Feel the Heat

The song "Feel the Heat" by the Henry Paul Band from their 1980 album of the same name is a high-energy Southern rock anthem that captures the band’s shift toward a harder, Montrose-style sound. In a 2010 interview with Songfacts, Henry Paul described the track as a reflection of the band’s desire to crank03 to crank up the guitars and drums to create a raw, driving vibe. The song’s blistering guitar riffs, led by Billy Crain and David Fiester, were fueled by the band’s time in the studio with producer David Thoener at Criteria Recording Studios in Miami. Fans on the Outlaws, Henry Paul Band, & BlackHawk Fan Page often share stories of hearing "Feel the Heat" live during the band’s early ’80s tours, noting its explosive energy as a set opener. One fan recounted on a now-archived post from the Henry Paul Music Facebook page how the song’s infectious groove got crowds moving at a 1980 Tampa show, with Joe Vitale’s synthesizer work—courtesy of his stint with Joe Walsh—adding a distinctive edge.

Henry Paul, born August 25, 1949, in Kingston, New York, began his musical journey as a teenager in Tampa, Florida, after his parents’ divorce brought him south. By 17, he was playing folk festivals and gigs at the 18th String Coffee House. Inspired by Bob Dylan, Paul moved to Greenwich Village in 1969, busking and cutting demos for Epic Records. Returning to Tampa in 1971, he formed the country-rock band Sienna with future Outlaws members Monte Yoho and Frank O’Keefe. In 1972, Paul joined The Outlaws, a Tampa-based Southern rock outfit, which landed a deal with Arista Records in 1974. Their debut album, featuring hits like "Green Grass and High Tides," went gold. Paul left The Outlaws in 1977 to form the Henry Paul Band, debuting with Grey Ghost in 1979, followed by Feel the Heat in 1980. After the band’s 1983 dissolution, Paul rejoined The Outlaws and later co-founded the country band BlackHawk in 1991.

The Henry Paul Band’s legacy endures through fan communities and online platforms. The Henry Paul Music Facebook page regularly shares throwback photos and tour memories, while the Outlaws, Henry Paul Band, & BlackHawk Fan Page fosters discussions about the band’s discography. Fans can also follow updates on Henry Paul’s X account and Instagram. The official Henry Paul Band website offers tour dates and merch, while The Outlaws’ site and BlackHawk’s site provide broader context for Paul’s career. Fan sites like Rate Your Music feature detailed reviews of "Feel the Heat," cementing its status as a Southern rock gem.