Pay the Band

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Pay the Band" by Buddy Whittington, a standout track from his 2010 self-titled album, and the Zoo Freaks are loving its bluesy groove. This song showcases Whittington's soulful vocals and masterful guitar work, with its catchy lyrics about financial struggles and the grind of life resonating with fans. According to Viberate, "Pay the Band" is a fan favorite due to its bouncy melody and Whittington's ability to weave storytelling into his music. In a 2010 interview with Music Recall Magazine, Whittington shared that the song’s inspiration came from the constant hustle of being a working musician, where "creditors are makin’ a killing" and you’re always scraping to keep the show going. Fans on Buddy Whittington Band’s Facebook page have posted about how the song’s relatable themes and infectious riffs make it a staple at live shows, with one fan noting it "gets the whole crowd singing along."

Another tidbit about "Pay the Band" comes from Whittington’s own reflections on his songwriting. In a Vintage Guitar interview, he mentioned that his lyrics often draw from personal experiences and the Texas lifestyle, which shines through in the song’s down-to-earth vibe. The track’s production, handled by Mike Gage at Hurricane Sound in Garland, Texas, highlights Whittington’s clear guitar tones, a nod to his love for classic gear like the Lentz HSL and Dr. Z amps. On X, fans have shared clips of Whittington performing "Pay the Band" live, praising his ability to blend humor and heart in his delivery. The Buddy Whittington Fans Facebook group often buzzes with discussions about the song, with members swapping stories of hearing it at gigs across Texas or during his European tours.

Buddy Whittington’s journey to becoming a blues rock icon began in Fort Worth, Texas, where he was born on December 28, 1956. Growing up in a household filled with music, he was heavily influenced by his sister’s eclectic record collection, which included The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers with Eric Clapton. As noted on Wikipedia, Whittington picked up the guitar at age eight, captivated by the idea that plucking a string could produce sound "over there." By 14, he was already playing in clubs along Jacksboro Highway in the Dallas/Fort Worth scene, honing his skills in bands like Short Change, which opened for Point Blank. His early gigs included colorful honky-tonks, and he even tried his hand at bass in a band with a local police officer and a volunteer fireman, though he quickly returned to guitar after admitting he was "the worst bass player that had ever lived."

Whittington’s big break came in 1991 when his band, The Sidemen, opened for John Mayall, as detailed on Apple Music. Mayall was so impressed by Whittington’s guitar finesse that he called him in 1993 to replace Coco Montoya in the Bluesbreakers. Whittington spent 15 years with Mayall, touring the world and recording eight albums, including the acclaimed 70th Birthday Concert alongside legends like Eric Clapton and Mick Taylor. After leaving the Bluesbreakers in 2008, he launched his solo career with his self-titled album, featuring "Pay the Band." Today, Whittington continues to tour, particularly in Europe, and gigs in Texas, often backed by his core band, including Mike Gage and Wayne Six.

For more on Buddy Whittington, check out his official website for tour dates and updates. Follow him on Facebook and X for the latest news and fan interactions. While Whittington doesn’t have an active Instagram account, fans can connect on the Buddy Whittington Fans Facebook group, a lively community sharing concert photos, videos, and stories. Another fan hub is Myspace, where older posts and music clips are still available. Whether you’re a longtime Zoo Freak or new to Whittington’s music, "Pay the Band" and his storied career are a testament to his enduring passion for the blues.