Long Cool Woman

The Zoo Crew is spinning Long Cool Woman by Vince Neil from his 2010 solo album Tattoos & Tequila, and the Zoo Freaks are loving this gritty cover of a classic. This track, originally by The Hollies, was transformed by Neil into a heavier, hard-rock anthem that fits his signature style. According to fan discussions on platforms like Reddit, Neil’s version stands out for its raw energy, with fans on Amazon reviews praising it as a highlight of the album, with one reviewer noting, “I LOVED the cover of The Hollies ‘Long Cool Woman,’ I’m hoping they’ll release that as a single.” The song’s recording featured Slaughter members Jeff Blando on guitar, Dana Strum on bass, and Zoltan Chaney on drums, giving it a tight, muscular sound. In a 2010 interview with Glorious Noise, Neil described the album as a reflection of his life, and while Long Cool Woman is a cover, its tale of a mysterious woman in a seedy bar scene resonates with the rock-and-roll lifestyle he’s known for.

Despite its popularity among fans, the song stirred some controversy due to Neil’s approach to the album, which included mostly covers. Critics, like those at Glorious Noise, called out Neil for not writing original material, suggesting the covers, including Long Cool Woman, were chosen to reflect his persona rather than showcase new creativity. However, fans on Vince Neil’s official Facebook page have shared posts celebrating the track’s swagger, with some calling it a perfect fit for Neil’s “bad boy” image. The song’s music video, available on Last.fm, leans into this vibe, featuring Neil in a gritty, noir-inspired setting. Interestingly, the track wasn’t released as a single, but its inclusion on the album, which peaked at number 36 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock charts, kept it in heavy rotation for fans at Neil’s live shows, as noted on Setlist.fm.

Vince Neil, born Vincent Neil Wharton on February 8, 1961, in Hollywood, California, kicked off his career in the late 1970s with a natural knack for performing. Growing up in Compton, he faced a rough childhood, including run-ins with gangs and trouble at school, as detailed in his autobiography Tattoos & Tequila. His big break came in 1981 when he was spotted by Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee while singing for the band Rock Candy at Hollywood’s Starwood nightclub. Lee, along with bassist Nikki Sixx and guitarist Mick Mars, convinced Neil to audition, and his bleach-blonde hair, surfer-dude charisma, and screeching vocal style made him the perfect frontman for the glam metal pioneers. As shared on Neil’s Instagram, he joined Mötley Crüe at 20, and their debut album, Too Fast for Love, set the stage for a wild ride through the ‘80s with multi-platinum hits like Shout at the Devil and Dr. Feelgood.

Neil’s journey wasn’t without turbulence. After a tragic 1984 car accident that killed Hanoi Rocks drummer Razzle, he faced legal consequences and rehab, as recounted on fan sites like Sleaze Roxx. His solo career began in 1992 after a split with Mötley Crüe, leading to albums like Exposed and Tattoos & Tequila. He rejoined the band in 1996 and has since balanced solo tours with Crüe’s activities, as seen in posts on his X account. Fans can connect with him through his official Facebook, where he shares tour updates, and Instagram, where he posts throwbacks and personal moments. For deeper fan engagement, groups like Mötley Crüe Fan Club on Facebook and Mötley Crüe’s official site offer communities for Zoo Freaks to dive into Neil’s legacy. His official website, vinceneil.net, is the go-to for tour dates and merch, keeping the rock spirit alive.