked off their career in 2005 in the small coastal town of Falkenberg, Sweden, formed by four young musicians: Lizzy DeVine (vocals), Nicki Kin (guitar), JP White (bass), and Jacki Stone (drums). Barely out of their teens, they started playing local gigs, channeling influences like Guns N’ Roses and Mötley Crüe. Their big break came when they were invited to perform at Crüe Fest Hollywood in January 2005, a charity event that put them on the radar of Stevie Rachelle, frontman of Tuff and owner of Metal Sludge. Impressed by their raw energy at Whisky a Go Go, Rachelle connected them with industry contacts, leading to a rapid move to Los Angeles by mid-2006.

In Hollywood, the band’s demo, featuring tracks like "Heartbreak Suicide", caught the ear of Bam Margera, skateboarder and MTV’s Viva La Bam star. Margera signed them to his Filthy Note Records, reissuing their debut album Lit Up / Let Down in 2006. The band gained traction through appearances on Jackass Number Two and LA Ink with Kat Von D, and toured with Poison and Ratt in 2007. Despite their rise, the band faced challenges, including the departure of original singer Lizzy DeVine in 2010, before Jesse Forte stepped in for Reverse Tripped. Sadly, Vains of Jenna disbanded in 2012, announcing the split on Facebook and MySpace, citing a mutual decision to pursue new paths after seven years.

You can connect with Vains of Jenna’s legacy through their official Facebook page, though their Instagram and X accounts are no longer active, reflecting their post-2012 hiatus. The band’s MySpace page, once a hub for updates, remains a nostalgic relic. Fans keep the spirit alive on the Vains of Jenna Fan Club on Facebook, where devotees share memories, rare photos, and tour stories. Another fan-driven space is the Last.fm Vains of Jenna page, which hosts community discussions and track insights. Unfortunately, no official band website exists, as their online presence has faded since the breakup, but these fan communities offer a vibrant way to dive into their sleaze rock saga.