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Arts & Entertainment

Pat Travers Band

" 'Allo, music lovers..."

It's early 1979, and the Pat Travers Band have just been introduced and subsequently recorded for what would become one of the slickest and hottest guitar-rock albums ever committed to vinyl. 'Live! Go for What You Know' was a huge success on both sides of the pond, acclaimed by their musical peers, fans, and music critics alike. It was high-energy. It was electric. It was lightning in a bottle. The album, much like the Canadian musician himself, remains an influence for a whole generation of guitar slingers.

The band in question - Pat Travers, guitarist Pat Thrall, drummer Tommy Aldridge and bass player Peter "Mars" Cowling - were unarguably one of the most talented rock quartets ever to perform. They were also responsible for a pair of bona fide studio classics - their 1978 guitar rock debut 'Heat in the Street', and 1980's more musically diverse and critically acclaimed 'Crash and Burn'. 'Go for What You Know' was the musical meat in that sonic sandwich.

Thrall's fusion was the perfect foil for Travers, who has always put the melodic tone and 'feel' of his solos before any fret burning. Aldridge was one of the most noted and flamboyant sticksmen of the era. Cowling was the inspiration, driving the rhythm through his ever solid, yet extremely flexible, four-string work.

Toronto born Patrick Henry Travers had already delivered a tasty trio of releases before the formation of that formidable four-piece, and would go on to deliver classy melodic eighties rock before a blues period in the nineties, but it's that famous foursome that set standards, kicked your ass, and made such a musical mark.

"My name is Pat Travers, and this is my band..."

It's early 2009, and the Pat Travers Band have just been recorded live by Rockline Radio. On playback, Rockline's Bob Coburn turns to bass player Rodney O'Quinn and comments: "I think we caught lightning in a bottle tonight." To have that happen once in a career is special. To repeat that feat thirty years later may be unique.

From the streets of Toronto, to the streets of London, now, here to kick your ass... The Pat Travers Band.

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