Ready or Not

The song "Ready or Not" by Riggs, featured on their self-titled debut album, holds a special place in the band's history as a minor hit from their early 1980s hard rock era. Released in 1981 on the Full Moon label, the track gained some traction but didn’t propel the album to widespread success. Despite this, it became a fan favorite, especially during live performances when Jerry Riggs, the band’s frontman, joined the Pat Travers Band in 1983. According to sources, "Ready or Not" was a staple in their setlists, energizing crowds with its catchy riffs and dynamic energy. The song’s inclusion in the 1991 video release Boom Boom-Live At The Diamond Club, filmed in Toronto, further cemented its status, though disappointingly, Jerry Riggs’ memorable guitar solo was omitted from the final cut. This live rendition showcased the song’s ability to captivate audiences, with fans often singing along, making it a highlight of the Pat Travers Band’s grueling nightclub circuit tours in the late 1980s.

Another layer of intrigue surrounds "Ready or Not" due to its connection to the 1981 animated film Heavy Metal. While Riggs’ tracks "Radar Rider" and "Heartbeat" were prominently featured on the movie’s soundtrack, "Ready or Not" wasn’t included, yet it benefited from the band’s association with the cult classic. The song’s upbeat tempo and hard rock vibe aligned perfectly with the film’s edgy aesthetic, helping it resonate with the Zoo Freaks’ vibe at THE ZOO radio station. A notable moment in the song’s legacy came during a 2008 reunion performance at Smith’s Olde Bar in Atlanta, captured on YouTube, where Jerry Riggs, Jeremy Graf, David Ridarick, and Stephen Roy Carlisle delivered a nostalgic rendition that thrilled longtime fans. This performance underscored the song’s enduring appeal among dedicated followers who still celebrate Riggs’ contributions to the hard rock scene.

Jerry Riggs, the driving force behind the band, began his musical journey in Knoxville, Tennessee, born on August 25, 1955. As a teenager, he made waves as the lead guitarist for the local group Lynx, a popular bar band in the mid-1970s. With vocalist Michael Byassee, Lynx built a strong following on the Knoxville music circuit. A pivotal moment came after a serious romantic breakup with his first love, Cynthia Shubert, a local singer/songwriter. Devastated, Riggs decided to relocate to Atlanta, Georgia, taking guitarist Jeremy Graf with him. There, they formed Raggedy Ann, recruiting singer Don Trane. By 1979, the band was recording demos and attracting attention from major producers, leading to new management and recording deals. When Trane left in 1980, Riggs stepped up as frontman, renaming the group Riggs, which set the stage for their debut album and the release of "Ready or Not."

Riggs’ early career was marked by resilience and adaptability. After the band’s debut album failed to make a significant impact, Riggs joined forces with Canadian rocker Pat Travers in 1983, serving as co-lead guitarist. This period saw him touring extensively, performing "Ready or Not" to enthusiastic crowds and contributing original compositions like "Guitars From Hell" to Travers’ 1990 album School of Hard Knocks. After leaving Travers’ band in 1993, Riggs settled in Florida, where he continues to perform with the Bobby Friss Band, maintaining a loyal following. His journey from a Knoxville bar band to a recognized name in hard rock reflects his dedication to music and his ability to connect with audiences, much like the Zoo Crew’s connection with their Zoo Freaks.

While Jerry Riggs and the band Riggs maintain a low profile today, fans can stay connected through various online platforms. The band’s official Facebook page offers updates on rare performances and nostalgic posts about their 1980s heyday. Although no official website or Instagram account is currently active for Riggs, fans can follow Jerry Riggs’ activities through the Bobby Friss Band’s Facebook page, where he occasionally shares performance updates. On X, searching for “Jerry Riggs” or “Riggs band” yields fan discussions and throwback posts about their music. Fan communities, such as the 80s Rock Fans Facebook group, often share memories of Riggs’ contributions to the era, including "Ready or Not," making it a great place for Zoo Freaks to join the conversation and celebrate the band’s legacy.