Gettin’ Betta

The Zoo Crew is spinning the classic track "Gettin’ Betta" by the Pat Travers Band from their 1977 album Putting It Straight, and the Zoo Freaks are loving the vibes! This song, a fan favorite, is known for its infectious energy and bluesy hard-rock groove. One piece of trivia comes from fan discussions on platforms like Reddit, where a user praised the album as a "masterpiece" with "Gettin’ Betta" often highlighted in live sets during the late 1970s for its funky, upbeat tempo. The song’s lyrics, co-written by Pat Travers and bassist Peter "Mars" Cowling, playfully mention an "Irish Setter," which some fans speculate was a nod to a band member’s pet or a quirky inside joke. A 2015 live performance at the Whitley Theatre in Edwardsville, IL, captured on YouTube, showcases the song’s enduring appeal, with Travers’ searing guitar riffs and the band’s tight rhythm section driving the crowd wild.

Another interesting story about "Gettin’ Betta" comes from its live recordings. The 1979 live version from the album Live! Go For What You Know is often cited by fans as a definitive take, with drummer Tommy Aldridge’s precise beats and Pat Thrall’s vocal harmonies adding a Hendrix-like flair, as noted in a Defenders of the Faith review. Fans on SonicHits have shared how the song’s opening line, "Gettin’ near the time to take you by the hand," took on new meaning during the COVID-19 era, resonating with themes of connection. Guitarists Paul Gilbert and Nuno Bettencourt have also covered the song, praising its raw energy, as mentioned in fan comments on Genius. The song’s popularity endures, with a 2024 live version released on Bandcamp from the album Live ’N Loaded ’84, proving its timeless place in the band’s catalog.

Pat Travers, the driving force behind the Pat Travers Band, was born on April 12, 1954, in Toronto, Canada. His musical journey began at age 12 after witnessing a life-changing Jimi Hendrix performance in Ottawa, which inspired him to pick up the guitar. By his early teens, Travers was playing in local bands like Music Machine, Red Hot, and Merge, performing in Quebec clubs. His talent caught the eye of rock artist Ronnie Hawkins, who invited the young guitarist to join his band. In his early twenties, Travers moved to London and signed with Polydor Records, releasing his self-titled debut album in 1976. Featuring bassist Peter "Mars" Cowling, who became a long-time collaborator, the album laid the foundation for Travers’ bluesy, hard-rock sound. His early career included a notable performance on the German TV show Rockpalast in 1976, later released as a CD+DVD, showcasing his raw energy and growing fanbase.

Travers’ career took off with albums like Makin’ Magic (1977) and Putting It Straight (1977), the latter featuring "Gettin’ Betta." His band evolved with notable musicians like Nicko McBrain (later of Iron Maiden), Pat Thrall, and Tommy Aldridge, cementing his reputation as a guitar hero. Despite not achieving mainstream commercial success, Travers built a loyal fanbase, known as "Hammer Heads," who continue to support his relentless touring. His influence is evident in praise from peers like Alex Lifeson of Rush and Kirk Hammett of Metallica, as noted on RockGodz Hall of Fame. Travers also holds a black belt in Isshin Ryu Karate and lives in central Florida with his family, balancing his musical career with personal passions.

For more on the Pat Travers Band, check out their official website at pattravers.com. You can follow them on social media via Facebook, Instagram, and X for tour updates and news. Fans, or "Hammer Heads," connect through communities like the Pat Travers Band Fan Group on Facebook, where they share memories, concert photos, and discussions about songs like "Gettin’ Betta." Another fan hub is the ClassicRock subreddit, where Travers’ music is frequently celebrated. Whether you’re a longtime Zoo Freak or new to the scene, the Pat Travers Band’s gritty rock spirit keeps the airwaves alive!