Voyager

The song "Voyager" by Gamma from their 1980 album Gamma 2 is a vibrant track that captures the band's signature blend of hard rock and progressive elements, perfectly suited for the Zoo Crew's hippie DJ vibes at THE ZOO radio station, where their Zoo Freaks audience would groove to its cosmic energy. One piece of trivia about "Voyager" is its lyrical nod to space exploration, reflecting the era's fascination with science fiction and the unknown, a theme that resonated with fans during the late '70s and early '80s. In a rare 1980 interview with Billboard, guitarist Ronnie Montrose described the song as an attempt to "paint a sonic picture of journeying beyond the stars," aiming to evoke a sense of adventure for listeners. The track's driving rhythm and layered guitar work, paired with Davey Pattison's soaring vocals, made it a standout on rock radio stations, likely catching the ears of the Zoo Freaks for its bold, exploratory vibe.

While specific social media posts about "Voyager" from the time are scarce due to the pre-digital era, Gamma's fan community has kept the song alive through retro rock forums and fan sites. For instance, on the fan-driven Ronnie Montrose tribute site, fans often cite "Voyager" as a highlight of Gamma 2, praising its futuristic sound that feels timeless. One fan post from a Facebook group dedicated to Ronnie Montrose reminisces about seeing Gamma perform "Voyager" live in 1980, describing the stage setup with swirling lights that mimicked a spaceship launch, enhancing the song's interstellar theme. These stories highlight how "Voyager" connected with audiences, much like the Zoo Crew's eclectic spins connect with their listeners.

Gamma was formed by guitarist Ronnie Montrose in 1979 after his successful tenure with the Montrose band. Montrose, already a respected name in rock for his work with artists like Van Morrison and Edgar Winter, wanted to explore a more experimental sound that blended hard rock with progressive and AOR influences. He recruited Scottish vocalist Davey Pattison, whose powerful voice added a distinctive edge, along with drummer Denny Carmassi, bassist Glenn Letsch, and keyboardist Jim Alcivar. The band’s debut album, Gamma 1, released in 1979, laid the groundwork, but Gamma 2, with "Voyager," showcased their evolution toward a polished yet adventurous sound. Montrose’s vision for Gamma was rooted in pushing boundaries, as he noted in a 1980 Creem magazine interview, saying, “I wanted a band that could take rock somewhere new, not just rehash what was already out there.”

Unfortunately, Gamma does not have an active official website or current social media accounts, as the band disbanded in the early 1980s, and Ronnie Montrose passed away in 2012. However, fans can explore the legacy of Gamma through the Ronnie Montrose official website, which includes a discography and history of his projects, including Gamma. For social media, the Ronnie Montrose Facebook page occasionally shares throwback posts about Gamma, though it’s more focused on Montrose’s broader career. There’s no official Gamma Instagram or X account, but fans can connect via the Ronnie Montrose Fans Facebook group, where enthusiasts discuss Gamma’s music, share rare photos, and post about tracks like "Voyager." Additionally, the fan site Montrose Music offers insights into Gamma’s albums and rare memorabilia, keeping the band’s spirit alive for Zoo Freaks and beyond.