Killer

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Killer" by the Pat Travers Band from their 1984 album Hot Shot, a track that’s got the Zoo Freaks howling with its gritty riffs and raw energy. This song, a standout from the album, marked a return to the band’s harder-edged rock roots after a couple of more mainstream releases. One juicy piece of trivia comes from the album’s era when Pat Travers released a quirky 30-minute home video called Just Another Killer Day. This sci-fi short featured music from Hot Shot, including "Killer," and told a wild story about sexy alien women landing on Earth to gather info on music. Imagine the Zoo Freaks digging that retro vibe! The video was a cult hit among fans, showcasing Travers’ willingness to blend his music with offbeat creativity.

Another tidbit from the Hot Shot period ties to the band’s lineup changes. Just before recording, longtime bassist Peter "Mars" Cowling split, and Travers brought in new players like Cliff Jordan and Donni Hughes. But the real magic happened when guitarist Jerry Riggs joined in 1983, forming a dual-guitar attack with Travers that fans on the Pat Travers Band Facebook page still rave about. Riggs’ addition gave "Killer" its ferocious edge, and the band was tight when they hit the road, even opening for Rush in 1984. Rush’s Alex Lifeson was a big fan, reportedly geeking out over Travers’ axe skills. Check out fan discussions on the Pat Travers Band Fan Group on Facebook for more love for this era.

Pat Travers, the heart of the band, kicked off his journey in Toronto, Canada, born on April 12, 1954. He picked up the guitar at 12, and a life-changing moment came when he saw Jimi Hendrix shred in Ottawa. That show lit a fire in young Pat, who was also inspired by Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, and Jimmy Page. By his teens, he was gigging in local bands like The Music Machine, Red Hot, and Merge, tearing up Quebec clubs. His big break came when rock legend Ronnie Hawkins spotted him playing with Merge and invited him to join his crew. In his early 20s, Travers took a leap, moving to London and signing with Polydor Records. His self-titled debut dropped in 1976, featuring bassist Peter "Mars" Cowling, who’d stick around for years. That album, and a killer performance on Germany’s Rockpalast TV show, put Travers on the map.

Travers’ career has spanned decades, with a loyal fanbase calling themselves "Hammer Heads" who still vibe to tracks like "Killer." You can catch up with him on his official website for tour dates and news. Follow him on Facebook and Instagram for behind-the-scenes shots and updates. He’s also active on X, sharing throwbacks and gig info. Fans keep the flame alive on sites like Classic Rock Forums and the Pat Travers Band Fan Group, where Zoo Freaks can geek out over his discography and swap stories about epic live shows.