Snortin’ Whiskey

Zoo Freaks, get ready for a wild ride with the Zoo Crew as we spin the classic "Snortin’ Whiskey" by the Pat Travers Band from their 1980 album Crash and Burn. This blues-rock anthem, co-written by Pat Travers and guitarist Pat Thrall, came to life in a Miami rehearsal studio in 1979. According to a 2022 Guitar Player interview, Travers had been tinkering with a country lick that evolved into the song’s iconic riff. The title was inspired by a cheeky moment when Thrall, arriving late to rehearsal with his girlfriend, quipped, “Oh, you know… snortin’ whiskey and drinkin’ cocaine.” That offhand remark sparked the song, which was written in minutes and became a staple of Travers’ live shows. It’s no wonder it hit number one on FM rock station playlists across the U.S. and propelled Crash and Burn to number 20 on Billboard’s Pop Albums Chart.

Another cool tidbit? "Snortin’ Whiskey" found a second life in pop culture when it was featured in the 2004 Academy Award-winning film Sideways. Travers shared in the same Guitar Player interview that he was thrilled to hear the song during a gritty scene with a couple in a bedroom, followed by a naked chase down the street. He laughed, calling it “fantastic” and a perfect fit for the moment. The song’s raw energy also resonates with fans on social media, with posts on Reddit praising its infectious vibe and the band’s tight musicianship, though some fans debate the lyrics, wondering if it’s “bad river” or “bad rumor” in the line about a girl who’s “all over town.” Either way, it’s a track that keeps the Zoo Freaks rockin’.

Let’s dive into how Pat Travers, the heart of the Pat Travers Band, got his start. Born on April 12, 1954, in Toronto, Canada, Travers picked up the guitar at age 12 after witnessing Jimi Hendrix perform in Ottawa, an experience that ignited his passion for music. By his teens, he was playing in local bands like Music Machine, Red Hot, and Merge, gigging in Quebec clubs. His talent caught the eye of rock artist Ronnie Hawkins, who invited Travers to perform with him. In his early twenties, Travers moved to London and signed with Polydor Records, releasing his self-titled debut album in 1976. Featuring bassist Peter “Mars” Cowling, a longtime collaborator, the album laid the foundation for Travers’ blues-rock sound. His early performances, like a 1976 Rockpalast TV appearance with Cowling and drummer Nicko McBrain (later of Iron Maiden), showcased his electrifying stage presence.

Travers’ career took off with albums like Live! Go for What You Know and Crash and Burn, though he faced challenges in the late 1980s after parting ways with Polydor. Despite setbacks, his loyal fanbase, known as “Hammer Heads,” kept him going. Fans continue to celebrate his work on platforms like Facebook, where the official Pat Travers Band page shares tour updates and memories. You can also follow him on Instagram for behind-the-scenes glimpses and on X for the latest news. For deeper fan connections, check out the Pat Travers Band Fan Club on Facebook, where Hammer Heads swap stories and show love for classics like "Snortin’ Whiskey." So, Zoo Freaks, keep it locked on THE ZOO as we crank up the volume and let Travers’ riffs take us higher!