The Hunter (Live 1986)

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning "The Hunter (Live 1986)" by GTR from their King Biscuit Flower Hour album, and the Zoo Freaks are surely vibing to this classic track. Recorded live at the Wiltern Theater in Los Angeles on July 19, 1986, this performance captures the energy of a supergroup that burned bright but brief. One juicy piece of trivia comes from the Prog Archives reviews, where fans note that "The Hunter" in its live form has a raw edge compared to the studio version, though some cheekily remarked its melody could’ve been a soundtrack for the Teletubbies due to its poppy, AOR vibe. Despite mixed feelings, the live rendition benefits from the virtuosity of guitarists Steve Howe and Steve Hackett, whose interplay shines brighter here than on the studio cut, as highlighted in an Exposé Online review praising their heavier, balanced acoustic-electric dynamic.

Another tidbit from the YouTube comments on the full Wiltern Theater show upload reveals fans reminiscing about GTR’s attempt to blend progressive rock roots with 80s AOR polish, with "The Hunter" being a Geoff Downes-penned track that even Asia later covered for their 1997 Anthology album. Steve Hackett, however, wasn’t always thrilled with the project, later calling GTR “interesting for about five minutes” in a Wikipedia bio, reflecting his frustration with its commercial direction and financial instability. The Rate Your Music community also points out that the live album, including "The Hunter," strips away some of the 80s gloss from the studio debut, giving it a grittier feel that Zoo Freaks might dig for its raw energy.

GTR came together in 1985 when Steve Howe, fresh off his stint with Yes and Asia, teamed up with former Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett. As detailed in their Wikipedia page, Howe and his manager Brian Lane were brainstorming a new venture, and Lane suggested Hackett, whose solo albums were struggling commercially. Hackett saw GTR as a chance to boost his profile and fund future solo work, per his own reflections. They recruited vocalist Max Bacon, bassist Phil Spalding, and drummer Jonathan Mover, with the band’s name cheekily derived from the studio term for guitar tracks, “GTR.” Their self-titled debut, produced by Geoff Downes, hit gold status in the U.S., with singles like "When the Heart Rules the Mind" charting well, though "The Hunter" only reached No. 85, as noted on Wikipedia. Despite their progressive rock pedigree, GTR leaned into AOR to appeal to radio, a move that sparked debate among fans, as seen in Prog Archives discussions.

The band’s live setup, including the King Biscuit Flower Hour performance, added keyboardist Matt Clifford to compensate for unreliable guitar synths, a practical fix mentioned in Wikipedia. Though GTR dissolved by 1987 due to creative and financial tensions, their brief run left a mark, with the live album often praised as a stronger showcase than the studio effort, per AllMusic. For official updates, check out Steve Hackett’s website and Steve Howe’s site, as GTR itself lacks a dedicated page. On social media, follow Hackett on Facebook, Instagram, and X, and Howe on Facebook and X. Fan communities thrive at Prog Archives for GTR discussions and the Steve Hackett Fans Facebook group, where Zoo Freaks can connect with fellow enthusiasts.