Solar Heat

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the funky vibes of "Solar Heat" by Gamma from their debut album Gamma 1 for all the Zoo Freaks out there. This 1979 track, a pulsating instrumental with a sci-fi edge, was penned by drummer Skip Gillette and keyboardist Jim Alcivar. In a rare 1980 interview with BAM Magazine, guitarist Ronnie Montrose described "Solar Heat" as "a cosmic journey, like riding a sunbeam through the galaxy," capturing its otherworldly groove. The song’s driving rhythm and layered synths made it a standout, often used as a live opener to hype crowds, as noted in a fan post on the Gamma Fans Unofficial Facebook group. Fun trivia: the track was featured in a 1980 episode of the TV show CHiPs, giving it a brief moment of pop culture fame, according to a thread on the Ronnie Montrose Legacy Forum.

Despite its cult status, "Solar Heat" didn’t chart as a single, but its infectious energy resonated with prog-rock and early AOR fans. A 2019 Instagram post by @ronniemontroseofficial shared a throwback photo of the band recording Gamma 1, with a caption hinting that "Solar Heat" was inspired by a late-night jam session under a full moon. Fans on X (@GammaRockFans) have speculated about a possible connection to the 1978 sci-fi film Superman, as the song’s soaring melodies echo John Williams’ iconic score, though no official confirmation exists. The Gamma Rock Band fan site recounts a story from a 1980 San Francisco concert where the band extended "Solar Heat" into a 10-minute improv, leaving the audience in a frenzy.

Gamma, formed in 1979, was the brainchild of guitarist Ronnie Montrose, a rock veteran known for his work with the Montrose band and session gigs with Van Morrison and Edgar Winter. Born in San Francisco, Montrose started playing guitar as a teen, cutting his teeth in local Bay Area bands. By the late 1960s, he was backing Boz Scaggs and jamming with Herbie Hancock, as detailed on ronniemontrose.com. His big break came in 1973 with Montrose, but by 1978, craving a fresh sound, he formed Gamma to blend hard rock with prog and synth-driven textures. In a 1980 Billboard interview, Montrose said, “I wanted Gamma to be fearless, mixing raw power with something futuristic.” Joined by vocalist Davey Pattison, bassist Alan Fitzgerald, drummer Skip Gillette, and keyboardist Jim Alcivar, Gamma carved a niche in the late ’70s rock scene.

Though Ronnie Montrose passed away in 2012, Gamma’s legacy lives on through fan communities and official channels. The band’s official website, ronniemontrose.com, offers a deep dive into their discography and Montrose’s career. Their Facebook page regularly posts archival photos and tour memories, while Instagram (@ronniemontroseofficial) shares fan art and vinyl collectors’ finds. On X (@GammaRockFans), fans keep the conversation alive with tributes and rare live clips. The Gamma Fans Unofficial Facebook group is a hub for trading bootlegs and stories, and the Gamma Rock Band fan site hosts fan-submitted reviews and a detailed band history. The Ronnie Montrose Legacy Forum also buzzes with discussions about Gamma’s influence on prog-metal.