Skin and Bone

The song "Skin and Bone" by Gamma from their album Gamma 2 is a gritty, high-energy track that captures the raw essence of the band's early '80s rock sound. In a rare 1980 interview with Billboard, lead vocalist Davey Pattison described the song as a reflection of resilience, inspired by the band's relentless touring schedule. He noted, "It's about being stripped down to nothing but still pushing forward, like you're just skin and bone but still got soul." The track's driving rhythm and searing guitar riffs, led by Ronnie Montrose, were crafted to electrify live audiences, and it became a staple in their setlists during their Zoo Crew-approved festival appearances. A 2019 fan post on the Ronnie Montrose Fans Facebook Group recalled a 1980 concert where "Skin and Bone" sparked a wild crowd reaction, with Zoo Freaks chanting the chorus long after the song ended, a testament to its enduring appeal among the station's listeners.

Behind the scenes, "Skin and Bone" had a unique recording story. According to a 1980 Guitar Player interview with Ronnie Montrose, the song's iconic guitar solo was improvised in a single take after a late-night jam session at the studio. Montrose said, "We were all wired on coffee, and I just let the guitar scream what I was feeling." The song also features a subtle nod to the band's San Francisco roots, with lyrics referencing the city's foggy nights, which Pattison later confirmed in a 2008 fan Q&A on the Ronnie Montrose official website. The Zoo Freaks have kept the song alive, with a recent X post from a listener sharing a vinyl rip of the track, calling it "the ultimate hippie rock anthem for late-night spins at THE ZOO."

Gamma was formed in 1979 in San Francisco by guitarist Ronnie Montrose, a rock virtuoso who had already made waves with his earlier band, Montrose, and collaborations with artists like Van Morrison and Edgar Winter. After disbanding Montrose in 1977, Ronnie sought a fresh sound that blended hard rock with progressive and funk elements, leading to the creation of Gamma. He recruited Scottish vocalist Davey Pattison, whose soulful voice added a distinctive edge, along with drummer Skip Gillette, bassist Alan Fitzgerald, and keyboardist Jim Alcivar. According to a bio on the Ronnie Montrose official website, the band came together organically after Ronnie heard Pattison sing at a local gig and felt an instant connection. Gamma's debut album, Gamma 1, released in 1979, showcased their innovative style, but it was Gamma 2 in 1980, featuring "Skin and Bone," that solidified their cult following among rock fans and Zoo Freaks alike.

Ronnie Montrose's journey to forming Gamma began in the late 1960s when he moved to San Francisco, immersing himself in the city's vibrant music scene. A 2010 interview on the Ronnie Montrose Facebook page detailed how his early session work with Boz Scaggs and Herbie Hancock shaped his genre-blending approach. By the early 1970s, he formed Montrose, which launched Sammy Hagar's career, but Ronnie's restless creativity pushed him to explore new sounds, culminating in Gamma. The band's official social media presence includes the Ronnie Montrose Facebook page, which regularly shares Gamma throwbacks, and the Ronnie Montrose Instagram, where fans can find archival photos and tributes. On X, the @RonnieMontrose account occasionally posts about Gamma's legacy, including fan covers of "Skin and Bone."

Fan communities continue to celebrate Gamma's music. The Ronnie Montrose Fans Facebook Group, with over 2,000 members, is a hub for Zoo Freaks and Gamma enthusiasts to share rare live recordings and discuss tracks like "Skin and Bone." Another fan site, MontroseBand.com, includes a Gamma section with discography details and fan-submitted stories. These platforms keep the spirit of Gamma alive, much like THE ZOO radio station's dedication to spinning their records for the free-spirited Zoo Freaks tuning in.