THOMAS S, ORWAT, JR.
Buffalo, NY – It was a fantastic evening of classic rock music in South Buffalo last Wednesday when legendary guitarist and vocalist Pat Travers and his incredible band, consisting of former Pearl Jam drummer Dave Abbruzzese (who just recently joined the band) and bass player David Pastorius, hit the Western New York area for the first time since 2022.
Travers, who was born in Toronto, Ontario, released his debut album in 1976 and soon became one of the most respected artists in rock music. He scored a major FM radio hit with his remake of the blues classic “Boom Boom (Out Go the Lights)” from his 1979 live album, Live! Go for What You Know. Travers also served as the opening act on AC/DC’s 1979 North American ‘Highway to Hell‘ tour, which would be AC/DC’s final North American tour with vocalist Bon Scott.
On this evening, the 72-year-old Travers was flawless during his epic and rocking 80-minute set. The Caz nightclub, which was previously a commercial bank, provided the perfect intimate setting for the sold-out audience. Backed by the powerful rhythm section of Abbruzzese and Pastorius, Travers delivered an energetic performance that showcased why he remains one of rock’s most respected guitarists more than five decades into his career.
Travers hit the stage at 8:15 p.m. and kicked off his set with the song “Hooked on Music,” which has been a common opener for Travers for decades, and it definitely set the tone for the evening. The band was locked in, and Travers’ dynamic guitar work was very impressive, as expected.
Interestingly, about 30 minutes into the set, after performing the song “Gettin’ Better,” Travers announced that he and the band were going to take a “7-minute break.” It was unclear whether it was due to technical problems or the fact that Travers needed to leave the stage for a bit. It turned out to be more of a 10-minute-plus break, however.
Travers returned and told the audience that his friend, legendary drummer Carmine Appice, was celebrating his birthday. Not sure if Travers got the date wrong, because Carmine’s birthday is listed as December 15. Regardless, Travers proceeded to play a rock version of “Happy Birthday.” After a few attempts, he got it right, explaining, “I never play this song.”
A few songs later, Travers kicked into his two biggest hits, “Snortin’ Whiskey” and “Boom Boom (Out Go the Lights).” Travers, Pastorius, and Abbruzzese locked in especially for these classics. This power trio has an undeniable chemistry and is possibly one of the most musically gifted rock bands touring right now. They are a true power trio!
The band returned for an encore, which started off with just Pastorius on stage performing a killer bass solo. Abbruzzese then showed off his amazing drumming skills before Travers joined in, and the band jammed for a few minutes of true musical blitz. They then ended the show with “Let the Good Times Roll.”
Opening the show was DEKO Recording Artist Sydney Irving & The Creatures. A native of Syracuse, New York, Sydney Irving possesses impressive stage presence, a beautiful voice, and undeniable star power. Irving and band delivered an enjoyable set that mixed original material with well-chosen covers, including a stunning cover of the Dolly Parton cover “Jolene.”
The band lineup also features drummer Billy Eberts, a very talented and highly regarded musician who also performs and tours with former Enuff Z’Nuff member Donnie Vie, as well as the Buffalo-based KISS tribute band Kiss This! For more on Sydney Irving & The Creatures visit /www.sydneyirvingmusic.com
Overall, this was a great evening of amazing music and musicianship. The venue, The Caz, was equally impressive. A very professional night club that is clean, comfortable, and serves amazing full-course dinners. It was nice to be able to see a rock show and sit, eat, and watch the performance without all of the uncomfortable and annoying parts that can sometimes come with seeing a concert. This truly was a great night out and an awesome concert experience.
For information and concert listing for The Caz, click link — The Caz
Set 1:
Hooked on Music
Rock n’ Roll Suzie
Ronnie
Born Under a Bad Sign (Booker T. & the MG’s cover)
Gettin’ Betta
Set 2:
Happy Birthday -For drummer Carmine Appice
Red House (The Jimi Hendrix Experience cover)
Life in London
Racing the Storm
Snortin’ Whiskey
Boom, Boom Out Goes the Lights
Encore:
Bass and Drums Jam
Let the Good Times Roll
For more information on Pat Travers, visit www.pattravers.com
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Thomas S. Orwat Jr.
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