Song Background
“Zombieboy” is a track from Lady Gaga’s seventh studio album, Mayhem, released on March 7, 2025.
NEW YORK POST
The song serves as a tribute to the late model Rick Genest, known as “Zombie Boy,” who gained prominence for his extensive skeletal tattoos and appeared in Gaga’s 2011 “Born This Way” music video.
Musically, “Zombieboy” blends disco and funk elements with 1980s pop influences, featuring a pronounced bassline and vibrant production reminiscent of artists like Chic and Blondie. The lyrics depict a night of uninhibited celebration, aligning with Gaga’s intention to craft a song that embodies “excess and nocturnal fun.”
Critics have lauded “Zombieboy” for its festive energy and camp sensibility. Stephen Daw of Billboard described it as the album’s most enjoyable disco number, while Nick Levine of NME likened its rhythm to iconic 1970s dance anthems. CJ Thorpe-Tracey of The Quietus highlighted the track’s funk-influenced production and Gaga’s playful vocal delivery.
In essence, “Zombieboy” stands as both a musical homage to Rick Genest’s legacy and a reflection of Gaga’s ability to intertwine personal connections with broader cultural themes.