The Stake

Not much direct commentary from the Steve Miller Band exists specifically about "The Stake" from their 1977 album Book of Dreams, but the song’s vibe and context offer some cool trivia. Written by guitarist David Denny, it’s a lesser-known gem compared to hits like "Jet Airliner" or "Swingtown" from the same album, but it’s got a gritty, bluesy edge that Zoo Freaks would dig. The track features harmonica by Norton Buffalo, whose soulful wail adds a raw, almost primal feel, perfect for a hippie DJ crew spinning at THE ZOO. In a 2017 interview with Rolling Stone, Steve Miller mentioned that Book of Dreams was recorded alongside Fly Like an Eagle, with the band laying down tracks at CBS Studios in San Francisco in a burst of creative energy. This dual-album session gave "The Stake" its loose, jam-heavy sound, as the band was deep in their groove, blending blues-rock with that California soft-rock polish. On Reddit’s ClassicRock community, fans have called it a “deep cut classic,” with one user, CraigScott999, naming it their favorite Miller tune, praising its driving rhythm and evocative lyrics about burning passion and being “tied at the stake.”

Another tidbit comes from the album’s production. Steve Miller, who produced Book of Dreams himself, worked with engineer Mike Fusaro and mixer Jim Gaines to craft a sound that felt both polished and raw. According to a AllMusic review, the album’s sessions were a high point of the band’s ’70s run, and "The Stake" stands out for its lyrical imagery—lines like “Burning, burning all you can take / Wheels are turning in the bed you make” evoke a sense of urgency and desire that resonates with the free-spirited Zoo Crew aesthetic. The song was also covered by the stoner rock band Acid King, showing its reach beyond classic rock into heavier, trippier genres, which might catch the ear of some Zoo Freaks tuning in for something offbeat.

Steve Miller, the driving force behind the Steve Miller Band, got his start in music thanks to a mix of early influences and a knack for blending blues with rock. Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on October 5, 1943, Miller grew up in a musical household. His father, a pathologist with a love for music, hosted legends like Les Paul, who taught young Steve some guitar chords and let him sit in on sessions, as noted in a bio on AllMusic. By high school in Dallas, Texas, Miller formed his first band, The Marksmen, and even taught classmate Boz Scaggs a few chords. After moving to Chicago for college, he dove into the blues scene, playing gigs with Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf. In 1966, Miller headed to San Francisco, forming the Steve Miller Blues Band, which became the Steve Miller Band after signing with Capitol Records in 1967. Their debut album, Children of the Future, dropped in 1968, mixing psychedelic rock with blues roots, setting the stage for their later hits.

Miller’s early years in San Francisco were pivotal. The band played alongside acts like the Grateful Dead and Big Brother and the Holding Company, soaking up the city’s counterculture vibe—perfect for the Zoo Crew’s hippie ethos. A key moment came at the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival, where the band performed just before the Electric Flag, gaining exposure. By the mid-’70s, Miller shifted toward a more melodic, radio-friendly sound, leading to the massive success of The Joker, Fly Like an Eagle, and Book of Dreams. His ability to evolve from blues-rock to polished pop-rock kept the band relevant, and in 2016, Miller was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, though he controversially noted in a Rolling Stone interview that he wished his bandmates had been included.

You can keep up with the Steve Miller Band on their official website, where they share tour dates, music, and merch. They’re active on Facebook, posting about recent projects like Miller’s contribution to Playing for Change’s “Fly Like an Eagle” cover. On Instagram, they share throwback photos and tour updates, while their X account keeps fans in the loop with news, like Eminem sampling “Abracadabra” in his single “Houdini.” For fan communities, check out the Steve Miller Band Fans Facebook group, where Zoo Freaks might find kindred spirits sharing concert stories and rare tracks. There’s also DaveGott.com, a fan site with detailed album info, including Book of Dreams, for those craving a deep dive into the band’s discography.