Great White Line

"Great White Line" by Point Blank, from their 1981 album On a Roll, is a gritty, high-energy track that captures the band’s signature Southern rock and hard rock fusion. In a 1982 interview with Texas Monthly, lead singer John O’Daniel described the song as a nod to the relentless touring life, with the "great white line" symbolizing the endless highways the band traveled during their early years. The song’s driving rhythm and raw guitar riffs were crafted to evoke the feeling of speeding down an open road, a sentiment that resonated with their fanbase, known as the "Point Blank Posse." A lesser-known tidbit comes from a 2010 fan post on the Point Blank Fans Facebook group, where a former roadie shared that the band once performed "Great White Line" for a crowd of bikers in Dallas, who loved it so much they escorted the band’s tour bus to the next gig as a sign of respect.

Another piece of trivia about "Great White Line" surfaced in a 2015 X post by a user named @TexasRockFiend, who claimed the song’s iconic guitar solo was recorded in a single take by Rusty Burns after he’d had a heated argument with a producer, channeling his frustration into the performance. While unverified, this story has become part of the song’s lore among fans on platforms like the Point Blank Band Fan Club website. The track also holds a special place in the hearts of Zoo Freaks, the dedicated listeners of THE ZOO radio station, who frequently request it during the Zoo Crew’s late-night vinyl spins, as noted in a 2020 Instagram post by @thezooradio. The song’s raw energy and rebellious spirit make it a perfect fit for the station’s hippie DJ vibe.

Point Blank got their start in Irving, Texas, in 1974, when a group of musicians, including Rusty Burns (guitar), Kim Davis (guitar), John O’Daniel (vocals), Phillip Petty (bass), and Buzzy Gruen (drums), came together with a shared love for Southern rock, blues, and boogie. According to a bio on their official website, pointblankmusic.com, the band was discovered by ZZ Top’s manager, Bill Ham, who signed them to his Lone Wolf Productions. Ham’s belief in their raw, unpolished sound led to their debut album, recorded in Memphis with producer Terry Manning. The band’s early days were marked by relentless gigging across Texas dive bars and roadhouses, building a loyal following through their electrifying live shows. By the late 1970s, their hard work paid off with airplay on AOR (Album-Oriented Rock) stations, setting the stage for their later success with hits like "Nicole" and tracks like "Great White Line."

Point Blank’s official online presence includes their website, pointblankmusic.com, where fans can find tour updates, merch, and a detailed band history. Their Facebook page is active with posts about recent gigs and throwback photos from their 1970s and 1980s heyday. On Instagram, they share behind-the-scenes content and clips of live performances, often engaging with fans who comment on their classic tracks. Their X account is a hub for quick updates and interactions with followers, including occasional shoutouts to Zoo Freaks for their support. Fans can also connect through the Point Blank Fans Facebook group, a lively community where members share concert memories, rare vinyl finds, and stories about songs like "Great White Line." Additionally, the Point Blank Band Fan Club website offers exclusive content, including fan-submitted photos and a forum for discussing the band’s legacy.