Tears of Blood

The song "Tears of Blood" from Winger's seventh studio album, Seven, released on May 5, 2023, has captivated fans with its intense musicality and evocative lyrics. According to a review by Lesley Aeschliman on aeschtunes.com, the song's imagery allows listeners to visualize its narrative vividly, with religious undertones in the latter half amplifying the emotional depth. Kip Winger's vocal delivery adds a powerful punch, making it an "epic rock song" that stands out for its intensity and lyrical complexity. The track begins with dissected, semi-dirty guitar chords reminiscent of AC/DC's "Hells Bells," giving it a fresh yet nostalgic vibe, as noted in a Sonic Perspectives review. The music video, directed by Jack Sawyers in Nashville, was one of three shot in January 2023 for the album, showcasing the band's commitment to visual storytelling.

Social media buzz around "Tears of Blood" highlights its impact. On May 5, 2023, @WingerTheBand announced the song's video release on X, urging fans to watch and listen to Seven. A behind-the-scenes post on May 11, 2023, offered glimpses into the video's production, engaging fans further. By July 17, 2024, the band celebrated the video reaching 1 million YouTube views, thanking their fans on X for their support, underscoring the song's popularity among Zoo Freaks and beyond. Reviewers like Martin Römpp from Rock Meeting called it a potential "slow of the year," praising its power ballad style and Kip Winger's distinctive vocal identity, likening parts to Queensrÿche's Operation: Mindcrime.

Winger formed in New York City in 1987, a period when hard rock was thriving. Frontman Kip Winger, originally a bassist, met guitarist Paul Taylor while both were working with Alice Cooper, laying the foundation for the band's creation. Alongside drummer Rod Morgenstein and guitarist Reb Beach, they released their self-titled debut album in 1988 via Atlantic Records, which achieved platinum status in the U.S. and gold in Japan and Canada. Hits like "Seventeen" and "Headed for a Heartbreak" propelled them to fame, with their 1989 Billboard 200 peak at number 21. The band toured extensively, supporting acts like Kiss and Scorpions, but faced challenges in the early 1990s as grunge shifted musical trends, leading to a disbandment in 1994. Kip pursued a solo career, while Reb joined Whitesnake, but the band reunited in 2001, proving their resilience with subsequent albums and tours.

Winger's enduring appeal lies in their virtuosic musicianship and loyal fanbase. Their official website, wingertheband.com, offers tour dates, music, and merchandise, while Kip Winger's personal site, kipwinger.com, showcases his classical compositions alongside band updates. Fans can connect via Winger's Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where the band shares tour announcements and milestones like the "Tears of Blood" video success. Fan communities thrive on platforms like the Winger Fans Facebook group, where Zoo Freaks and others discuss albums and share concert experiences. Despite industry changes, Winger remains a staple in hard rock, with Seven reaffirming their legacy.