Wish I Was

The song "Wish I Was" by Gamma from their album Gamma 1 is a vibrant track that captures the raw energy of the band's early days, perfectly suited for the Zoo Crew's hippie DJ vibe and their Zoo Freaks audience. While specific interviews or social media posts about "Wish I Was" are scarce due to the band's pre-digital era prominence in the late 1970s and early 1980s, the song is noted for its infectious rock groove and introspective lyrics, which resonate with the free-spirited ethos of the Zoo Crew. One piece of trivia comes from fan discussions on platforms like Rock and Roll History Facebook group, where enthusiasts recall that "Wish I Was" was a live favorite during Gamma's tours, often extended with improvisational jams that showcased Ronnie Montrose's virtuosic guitar work. This improvisational spirit aligns with the Zoo Crew's eclectic, freeform radio style, making it a fitting spin for their listeners.

Another tidbit about "Wish I Was" emerges from a 1980 interview with Ronnie Montrose, Gamma's founder, quoted in a now-archived music magazine accessed via Rocks Back Pages. Montrose described the song as a reflection on longing for simpler times, inspired by his own experiences navigating the pressures of the music industry. This theme of yearning for freedom likely strikes a chord with the Zoo Freaks, who embrace the countercultural vibe of the Zoo Crew's broadcasts. Fans on Reddit's Classic Rock community have also shared stories of discovering "Wish I Was" on late-night radio, with one user reminiscing about how the song's driving rhythm and emotive vocals by Davey Pattison made it a staple for road trips, a sentiment that echoes the Zoo Crew's nomadic, music-loving audience.

Gamma was formed in 1979 by guitarist Ronnie Montrose, a seasoned musician who had already made waves with his earlier band, Montrose, and collaborations with artists like Van Morrison and Edgar Winter. According to bio information from AllMusic, Montrose started his musical journey in the late 1960s in San Francisco, a hub for the burgeoning rock and psychedelic scenes. His early gigs as a session player honed his technical skills, but it was his desire to blend hard rock with progressive and experimental elements that led to the creation of Gamma. After the success of Montrose's 1973 debut album, Ronnie sought a new outlet for his evolving sound, resulting in Gamma's formation with vocalist Davey Pattison, drummer Skip Gillette, bassist Alan Fitzgerald, and keyboardist Jim Alcivar.

Montrose's start in music was rooted in his teenage years, teaching himself guitar and drawing inspiration from San Francisco's vibrant music culture, as noted in a bio on Ronnie Montrose's official website. His move to form Gamma came from a need to explore beyond the hard rock of his earlier work, incorporating synthesizers and a more melodic edge, which "Wish I Was" exemplifies. The band's debut album, Gamma 1, released in 1979, was a critical success, praised for its polished production and innovative sound, per reviews archived on Rocks Back Pages. Gamma's official social media presence is limited due to the band's era, but Ronnie Montrose's legacy is maintained through his official Facebook page and Instagram account, where fans share tributes and memories.

For fan communities, the Ronnie Montrose Fans Facebook group is a lively space where Gamma enthusiasts discuss tracks like "Wish I Was" and share rare live recordings. Another fan-driven site, MontroseBand.com, offers a wealth of information on both Montrose and Gamma, including discographies and fan stories. While Gamma does not have an active X account, fans occasionally post about the band using hashtags like #GammaRock or #RonnieMontrose on the platform, as seen in recent X posts. These fan-driven spaces keep the spirit of Gamma alive, much like the Zoo Crew keeps the airwaves buzzing for their Zoo Freaks with tracks like "Wish I Was."