Makes No Difference

The song "Makes No Difference" by the Pat Travers Band from their 1976 self-titled debut album is a standout track celebrated for its raw energy and blistering guitar work. Fans on platforms like Reddit have praised its musicianship, with one user noting that the song's instrumental prowess rivals the best of its era, even comparing it favorably to the work of Eddie Van Halen. The track captures the essence of 1970s hard rock, blending gritty vocals with intricate guitar riffs, making it a favorite among the band's loyal fanbase, who call themselves "Hammer Heads." Its driving rhythm and Travers' soulful delivery have been highlighted in fan discussions as emblematic of the album's high-quality production, which was recorded after Travers secured a deal with Polydor Records.

Another piece of trivia about "Makes No Difference" comes from its enduring appeal in live performances. The song was a staple in the Pat Travers Band's early shows, particularly during their tours supporting major acts like Rush. Fans recall the song's explosive energy on the 1979 live album Live! Go for What You Know, where Travers' guitar duels with second guitarist Pat Thrall electrified audiences. A Facebook post from the band’s official page in 2021 reminisced about the track’s role in their early sets, describing it as a "crowd igniter" that got Zoo Freaks—much like the band's own Hammer Heads—dancing and headbanging. The song’s raw, unpolished vibe reflects Travers' commitment to musical authenticity over flashy showmanship, a trait he emphasized in a 1980 Guitar Player magazine interview.

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. He picked up the guitar and quickly immersed himself in the local music scene, playing in bands like The Music Machine, Red Hot, and Merge during his teens. These early groups gigged in Quebec clubs, honing Travers' skills as a guitarist and performer. His big break came when rock artist Ronnie Hawkins noticed him during a performance with Merge and invited him to join his band. Travers spent a year touring with Hawkins, sharpening his stage presence and vocal abilities, though he soon left to pursue his own vision of hard rock stardom.

In his early twenties, Travers moved to London, armed with a Marshall amp and a demo that landed him a recording contract with Polydor Records. His self-titled debut album, featuring "Makes No Difference," was released in 1976 with bassist Peter "Mars" Cowling and drummer Roy Dyke. The album’s raw, guitar-driven sound established Travers as a rising star in the rock world. His relentless touring and subsequent albums, like Makin' Magic and Putting It Straight, built a dedicated following. Travers’ style, influenced by Hendrix and blues-rock pioneers, earned him praise from peers like Paul Gilbert, who called him a "guitar god," and Kirk Hammett of Metallica, who cited him as a favorite guitarist.

For the latest updates, fans can visit the Pat Travers Band’s official website or follow them on social media at Facebook, Instagram, and X. The band’s Facebook page, with over 152,000 likes, is a hub for tour announcements and fan interactions. Fan communities thrive online, including the Pat Travers Band Fans Facebook group, where Zoo Freaks and Hammer Heads share memories, rare photos, and concert experiences. Another fan site, Canadian Classic Rock, offers detailed bios and discographies, celebrating Travers’ contributions to rock music.