School (Live 1979)

The Zoo Crew is spinning "School (Live 1979)" by Supertramp, a track from their iconic live album Paris, recorded during their Breakfast in America tour at the Pavillon de Paris on November 29, 1979. This song, originally from the 1974 album Crime of the Century, is a fan favorite, and its live version captures the band’s electric energy. In a 2015 interview, Roger Hodgson, the song’s composer, shared that "School" was inspired by his own experiences in the British education system, reflecting on how it often stifles individuality. He noted, “It’s about the system teaching us how to conform rather than encouraging us to find our true selves.” The song’s haunting harmonica intro and extended live outro, featuring John Helliwell’s saxophone, were highlights of their 1979 performances, often leaving audiences in awe, as seen in fan posts on Supertramp Fans.

Another piece of trivia comes from the production of the Live in Paris ’79 concert film, released in 2012. The footage was nearly lost forever until Supertramp drummer Bob Siebenberg discovered the film reels in a California barn in 2006. The reels were in poor condition, requiring extensive digital restoration. Fans on Supertramp’s X account celebrated the release, with one user tweeting, “Seeing ‘School’ live from ’79 is like stepping into a time machine—pure magic!” The live album Paris reached number 8 on the Billboard 200 and went Gold, with "School" often cited as a standout track for its raw intensity compared to the studio version.

Supertramp began in London in 1969, founded by Rick Davies and Roger Hodgson. Davies, a Swindon native born in 1944, grew up in a working-class family and discovered music through drumming at age 12, influenced by jazz legend Gene Krupa. By 15, he was playing in local rock bands like Vince and the Vigilantes. Hodgson, born in 1950, responded to an ad Davies placed in Melody Maker for a guitarist. After auditioning among 93 others, Hodgson joined but switched to bass when another guitarist arrived, only to later return to guitar and keyboards. The duo’s songwriting partnership, with Davies’ bluesy, jazz-inflected style and Hodgson’s pop-leaning falsetto, defined Supertramp’s sound. Their self-titled debut in 1970 flopped, but after lineup changes, including the addition of John Helliwell, Dougie Thomson, and Bob Siebenberg, their 1974 album Crime of the Century became a breakthrough, featuring "School" and "Dreamer."

You can follow Supertramp on their official Facebook and Instagram for updates, though the band has been less active since their last concert in 2012. Roger Hodgson maintains his own website and is active on Facebook, Instagram, and X, often sharing stories about his Supertramp days. Fans connect on sites like Supertramp Fan Club and the Supertramp Fans Facebook group, where Zoo Freaks can join discussions about the band’s legacy and tracks like "School."