Red

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the track "Red" by Vixen from their album of the same name, firing up the Zoo Freaks with its fierce glam metal energy. Released on October 2, 2023, "Red" marks a significant moment for the band, being their first single to feature new vocalist Lorraine Lewis and bassist Julia Lage. In an interview with Robert Miguel of Uvalde Radio Rocks, drummer Roxy Petrucci shared that the song was crafted with Fred Coury of Cinderella, who brought the initial composition to the table. Petrucci explained, "We took that and let's own it," highlighting how the band infused their signature sound into the track, making it a bold representation of the current lineup. The music video, directed by Drew Johnston and Vicente Cordero, amplifies the song’s vibrant energy, with editing by Ryan Conion that captures Vixen’s raw, live-wire spirit.

Delving into the song’s creation, Petrucci noted in the same interview that the collaboration with Coury, a seasoned songwriter and producer, was pivotal. The band worked to ensure "Red" resonated with both longtime fans and new listeners, blending their classic glam metal roots with a fresh, modern edge. Lorraine Lewis, in a December 2022 chat with Max Davallo of Sonic Dorms, admitted to jumping the gun on announcing the single’s release earlier that summer, driven by her excitement. She hinted at additional tracks in the works, including one she co-wrote and another brought by Lage, showing the band’s creative momentum. The release of "Red" followed a period of anticipation, as the band had teased new music since 2022, making it a triumphant return for Vixen after years of lineup changes and hiatuses.

Vixen’s journey began in 1973 in Saint Paul, Minnesota, when guitarist Jan Kuehnemund founded the band, initially called Lemon Pepper, then Genesis, before settling on Vixen to avoid confusion with another group. Relocating to Los Angeles in 1985, the band solidified its classic lineup with Kuehnemund, vocalist Janet Gardner, drummer Roxy Petrucci, and bassist Share Ross. Their big break came in 1987 when they signed with EMI Manhattan, leading to their self-titled debut album in 1988, which hit No. 41 on the Billboard 200. The album’s hit single "Edge of a Broken Heart," co-written by Richard Marx, peaked at No. 26 on the Billboard Hot 100, cementing their place in the glam metal scene. Vixen toured with heavyweights like Ozzy Osbourne and Bon Jovi, earning the nickname "the female Bon Jovi" for their catchy hooks and electrifying performances.

Despite their early success, Vixen faced challenges with the rise of grunge in the early 1990s, leading to their breakup in 1992. Kuehnemund reformed the band in 1997, but legal battles over the band’s name and frequent lineup changes followed. The tragic death of Kuehnemund in 2013 was a blow, but Petrucci, Gardner, and Ross continued in her honor, later joined by Lewis and Lage. Today, Vixen remains a force, with current members Petrucci, Lewis, Lage, and guitarist Britt Lightning delivering high-energy shows and new music like "Red." Their resilience and dedication to their craft keep their legacy alive, inspiring fans worldwide.

You can stay connected with Vixen through their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share updates, tour dates, and behind-the-scenes content. Fans can also join the vibrant Vixen Fan Club on Facebook, a community where Zoo Freaks and other devotees swap stories, photos, and love for the band’s music. For deeper dives into their history, check out fan-driven sites like Rock Era Insider, which chronicles Vixen’s journey from Minnesota to metal stardom.