Dedication

The song "Dedication" from the Pat Travers Band's 1977 album Putting It Straight is a fan favorite, often praised for its intricate composition and emotional depth. Clocking in at over seven minutes, the track closes the album with a grooving Hammond organ intro and showcases Travers' ability to blend hard rock with melodic textures. Fans on platforms like Classic Rock Forum have called it a "beautifully crafted studio piece," with one reviewer on Moondance Jam naming it their all-time favorite Travers song for its vibrant energy and layered instrumentation, including keyboards and saxophone. The song's extended format allowed Travers to experiment with progressive elements, setting it apart from the album's more straightforward rock tracks like "Gettin' Betta."

While specific interviews about "Dedication" are scarce, Pat Travers has shared in broader discussions that his early work, including Putting It Straight, was influenced by his desire to fuse blues, funk, and hard rock. In a Buffalo News article, Travers' use of guitar effects like the Echoplex on this album was noted as predating similar techniques by U2's The Edge, highlighting his innovative approach. Fans on Reddit have praised the album's lineup, including bassist Peter "Mars" Cowling and drummer Nicko McBrain (later of Iron Maiden), for its tight musicianship, which shines through in "Dedication." The song's enduring appeal is evident in its inclusion in setlists during Travers' 1970s tours, often as a powerful closer.

Pat Travers, born Patrick Henry Travers on April 12, 1954, in Toronto, Canada, began his musical journey at age 12 after witnessing a life-changing Jimi Hendrix performance in Ottawa. This experience, detailed on his official website, inspired him to pick up the guitar and start playing in local bands. By his teens, Travers was performing in groups like The Music Machine, Red Hot, and Merge, gigging in Quebec clubs. His talent caught the eye of rock artist Ronnie Hawkins, who invited Travers to join him, giving the young guitarist valuable stage experience. In his early twenties, Travers moved to London, where he secured a recording contract with Polydor Records. His self-titled debut album, released in 1976, featured bassist Peter "Mars" Cowling, who became a long-time collaborator, and marked the start of Travers' rise in the rock scene.

Travers' early career was defined by his relentless touring and raw, blues-infused hard rock sound. His 1976 appearance on the German TV show Rockpalast, later released as a CD+DVD titled Live at Rockpalast – Cologne 1976, showcased his dynamic stage presence and growing fanbase, as noted on Canadian Classic Rock. By the time Putting It Straight was released, Travers had honed a distinctive style, blending soulful guitar work with funk and R&B influences, which resonated with fans who dubbed themselves "Hammer Heads." His early shows, often featuring a black Fender Telecaster and barefoot performances, were known for their accessibility, with Travers inviting fans to play "air guitar" on stage, as mentioned on Rock Legends Cruise.

For the latest updates from the Pat Travers Band, fans can visit their official website or follow them on social media: Facebook, Instagram, and X. The band remains active, with Travers continuing to tour and release music. Fans can connect on the Pat Travers Band Fan Club on Facebook, a vibrant community sharing memories, concert updates, and appreciation for Travers' work. Additional fan discussions thrive on Classic Rock Forum, where "Hammer Heads" celebrate Travers' legacy and songs like "Dedication."