Raise a Little Hell

The song Raise a Little Hell by Trooper, featured on their 1978 album Thick as Thieves, is a Canadian rock anthem that has left a lasting mark. One fascinating piece of trivia is its status as Trooper’s only US Hot 100 hit, peaking in the Top 10 and becoming a staple at sports stadiums across Canada and the United States. Its infectious energy and rebellious spirit have made it a go-to for hockey games and lively crowds. Interestingly, the song’s legacy extends to unexpected places; it was recently featured in a commercial, humorously landing Trooper “in the soup,” as noted by former keyboardist Frank Ludwig on his website, frankludwig.ca. The track’s anthemic quality also caught the attention of Canadian punk bands, who covered it for a benefit album called Shot Spots, a testament to its enduring influence.

Another layer to the song’s story involves its production and band dynamics. Thick as Thieves, produced by Randy Bachman of The Guess Who, went double-platinum in Canada, with Raise a Little Hell as its standout track. However, behind the scenes, there were tensions. Frank Ludwig, who sang lead on other album tracks like Round, Round We Go and The Moment That It Takes, had a song called It’s a Fine Mess relegated to the B-side of some Raise a Little Hell singles. Ludwig later shared on his website that a misunderstanding led to his song being sidelined, marking the beginning of internal band friction. Despite this, the song’s raw energy and universal appeal have kept it alive, with fans on platforms like Trooper’s official Facebook often sharing memories of singing it at concerts or hearing it at local events.

Trooper began in 1975, born from the creative spark of vocalist Ra McGuire and guitarist Brian Smith. The duo’s musical journey started earlier, in 1967, with a band called Winter’s Green, which recorded a couple of tracks under the Rumble Records label. By the early 1970s, they rebranded as Applejack, adding drummer Tommy Stewart and bassist Harry Kalensky, and became a popular act in Vancouver, touring extensively across British Columbia. Their big break came when Randy Bachman, impressed by their live performance as Applejack, signed them to his Legend label and produced their self-titled debut album under their new name, Trooper. This album, released in 1975, included hits like Baby Woncha Please Come Home and General Hand Grenade, setting the stage for their rise. After moving to MCA Records and adding Frank Ludwig on keyboards, Trooper’s sound evolved, leading to gold and platinum records, including their breakout Two for the Show in 1976.

Today, Trooper remains a beloved Canadian rock institution, celebrated for their tireless touring and connection with fans, affectionately called “Trooper Freaks” in some circles. Their official website, trooper.com, offers a deep dive into their history, tour dates, and merchandise. You can follow them on social media at Facebook, Instagram, and X, where they share updates and interact with fans. For those seeking community, the Trooper (Canadian Rock Band) Fan Group on Facebook is a vibrant space where fans swap stories, photos, and memories of concerts. Another fan-driven hub is Frank Ludwig’s website, which provides personal insights into his time with Trooper and his contributions to songs like Raise a Little Hell. These platforms keep the band’s legacy alive, much like the Zoo Freaks keep the airwaves buzzing with Trooper’s timeless tunes.