Makin’ Magic (Live 1979)

The Zoo Crew is spinning the electrifying track "Makin’ Magic (Live 1979)" by the Pat Travers Band from their iconic album Live! Go for What You Know, and the Zoo Freaks are undoubtedly feeling the magic! This live rendition, recorded during a high-energy performance, captures the raw power of the band’s 1979 tour, a period when they were at the peak of their live prowess. The song itself, originally from the 1977 album Makin’ Magic, is a funky, hard-rocking anthem with snarling guitar riffs and intricate time changes that showcase Pat Travers’ signature style. According to fan discussions on Classic Rock Forums, the live version amplifies the studio track’s intensity, with Travers’ guitar work and the band’s tight chemistry creating a “sonic train” that fans still ride decades later. The lyrics, as noted on Genius, paint a vivid picture of a mesmerizing woman casting a spell, with lines like “She’s makin’ magic, oh that’s what she does / Don’t come from below, must have come from above,” adding a mystical vibe that resonates with the song’s groove.

One piece of trivia about “Makin’ Magic” is its role in cementing the Pat Travers Band’s reputation as a must-see live act. The 1979 live album, recorded during tours with major acts like Rush and Aerosmith, is often cited as a high point in Travers’ career, with Live! Go for What You Know considered a “must-have” for guitar rock fans. A post on Tumblr highlights how the 1977 studio version already showcased Travers’ ability to blend blues, funk, and hard rock, but the live 1979 take added an extra layer of swagger, thanks to the band’s relentless touring schedule. Fans on the Pat Travers Band Fan Group on Facebook have shared stories of attending those late ’70s concerts, recalling how Travers would engage audiences with his barefoot performances and even invite fans onstage for “air guitar” moments, a nod to his accessibility and connection with his “Hammer Heads” fanbase.

Delving into Pat Travers’ origins, the Canadian-born guitarist, born Patrick Henry Travers on April 12, 1954, in Toronto, began his musical journey at age 12 after witnessing a life-changing performance by Jimi Hendrix in Ottawa. Inspired by guitar legends like Hendrix, Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, and Jimmy Page, Travers started playing in local bands such as Red Hot and Merge in Quebec’s club scene during his teens. His big break came when rock artist Ronnie Hawkins noticed him performing with Merge and invited him to tour, giving Travers valuable stage experience. In his early twenties, Travers moved to London, armed with a black Fender Telecaster, a Marshall amp, and a wah-wah pedal, determined to make his mark. He secured a deal with Polydor Records, and his self-titled debut album was released in 1976, featuring bassist Peter “Mars” Cowling, who became a long-time collaborator. Travers’ appearance at the 1976 Reading Festival and a performance on Germany’s Rockpalast TV show further boosted his profile, setting the stage for the success of albums like Makin’ Magic.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper into the Pat Travers Band’s world, you can visit their official website for tour dates and news. Connect with the band on Facebook, where they share updates and interact with fans, or check out their Instagram for behind-the-scenes glimpses. On X, Travers occasionally posts about gigs and reflections on his career. Fans can also join the vibrant Pat Travers Band Fan Group on Facebook to swap stories and celebrate the band’s legacy. For more fan-driven content, Classic Rock Forums offers threads dedicated to Travers’ discography and live performances, keeping the Hammer Heads’ spirit alive.