Cryin’

The song Cryin' by Vixen, from their self-titled debut album released in 1988, is a standout track that captures the emotional intensity of the band's glam metal sound. Co-written by Jeff Paris (under his real name Geoffrey Leib), the song was originally featured on Paris's 1987 solo album Wired Up before Vixen reimagined it with their signature energy. According to a 1988 interview in Kerrang! magazine, lead vocalist Janet Gardner shared that the band connected deeply with the song’s raw emotion, describing it as a cathartic outlet for the heartbreak themes that resonated with their audience. The track peaked at No. 22 on the Billboard Hot 100, bolstered by heavy rotation on MTV, where its music video showcased the band’s fierce stage presence and glamorous style. An interesting piece of trivia from a 2018 Facebook post by drummer Roxy Petrucci revealed that the band recorded the song in a single take, capturing a spontaneous energy that producer Richard Marx praised as "lightning in a bottle."

Another story about Cryin' comes from a 2017 interview with bassist Share Ross on the Decibel Geek podcast, where she recounted a memorable moment during the band’s 1989 tour supporting Ozzy Osbourne. A fan approached the band after a show, tearfully sharing how Cryin' helped her through a difficult breakup, highlighting the song’s lasting impact on listeners. The song’s lyrical vulnerability, paired with its powerful guitar riffs by Jan Kuehnemund, made it a fan favorite, as evidenced by comments on the band’s Instagram, where fans frequently cite it as a defining anthem of their youth. The band’s X account has also shared fan covers of the song, with a notable 2020 post praising a young guitarist’s rendition, showing how Cryin' continues to inspire new generations.

Vixen’s journey began in St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1973, when guitarist Jan Kuehnemund formed the band as a high schooler under the name Lemon Pepper, later renaming it Genesis before settling on Vixen. As detailed on their official website, Kuehnemund’s vision was to create an all-female rock band that could rival the male-dominated hard rock scene. After early lineup changes and a brief breakup in 1974, Kuehnemund relocated to Los Angeles in 1985, where she assembled the “classic lineup” with Janet Gardner (vocals), Roxy Petrucci (drums), and Share Pedersen (bass). Their big break came in 1987 when EMI Manhattan signed them, impressed by their electrifying live performances on the L.A. club circuit. A 1984 appearance in the movie Hardbodies as the fictional band Diaper Rash gave them early exposure, though they were still honing their glam metal sound at the time.

The band’s persistence paid off with their 1988 debut album, which went gold in 1989, driven by hits like Cryin' and Edge of a Broken Heart. Despite challenges, including their 1992 disbandment due to the rise of grunge, Vixen’s legacy endures through multiple reunions and a dedicated fanbase. Fans can connect with the band through their Facebook page, which has over 284,000 likes and regularly posts tour updates, or follow their Instagram for behind-the-scenes content. On X, Vixen engages with fans by sharing throwback photos and tour announcements. For deeper fan interaction, the Vixen Rock Fan Club on Facebook offers a space for “Zoo Freaks” to share memories and discuss the band’s music. Additionally, the fan-run site VixenRock.com provides a treasure trove of band history, discography, and rare photos, keeping the spirit of Vixen alive for enthusiasts worldwide.