Hair Of The Dog

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Hair of the Dog" by Guns N' Roses, a high-energy cover from their 1993 album The Spaghetti Incident?, and the Zoo Freaks are surely loving this raw, gritty track. This song, originally by Scottish rock band Nazareth, was a natural fit for Guns N' Roses, with its swaggering riffs and rebellious attitude. One piece of trivia comes from a 2018 post on X by user @punt_rd, who noted that Guns N' Roses' cover introduced a new generation to Nazareth’s catalog, highlighting its impact beyond just a cover. The band’s decision to include it was influenced by frontman Axl Rose’s admiration for Nazareth’s vocalist Dan McCafferty, whose raw vocal style resonated with Axl. In a quote from Legendary Rock Interviews, guitarist Slash recalled Axl’s obsession with McCafferty’s voice, saying Axl pushed for the Nazareth producer Manny Charlton to work on their early demos because of his work on “Hair of the Dog.”

Another interesting tidbit is the playful nod at the end of the track, where Guns N' Roses sneak in the signature riff from The Beatles’ “Day Tripper” as a cheeky gag, showcasing their sense of humor. The song itself wasn’t a major live staple, but according to Setlist.fm, the band performed it a few times between 1988 and 1990, including a rare 1990 show with “The Gak,” a one-off supergroup featuring members of Guns N' Roses, Metallica, and Skid Row. The cover’s inclusion on The Spaghetti Incident? was a bold move, as the album itself was a collection of punk and glam rock covers that reflected the band’s roots and influences, but it stirred controversy with the hidden track “Look at Your Game, Girl,” a Charles Manson cover, which overshadowed songs like “Hair of the Dog” at the time.

Guns N' Roses formed in Los Angeles in 1985, born from the merger of two local bands, Hollywood Rose and L.A. Guns. The classic lineup—Axl Rose on vocals, Slash on lead guitar, Izzy Stradlin on rhythm guitar, Duff McKagan on bass, and Steven Adler on drums—came together with a shared love for punk, blues, and hard rock. They honed their sound in the gritty West Coast club scene, playing dive bars and building a cult following with their raw energy and rebellious image. Their 1987 debut, Appetite for Destruction, was initially slow to catch on but exploded into a global phenomenon, driven by hits like “Sweet Child o’ Mine” and “Welcome to the Jungle,” cementing their place as one of rock’s most iconic bands. Despite lineup changes and internal conflicts, Axl Rose remains the constant, leading the band through decades of tours and albums.

Fans can connect with Guns N' Roses through their official Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour updates, throwback photos, and band news. The official website, gunsnroses.com, offers merch, tour dates, and a dive into their discography. For Zoo Freaks looking to join the fandom, fan-driven communities thrive online. The GNRFans website is a hub for news, forums, and fan content, while the Guns N' Roses Truth Facebook group brings together thousands of fans to discuss the band’s legacy, share rare photos, and debate everything from setlists to Axl’s vocal range. These spaces keep the spirit of Guns N' Roses alive for fans old and new.