Makes No Difference (Live 1979)

The song "Makes No Difference (Live 1979)" by the Pat Travers Band, featured on the album Live! Go for What You Know, is a high-energy closer that showcases the band's raw power and instrumental prowess. Recorded during concerts in Texas and Florida in early 1979, this live version extends the original studio track from their 1976 debut album to over seven minutes, giving each member space to shine. On the Reddit ClassicRock community, fans praise the song’s musicianship, with one user noting it could stand up to any track of its era, including those by Van Halen. The live performance, introduced by Pat Travers as a tune from their first record, captures the band’s tight interplay, with Travers and co-guitarist Pat Thrall trading electrifying solos, bassist Mars Cowling laying down a funky groove, and drummer Tommy Aldridge delivering a relentless beat. A review on Defenders of the Faith describes the song as an "atomic bomb of a show closer," highlighting Aldridge’s aggressive drumming and the band’s unhinged energy.

In a 2016 interview with Hit Channel, Pat Travers reflected on the Live! Go for What You Know album, expressing pride in its classic status. He credited the band’s chemistry, particularly with Pat Thrall, whom he called one of his favorite guitarists and a hilarious personality. Fans on Facebook often share memories of the song’s live impact, with one recalling a 1979 concert where the band’s intensity left headliners scrambling to match their energy. The song’s lyrics, with lines like “It makes no difference, uh, the way you feel,” reflect a gritty, no-nonsense attitude that resonated with the band’s “Hammer Heads” fanbase, a term coined for their loyal supporters. The Rate Your Music community lauds the track for its blues-rock vibe, noting it evokes the feel of a local bar band with big-stage charisma.

Pat Travers, born on April 12, 1954, in Toronto, Canada, began his musical journey at age 12 after witnessing Jimi Hendrix perform in Ottawa, an experience that ignited his passion for the guitar. As detailed on his Wikipedia page, Travers started playing in local bands like Music Machine, Red Hot, and Merge during his teens, honing his skills in Quebec’s club scene. His talent caught the attention of rock artist Ronnie Hawkins, who invited Travers to perform with him. In his early twenties, Travers moved to London, where he secured a recording contract with Polydor Records. His self-titled debut album, released in 1976, featured bassist Peter “Mars” Cowling, who became a long-time collaborator. This marked the start of Travers’ career, blending hard rock, blues, and funk influences that would define the Pat Travers Band’s sound.

Travers’ official website, pattravers.com, offers tour dates, news, and merchandise for fans. You can follow the band on social media via their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share updates and engage with fans. The Pat Travers Band Fan Group on Facebook is a vibrant community where “Hammer Heads” discuss shows, share memorabilia, and celebrate the band’s legacy. Another fan hub, the Classic Rock Forums, features threads dedicated to Travers’ discography and live performances, reflecting the enduring devotion of his fanbase.