I La La La Love You

Zoo Freaks, get ready for a groovy ride with the Zoo Crew as we spin the infectious track "I La La La Love You" by the Pat Travers Band from their 1982 album Black Pearl. This song isn’t just a catchy rock anthem—it’s got some cool stories behind it. One juicy tidbit is that it was prominently featured in the 1983 cult classic film Valley Girl, starring a young Nicolas Cage. Picture this: the song blasts as the characters Randy, Julie, Fred, and Stacey ditch a party to cruise into Hollywood, perfectly capturing that rebellious, lovestruck vibe. The track’s mainstream appeal made it a staple on Top 40 and album-oriented rock stations, giving it a special place in the hearts of 80s rock fans. Plus, the album’s recording at Quadradial Studios between January and August 1982 used the cutting-edge Synclavier II, adding a slick, synth-driven edge to the track that was super fresh for its time.

Another fun fact about "I La La La Love You" comes from fan chatter on platforms like Amazon, where listeners rave about its nostalgic pull. One reviewer called it the “hit off the album” but argued the real gem on Black Pearl is “Who’ll Take The Fall,” showing how this song sparked debates among diehard fans. The track’s blend of hard rock with a poppier, radio-friendly vibe marked a shift from Pat Travers’ earlier, heavier guitar-driven sound, which some fans on Facebook still discuss with passion. It’s no wonder the Zoo Crew picked this one—it’s got that perfect mix of gritty guitar riffs and a sing-along chorus that makes you wanna crank up the volume and let your inner Zoo Freak loose.

Now, let’s dive into how Pat Travers, the mastermind behind the Pat Travers Band, got his start. Born Patrick Henry Travers on April 12, 1954, in Toronto, Canada, he was just a kid when he caught a life-changing Jimi Hendrix performance in Ottawa at age 12. That moment lit a fire in him, and he picked up the guitar, determined to make his mark. By his teens, he was already gigging in bands like Music Machine, Red Hot, and Merge, tearing up clubs in Quebec. His big break came when rock legend Ronnie Hawkins spotted him playing with Merge and invited him to join his crew. In his early twenties, Travers took a leap, moving to London and signing with Polydor Records. His self-titled debut album dropped in 1976, kicking off a career that’s spanned decades, with a loyal fanbase calling themselves “Hammer Heads” cheering him on.

Travers’ journey wasn’t just about shredding solos—he built a powerhouse band with musicians like Peter “Mars” Cowling, Pat Thrall, and Tommy Aldridge, who helped shape his signature bluesy hard rock sound. His influence runs deep, with guitar gods like Kirk Hammett of Metallica and Paul Gilbert praising him as a “guitar god.” You can keep up with Pat Travers and his band on their official website, where they share tour dates and merch. They’re also active on Facebook, Instagram, and X, posting about gigs and throwback moments. For the ultimate Zoo Freak experience, check out the fan-driven Pat Travers Band Fan Club on Facebook, where Hammer Heads swap stories, rare photos, and love for tracks like "I La La La Love You." So, keep it locked to THE ZOO, and let’s keep rockin’ with the Pat Travers Band!