If you’ve never heard the explosive 1977 track by the Detroit rock band, Adrenalin, you’re in for a treat. The high energy number sounds, to my ears, like it was heavily influenced by another area outfit, the MC5. But as lively as the song is, the story of the group’s early years is one that ultimately ends in tragedy.
Adrenalin formed in 1977. David Larson was the last to join, after he was recommended to the band by a friend’s mother, who heard Larson singing on a dock. Adrenalin’s lead vocalist was 22 and older than the rest of the members, who were still in their teens. The group began gigging pretty much right away, performing at schools, backyard parties, and on Belle Isle, a popular park in the Detroit River.
Adrenalin recorded their first single at Fiddle Music in Detroit. The studio also had a label and agreed to release the band’s 45. Adrenalin’s 1977 record became a local hit after radio started playing “Rock ‘n’ Roll Screamer,” the B-side of the single. The group became increasingly popular in the area during the late 1970s, playing better gigs and gaining new fans at every show. A second 7-inch, featuring a cover of ‘60s bubblegum nugget “Gimme Gimme Good Lovin’,” also received prominent Detroit radio airplay, furthering their exposure. It seemed Adrenalin were destined for bigger things.
But all was not right in their world. David Larson struggled with personal problems, including drug abuse. He also felt inadequate as a singer, and when major labels came knocking, Larson worried he would let his bandmates down. The group knew a Hollywood producer was flying into Detroit to see them play, but the night of the February 1980 gig, Larson didn’t show. A few days later, he was found dead; Larson had committed suicide. He left a note:
“I’m sorry that it had to end like this. I’m not holding my end of this down and I don’t think I’m going to be able to hold my end of the fort up as we get success. You guys are the best. I’ll be rockin’ my way back to earth soon. Next time I’ll learn my part the right way. Keep the Adrenalin flowing. Stay the Best, Fuck the Rest…Don’t stop. Keep going.”
Larson’s bandmates were devasted by his death and took some time to grieve. Eventually, a new vocalist was brought in (Marc Gilbert, brother of Dave Gilbert, singer for local heroes, the Rockets), and the group continued. The first record this lineup released was dedicated to Larson’s memory. Adrenalin later signed with MCA Records, and had some mainstream success in the mid 1980s.
“Rock ‘n’ Roll Screamer” and other Adrenalin studio recordings with David Larson can be downloaded for free via their ReverbNation page. Their debut 45 was reissued in 2012, and is currently available on Discogs. Copies of the original pressing now change hands for hundreds of dollars.
The following clip consists of black-and-white live footage of Adrenalin synched with the amazing “Rock ‘n’ Screamer.” It looks like they’re performing at a private function—a wedding, perhaps. The attendees are obviously enjoying what Adrenalin has to give, as they’re seen boogying up a storm.
Previously on Dangerous Minds:
Rare and treasured 1977 LP by heavy teen rockers Midnight to be reissued by Drag City
Dig the explosive heavy metal found on White Boy and the Average Rat Band’s obscure LP