On the Hunt

Hey there, Zoo Freaks! Your favorite hippie DJs at THE ZOO are spinning the raw, gritty vibes of Lynyrd Skynyrd's "On the Hunt" from their 1975 album Nuthin’ Fancy. This track is a Southern rock staple, oozing with the band’s signature three-guitar attack and a predatory edge. One juicy piece of trivia comes from the album’s chaotic recording sessions. The band was under pressure, and tensions ran high with producer Al Kooper, who tried to steer the music in a direction the band resisted. Guitarist Allen Collins told Crawdaddy! Magazine in 1975 that Kooper suggested a Grand Funk-style song, but Skynyrd shut it down, staying true to their roots. The result? "On the Hunt" delivers a tough, bluesy riff that became a concert favorite for decades, with its live version at Bill Graham’s Winterland in April 1975 later included in the 1999 CD reissue.

Another tidbit: "On the Hunt" got a nod from heavy-riff rockers Corrosion of Conformity, who covered it in 2004, adding their sludge-laden swagger. Their bassist, Mike Dean, called it a tribute to Skynyrd, especially poignant after the 2023 passing of guitarist Gary Rossington, the last original member. A post on X by user @Spurrell75 also highlights the album’s rocky production, noting that guitarist Ed King had to remix it to salvage the band’s vision. Despite the behind-the-scenes drama, the song’s raw energy and Ronnie Van Zant’s gritty vocals make it a standout, capturing Skynyrd’s no-nonsense attitude.

Let’s rewind to how Lynyrd Skynyrd got their start. Formed in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1964, the band began as a group of high school pals calling themselves My Backyard. The lineup included Ronnie Van Zant on vocals, Gary Rossington and Allen Collins on guitars, Larry Junstrom on bass, and Bob Burns on drums. They cycled through names like the Noble Five and One Percent, playing small gigs for years. By 1968, they settled on “Lynyrd Skynyrd,” a playful jab at their high school gym teacher, Leonard Skinner, who disapproved of their long hair. Their big break came with their 1973 debut album, (Pronounced 'Lĕh-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd), featuring hits like “Free Bird.” The addition of keyboardist Billy Powell and bassist Leon Wilkeson, along with drummer Artimus Pyle by Nuthin’ Fancy, solidified their Southern rock sound that took the world by storm.

Zoo Freaks, you can keep up with Lynyrd Skynyrd on their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour updates and tributes to their legacy. Fans also gather at sites like Lynyrd Skynyrd’s official fan club and Facebook groups dedicated to the band, where Zoo Freaks can swap stories and celebrate Skynyrd’s enduring spirit. So, crank up "On the Hunt" and let’s keep the Southern rock fire burning!