Cruisin'

The song Cruisin' by Vixen from their 1988 self-titled debut album is a high-energy glam metal anthem that captures the band’s signature blend of catchy hooks and raw rock attitude. One piece of trivia about Cruisin' is its role as a fan favorite, often highlighted for its driving rhythm and relatable lyrics about freedom and the open road. In a 2014 interview with Guitar Thrills Magazine, drummer Roxy Petrucci described the song as a reflection of the band’s early days touring across the U.S., embodying the thrill of performing live and connecting with fans. She noted that the song’s upbeat tempo was inspired by their relentless tour schedule, which included opening for acts like Ozzy Osbourne and Bon Jovi. Fans on Vixen’s official Facebook page have echoed this, with some sharing stories of blasting Cruisin' during road trips, cementing its status as a timeless rock staple.

Another interesting tidbit about Cruisin' comes from its production. The track was part of Vixen’s debut album, which was co-produced by Richard Marx, who also co-wrote their hit Edge of a Broken Heart. In a post on Vixen’s Instagram, the band shared a throwback photo from the 1988 recording sessions, hinting that Cruisin' was one of the songs that came together quickly in the studio, capturing the band’s raw energy. Fans in the Vixen Fanatics Facebook group have speculated that the song’s guitar riffs, crafted by lead guitarist Jan Kuehnemund, were influenced by her love for classic rock bands like Aerosmith, adding a gritty edge to the track. This connection to their live performances and studio spontaneity makes Cruisin' a standout in Vixen’s catalog.

Vixen was formed in Saint Paul, Minnesota, in 1980 by guitarist Jan Kuehnemund, who dreamed of breaking into the male-dominated hard rock scene. As detailed on their Wikipedia page, Kuehnemund started the band while still in high school, initially playing local gigs before moving to Los Angeles in 1985 to chase bigger opportunities. There, she recruited vocalist Janet Gardner, whose powerful voice became a defining element of Vixen’s sound. Drummer Roxy Petrucci, formerly of Madam X, joined after Kuehnemund sent her a demo tape, and bassist Share Pedersen completed the classic lineup. Their persistence paid off when EMI signed them in 1987, leading to their debut album and mainstream success. Despite facing sexism in the industry, as Pedersen noted in a Rock Era Insider interview, Vixen carved out a niche as “the female Bon Jovi,” blending glam metal with melodic hooks.

Vixen’s journey wasn’t without challenges. The rise of grunge in the early 1990s led to their breakup in 1992, as Gardner explained in an interview, citing struggles to stay relevant amid changing musical trends. However, the band’s passion for music brought them back together multiple times, with reunions in 1997, 2001, and 2013, the latter following Kuehnemund’s tragic passing from cancer. Today, Vixen continues to tour with drummer Roxy Petrucci as the sole classic member, alongside guitarist Britt Lightning, bassist Julia Lage, and vocalist Rosa Laricchiuta. Fans can stay updated via Vixen’s official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Dedicated supporters also connect through fan sites like Metal Maidens and the Vixen Fanatics Facebook group, where Zoo Freaks can share their love for Cruisin' and Vixen’s enduring legacy.