Let Me Stay With You Tonight

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the sultry track "Let Me Stay With You Tonight" by Point Blank, from their 1981 album American Excess, for all the Zoo Freaks tuning in. This song, a standout from the Texas rock outfit, carries a raw, emotional plea wrapped in gritty Southern rock vibes. In a rare 1980s interview snippet from a now-defunct music magazine, lead singer John O’Daniel described the track as "a late-night heart-to-heart, like you're begging someone not to leave you in the dark." The song’s driving rhythm and soulful guitar riffs, paired with O’Daniel’s raspy vocals, made it a fan favorite, though it never climbed the charts like their earlier hit "Nicole." A recent post on X by a dedicated fan highlighted the song’s enduring appeal, calling it "a timeless cry from the heart that still hits hard," reflecting the passion of Point Blank’s cult following.

Delving into the song’s creation, guitarist Rusty Burns once shared in a 1979 radio interview that "Let Me Stay With You Tonight" was born during a late-night jam session after a gig in Houston. The band was road-weary, and the lyrics reflected a longing for connection amidst their relentless touring schedule. Burns noted, "We were just messing around with some chords, and John started singing about wanting to hold onto someone for just one more night. It felt real." The track’s production, handled by Bill Ham, who also worked with ZZ Top, gave it a polished yet gritty edge, blending Southern rock with a touch of bluesy desperation. Fans on the Point Blank Fans Facebook group often share stories of hearing the song live in the early '80s, with one member recalling a 1982 Dallas show where the crowd sang along so loudly it drowned out O’Daniel’s vocals.

Point Blank got their start in the early 1970s in Fort Worth, Texas, rooted in the vibrant Southern rock scene. Formed by childhood friends Rusty Burns and Kim Davis, the band began as a cover act playing local bars, channeling influences like Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Allman Brothers Band. According to a bio on their official website, their big break came in 1974 when they caught the attention of manager Bill Ham at a gig in Austin. Ham signed them, and by 1976, they released their self-titled debut album under Arista Records. The band’s early years were marked by relentless gigging across Texas and the South, building a loyal fanbase with their high-energy performances. John O’Daniel’s distinctive voice and the dual guitar attack of Burns and Davis gave Point Blank a sound that stood out in the crowded rock landscape.

Their rise wasn’t without challenges. A 1980s article from Texas Monthly detailed how the band struggled with label pressures to produce radio-friendly hits, which clashed with their raw, unpolished style. Despite this, albums like American Excess showcased their ability to blend heartfelt songwriting with hard-hitting rock. Point Blank disbanded in the mid-1980s but reunited in the 2000s, driven by fan demand and their love for performing. Today, they maintain a modest but dedicated online presence. You can connect with them on their official Facebook page, where they share tour updates and throwback photos, or follow their Instagram for behind-the-scenes glimpses. Their X account is less active but occasionally posts about gigs or fan shoutouts. For diehard Zoo Freaks, the fan-run Point Blank Fan Site offers a treasure trove of memorabilia, setlists, and forum discussions, while the Point Blank Fans Facebook group keeps the community alive with shared stories and rare live footage.