Hooked on Music (Live 1979)

The song "Hooked on Music (Live 1979)" by the Pat Travers Band, featured on the album Live! Go for What You Know, is a high-energy opener that showcases the band’s signature blend of hard rock and funky blues. Recorded during concerts in Austin, Texas, and Miami and Gainesville, Florida, in early 1979, the track captures the raw intensity of the band’s live performances. According to fan discussions on Reddit, the song’s funky riff and vibrant guitar work make it a standout, with one user noting its ability to “kick your ass” right from the start. The lyrics, which celebrate the thrill of rock and roll, reflect Pat Travers’ lifelong passion for music, a theme that resonates with the Zoo Freaks tuning into THE ZOO radio station. A review on HardRock 80 praises the song for its infectious groove, suggesting it could rival the likes of Funkadelic, highlighting its unique fusion of styles that set the band apart in the late 1970s rock scene.

Another layer of trivia comes from the band’s lineup during the 1979 recording. The Pat Travers Band featured Pat Travers on vocals and guitar, Pat Thrall on guitar, Peter “Mars” Cowling on bass, and Tommy Aldridge on drums. This group was considered a powerhouse, with Thrall’s modern guitar style complementing Travers’ fiery leads. Fans on The Pat Travers Band Official Fan Group often cite this era as a peak for the band, with “Hooked on Music” embodying their chemistry. The song’s live energy was so potent that it reportedly inspired air-guitar sessions among fans, as noted in a Buffalo News article reflecting on Travers’ impact. The track’s placement as the opener for the live album was strategic, setting the tone for a setlist that included other classics like “Boom Boom (Out Go The Lights).”

Pat Travers, born on April 12, 1954, in Toronto, Canada, began his musical journey at a young age, deeply influenced by seeing Jimi Hendrix perform in Ottawa at age 12. As detailed on his official website, Travers started playing in local bands like Music Machine, Red Hot, and Merge during his teens, performing in Quebec clubs. His big break came when rock artist Ronnie Hawkins noticed him while he was with Merge and invited him 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. This album featured bassist Peter “Mars” Cowling, who became a long-term collaborator. Travers’ early career was marked by a relentless drive, as seen in his 1976 Rockpalast performance, later released as Hooked on Music on DVD, which showcased his raw talent alongside Cowling and drummer Nicko McBrain, who later joined Iron Maiden.

The Pat Travers Band has maintained a loyal fanbase, known as “Hammer Heads,” who connect through platforms like the Pat Travers Band Official Facebook page and the Pat Travers Band Official Fan Group. Fans also engage on Instagram and X, where Travers shares updates on tours and releases. For deeper dives into his discography, fans visit Discogs, a popular fan-driven site for vinyl and CD collectors. The Bandcamp page offers access to live recordings, including the 1980 Live at Reading album, which features “Hooked on Music” and other staples. Travers’ enduring appeal lies in his ability to blend blues, funk, and hard rock, a formula that continues to captivate audiences and keep the Zoo Crew spinning his records for their devoted listeners.