Highway Star (Live 1981)

Zoo Freaks, get ready to crank up the volume as the Zoo Crew spins the high-octane "Highway Star (Live 1981)" by Point Blank from their King Biscuit Flower Hour album. This track, originally by Deep Purple, was covered by Point Blank with a Southern rock flair, captured live during their performance on the iconic King Biscuit Flower Hour radio show. The song’s blistering energy stems from its origins, as Deep Purple’s Ritchie Blackmore crafted the riff on a tour bus in 1971, with Ian Gillan improvising lyrics on the spot, debuting it that same night in Portsmouth, UK. Point Blank’s 1981 rendition, recorded for the syndicated radio program that aired on over 300 stations, showcases their ability to infuse the track with gritty, Texas-style swagger. Fun fact: the King Biscuit Flower Hour archives, including this performance, were nearly lost in a 1982 fire at the D.I.R. Broadcasting office in Manhattan, but thankfully, many recordings, like this one, survived and were later acquired by Wolfgang’s Vault for streaming and download.

Diving into the vibe of this live cut, Point Blank’s version of "Highway Star" reflects the raw, unpolished magic of the King Biscuit Flower Hour, a show that ran from 1973 to 1993 and was known for capturing bands at their peak. The 1981 performance, part of a broadcast that aired on July 12, 1981, alongside Steppenwolf, highlights Point Blank’s tight musicianship and their knack for reinterpreting classics. The song’s driving rhythm and searing guitar solos echo the original’s car-racing spirit, which Blackmore once said was meant to sound “like someone driving in a fast car.” Point Blank, known for their Southern rock roots, leaned into this energy, making it a staple for fans who caught the broadcast on FM radio, often recording it on cassettes for keepsakes. The band’s take joins a roster of covers by acts like Dream Theater and Faith No More, but Point Blank’s live grit stands out, especially for Zoo Freaks who love that raw, road-trip-ready sound.

Now, let’s rewind to how Point Blank got their start. Hailing from Irving, Texas, the band formed in the early 1970s when childhood friends Rusty Burns (guitar) and Kim Davis (guitar) teamed up with vocalist John O’Daniel, bassist Phillip Petty, and drummer Buzzy Gruen. Their shared love for blues, rock, and Southern soul shaped their sound, blending the raw edge of The Allman Brothers with the punch of Led Zeppelin. After honing their craft in local dives, they caught the ear of ZZ Top’s manager, Bill Ham, who signed them to Arista Records. Their self-titled debut in 1976, produced by Bill Ham, put them on the map with tracks like “Free Man,” earning them opening slots for acts like Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Marshall Tucker Band. Point Blank’s relentless touring and fiery live shows built a loyal fanbase, leading to six albums by 1982, including their King Biscuit performance. Despite lineup changes and a hiatus in the 1980s, Burns and O’Daniel kept the flame alive, reforming the band in the 2000s for new music and tours.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to connect with Point Blank, check out their official website at pointblankmusic.com for the latest on releases and shows. Follow them on Facebook for updates and throwback photos, or hit up their Instagram for behind-the-scenes vibes. On X, they share news and interact with fans, keeping the Southern rock spirit alive. For deeper dives, join the fan community at the Point Blank Fans Facebook Group, where devotees swap stories, rare tracks, and concert memories. While no official fan website exists, sites like The Highway Star occasionally cover Point Blank’s ties to Deep Purple’s legacy, especially for tracks like “Highway Star.” So, Zoo Freaks, keep those dials locked on THE ZOO, and let Point Blank’s live fire fuel your rock ‘n’ roll soul!