Life in London

The song "Life in London" by the Pat Travers Band is a high-energy track from their 1977 album Putting It Straight, capturing the raw essence of 1970s hard rock. One fascinating piece of trivia about the song comes from its connection to Pat Travers' personal journey. The lyrics, starting with “Life in London is bittersweet. Spray can slogans along the street,” reflect Travers’ experience moving from Canada to London in his early twenties to chase his musical dreams. According to a post on Forgotten Rock Classics, the song narrates Travers’ audition for a Polydor record executive, with the album’s iconic front and back cover art depicting a rocker’s struggle to impress the “big guy.” The track’s blistering guitar riffs and driving rhythm, especially the mini-solo within the first 15 seconds, set the tone for a thrilling ride, making it a standout for fans who love cranking it up while driving.

Another tidbit about "Life in London" surfaced in fan discussions on Reddit, where fans, or “Hammer Heads” as they call themselves, praised the song’s raw energy and its place on Putting It Straight, often calling the album a “masterpiece.” A live performance of the song from December 8, 2012, at The Bamboo Room in Lake Worth, Florida, was shared on the Pat Travers Band’s Facebook page, showcasing its enduring appeal. The song’s production, handled by Dennis MacKay and Travers himself, is noted for its crisp, hard-hitting sound, which Classic Rock History says defined the 1970s rock vibe. Fans on the Pat Travers Band Fan Group often share stories of discovering the song in their youth, with one member recalling wearing out the vinyl from constant play in the late ’70s.

Pat Travers, born Patrick Henry Travers on April 12, 1954, in Toronto, Canada, began his musical journey at a young age. Inspired by seeing Jimi Hendrix perform in Ottawa at age 12, Travers picked up the guitar and never looked back. By his teens, he was playing in local bands like The Music Machine, Red Hot, and Merge, gigging in Quebec clubs. His big break came when rock artist Ronnie Hawkins noticed him during a Merge performance and invited him to join his band. This exposure gave Travers the confidence to move to London in his early twenties, where he signed with Polydor Records. His self-titled debut album, released in 1976, featured bassist Peter “Mars” Cowling, who became a long-time collaborator. A 1976 appearance on the German TV show Rockpalast, later released as Hooked on Music on DVD, showcased Travers’ early band with Cowling and drummer Nicko McBrain, cementing his reputation as a fierce guitarist.

Travers’ career took off with albums like Makin’ Magic and Putting It Straight, the latter featuring “Life in London.” His relentless touring, often over 150 dates a year, earned him a loyal fanbase. Notable musicians like Pat Thrall, Tommy Aldridge, and Carmine Appice have played in the Pat Travers Band over the years, contributing to its evolving sound. Travers’ influence is acknowledged by guitarists like Paul Gilbert, who called him a “guitar god,” and Kirk Hammett of Metallica, who cited him as a favorite. Beyond music, Travers is a black belt in Isshin Ryu Karate, training with Mike Reeves Sensei in Florida, a detail shared on his Instagram.

For the latest updates, fans can visit the Pat Travers Band’s official website for tour dates and merchandise. The band’s Facebook page, with over 152,000 followers, regularly posts live clips and news. On Instagram, Travers shares behind-the-scenes photos and performance snippets. The band’s X account keeps fans in the loop with real-time updates. For community vibes, the Pat Travers Band Fan Group on Facebook is a hub for “Hammer Heads” to share memories and discuss favorites like “Life in London.” Another fan site, No Life Til Metal, offers detailed discography insights and reviews for die-hard supporters.