I’d Rather See You Dead

Hey there, Zoo Freaks, the Zoo Crew is spinning the gritty vibes of I’d Rather See You Dead by the Pat Travers Band from their 1982 album Black Pearl. This track’s got a wild story behind it, especially its music video, which stirred up some waves back in the day. According to a 2023 interview with Louder, the video featured Pat Travers serenading a fictional deceased lover in a real coffin, rented from a funeral home that was a bit nervous about the whole deal. The corpse even “joins in” at one point, but MTV wasn’t too keen on the concept, giving it barely any airtime. Travers noted the promo had a decent budget, but the quirky, dark humor didn’t quite land with the fledgling music channel in 1982, making it a rare gem for fans to hunt down on platforms like YouTube.

Another tidbit comes from fan chatter on Amazon reviews for Black Pearl, where die-hard “Hammer Heads” rave about the song’s raw energy and its place in the album’s diverse soundscape. One fan called it a standout for its “ferocious attack,” blending hard rock with Travers’ signature bluesy edge. The track’s intensity is no surprise, given Travers’ reputation for pushing boundaries, as seen in his live performances around that time. A Bandcamp release of a 1982 Baltimore concert includes I’d Rather See You Dead, capturing the band’s tight, electrifying stage presence, with fans noting it as a highlight alongside covers like Statesboro Blues.

Now, let’s rewind to how Pat Travers kicked off his rock ‘n’ roll journey. Born in Toronto, Canada, on April 12, 1954, Travers picked up the guitar at age 12 after catching a life-changing Jimi Hendrix performance in Ottawa. According to his bio on pattravers.com, this sparked his musical fire, leading him to play in local bands like Music Machine, Red Hot, and Merge in Quebec’s club scene during his teens. His big break came when rock legend Ronnie Hawkins spotted him performing with Merge and invited him to join his band. By his early twenties, Travers headed to London, landing a deal with Polydor Records. His self-titled debut album dropped in 1976, featuring longtime bassist Peter “Mars” Cowling, setting the stage for a career that’s spanned over 30 albums.

Travers’ gritty, blues-infused hard rock has earned him a loyal following, and you can keep up with him on his official website, where tour dates and news are posted. He’s active on social media too, connecting with fans via Facebook, Instagram, and X. For those craving more, check out fan-driven spaces like the Pat Travers Fans Facebook group, where Hammer Heads share concert memories and rare finds. Another fan hub is Canadian Classic Rock, which dives into Travers’ legacy with bios and discographies. So, crank up I’d Rather See You Dead, Zoo Freaks, and let’s keep rockin’ with the Pat Travers Band!