Heaven

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Heaven" by Warrant from their debut album Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich, a track that’s got the Zoo Freaks vibing with its soaring power ballad energy. This song, released on July 22, 1989, became Warrant’s most commercially successful single, climbing to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100, held off the top spot only by Milli Vanilli’s "Girl I’m Gonna Miss You." It hit #1 in Rolling Stone and #3 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, cementing its status as a glam metal anthem. Fun fact: the song’s massive appeal caught Warrant’s record label off guard, prompting them to re-record it for a "bigger radio sound" under producer Beau Hill’s remix. The first 250,000 album copies featured the original version, while later pressings included the polished single mix. Another tidbit—"Heaven" was so iconic that Jani Lane’s daughter, Maddi Lane, recorded a piano-based cover in 2017 as a tribute to her late father, showcasing the song’s enduring emotional pull.

Adding to the song’s lore, "Heaven" is packed with classic power ballad elements: an acoustic intro, a building pre-chorus, a massive chorus, and a rare double key change that’s like spotting a musical unicorn. The track’s white leather aesthetic in its music video screamed 80s glam, with tassled jackets projecting a "tough yet tender" vibe. Posts on X from @warrantrocks in 2019 celebrated the song’s 30th anniversary, urging fans to blast it on record players and radios, reflecting its lasting fanbase energy. The song’s lyrics, painting a picture of faded memories and unwavering love, hit hard with lines like “I don’t need to be the king of the world, as long as I’m the hero of this little girl,” making it a staple for romantic rockers everywhere.

Warrant kicked off their journey in 1984 in Hollywood, Los Angeles, diving headfirst into the Sunset Strip’s glam metal scene. Founded by guitarist Erik Turner, the band solidified with lead vocalist Jani Lane, guitarist Joey Allen, bassist Jerry Dixon, and drummer Steven Sweet. Before Warrant, Lane and Sweet played in a band called Plain Jane, where they actually performed an early version of "Heaven." Their big break came after signing with Columbia Records in 1988, leading to the release of Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich in January 1989. The album’s success, driven by hits like "Heaven" and "Down Boys," propelled them to tour with heavyweights like Poison and Mötley Crüe, with their videos dominating MTV. Despite lineup changes and the grunge wave in the 90s, Warrant’s catchy melodies and big-hair swagger kept them rocking, with over 10 million album sales worldwide.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to connect with Warrant’s world, check out their official website for tour dates and merch. Their Facebook page keeps the party going with updates and throwback posts, while Instagram offers glimpses of their live shows and behind-the distrito scenes. On X, they engage with fans, sharing nostalgia like the 2019 "Heaven" anniversary post. Fans can also join the Warrant Rocks Facebook group to swap stories and celebrate the band’s legacy. For more fan-driven love, Warrant Fans is a dedicated site with discographies and news, keeping the glam metal flame alive.