Cal Transvestite

The song "Cal Transvestite" by The Saddle Tramps from their 2004 album Nashville Swinger is a wild, tongue-in-cheek track that captures the band's irreverent humor and honky-tonk vibe. According to a 2005 interview with lead singer Big John on Reno Gazette Journal, the song was inspired by a late-night road trip through California where the band spotted a flamboyant figure hitchhiking in a construction zone, sparking a raucous storytelling session that became the song’s core. The lyrics, packed with playful innuendo, reflect the band’s knack for blending gritty country with absurd, real-life anecdotes. On their Facebook page in 2018, the band shared a fan’s story about blasting "Cal Transvestite" at a dive bar, leading to an impromptu dance-off that ended with the bar’s jukebox stuck on repeat. The song’s raw energy and unapologetic weirdness make it a fan favorite among Zoo Freaks tuning into THE ZOO’s eclectic airwaves.

The Saddle Tramps formed in 1999 in Sparks, Nevada, when Big John and Scotty, a comedy duo, started performing shortened versions of their original songs mixed with standup improv at venues like The Improv. Their offbeat humor and raw country sound quickly gained a local following, as noted in a bio on Last.fm. By 2000, they expanded into a full band, adding a drummer and the gun-slinging go-go dancer Suzy Switchblade, whose stage antics became a hallmark of their live shows. Relentless gigging around Reno and beyond led to a deal with L.A.’s Split Seven Records, which released their live CD and a compilation before the band launched their own label, Von Roller Records. Their DIY ethos and tireless touring, including stops at iconic venues like The Continental Club in Austin and The Tropicana in Las Vegas, cemented their cult status in the underground country scene.

Fans can connect with The Saddle Tramps through their official website and social media, though their online presence is as gritty and sporadic as their music. Their Facebook page is active with occasional posts about gigs and throwback photos, while their Instagram showcases grainy live shots and tongue-in-cheek memes. On X, they share sporadic updates about shows and interact with fans using their signature sardonic wit. For diehard Zoo Freaks, the Saddle Tramps Fan Club on Facebook is a lively hub where fans swap stories, share bootleg live recordings, and organize meetups at gigs. While no official fan websites exist, the band’s cult following thrives in these online spaces, keeping the spirit of "Cal Transvestite" and Nashville Swinger alive.