Heat in the Street (Live 1979)

The Zoo Crew is spinning the high-energy track "Heat in the Street (Live 1979)" by the Pat Travers Band from their iconic album Live! Go for What You Know, a favorite among Zoo Freaks. This song, recorded during concerts in Texas and Florida in early 1979, captures the raw power of the band’s live performances. According to a fan post on Reddit, the track showcases the dueling guitar work of Pat Travers and Pat Thrall, which one listener described as “a front-to-back masterpiece in terms of instrumental prowess.” The song’s driving rhythm and blistering solos, backed by Tommy Aldridge’s thunderous drumming, made it a standout on the album, which reached platinum status in the U.S. A review on Dinosaur Rock Guitar notes that the album’s guitar effects and innovative arrangements pushed blues-based rock into new territory, with “Heat in the Street” exemplifying this bold approach.

Another piece of trivia comes from the album’s production, handled by Tom Allom, known for his work with Black Sabbath and Judas Priest. Allom’s expertise helped capture the band’s live intensity, particularly on “Heat in the Street,” which features what critics have called Tommy Aldridge’s “definitive double bass drumming.” A fan on the Classic Rock Forum shared a story about seeing the band perform this song live in 1979, recalling how Travers and Thrall’s guitar interplay left the audience in awe, often outshining headlining acts. The song’s energy also reflects the band’s relentless touring schedule, as they supported major acts like Rush and Rainbow during this period, a fact highlighted in a 2013 interview with Travers on VintageRock.com, where he discussed the band’s ability to “blow headliners off stages.”

Pat Travers, born on April 12, 1954, in Toronto, Canada, began his musical journey after a life-changing experience at age 12, when he saw Jimi Hendrix perform in Ottawa. Inspired, he picked up the guitar and started playing in local bands like the Music Machine, Red Hot, and Merge, performing in Quebec clubs during his teens. His talent caught the attention of rock artist Ronnie Hawkins, who invited Travers to join him on stage, giving the young guitarist early exposure. In his early twenties, Travers moved to London, chasing his dream with a black Fender Telecaster, a Marshall amp, and a wah-wah pedal. He secured a recording contract with Polydor Records, releasing his self-titled debut album in 1976, which featured bassist Peter “Mars” Cowling, a longtime collaborator. This marked the start of his rise as a respected rock guitarist, as detailed on his official website.

Travers’ career took off with the formation of the Pat Travers Band, particularly with the 1978 release of Heat in the Street, followed by the live album that included the track Zoo Freaks are enjoying today. His blend of blues, funk, and hard rock, influenced by Hendrix and guitarists like Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck, earned him a loyal fanbase known as “Hammer Heads.” Fans can connect with Travers and his music through his Facebook page, where he shares tour updates, and his Instagram, which features behind-the-scenes glimpses of his performances. On X, Travers engages with fans, posting about recent shows and music releases. For deeper fan interaction, the Pat Travers Band Fan Group on Facebook is a hub for Hammer Heads to share stories and discuss his music. Additional fan resources can be found on sites like Dinosaur Rock Guitar and Classic Rock Forum, where enthusiasts celebrate Travers’ legacy.