Bounty Hunter (Live 1985)

The Zoo Crew is spinning the raw, gritty "Bounty Hunter (Live 1985)" by Molly Hatchet, a track that captures the band’s Southern rock energy and resonates with the Zoo Freaks tuning in. This song, originally from their 1978 debut album, is a fan favorite known for its vivid storytelling of a lone bounty hunter chasing outlaws. The 1985 live version, featured on the Double Trouble Live album, showcases the band’s high-octane performance style, with Danny Joe Brown’s gravelly vocals and the triple-guitar attack of Dave Hlubek, Duane Roland, and Bobby Ingram. A piece of trivia from fan discussions on Reddit highlights how fans consider "Bounty Hunter" almost proto-punk with its jittery, driving riffs, setting it apart from typical Southern rock anthems. A 2018 Amazon review of the Bounty Hunter Live ’78-’80 box set notes the raw power of early performances, mentioning Dave Hlubek’s occasional guitar flubs and Danny Joe Brown’s off-key moments, which only add to the authentic, unpolished charm that Zoo Freaks might vibe with.

Another tidbit comes from the song’s lyrical imagery, which paints a Wild West scene with lines like “My horse is kicking dust up off the trail, I’m just getting back from a trip to Hell.” According to Lyrics.com, the song reflects the band’s knack for blending Southern grit with cinematic storytelling, a trait that hooked fans early on. Social media posts, like one from April 2024 on X, praise "Bounty Hunter" alongside other early tracks like "Whiskey Man" for its place on Molly Hatchet’s strongest albums. Fans on The Official Molly Hatchet Fan Club often share stories of seeing the band live in the ’80s, recalling how "Bounty Hunter" would ignite crowds with its relentless energy. One fan on Reddit in 2024 called it a “major ass-kicker,” reflecting its enduring appeal among the Zoo Crew’s audience.

Molly Hatchet got their start in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1971, founded by guitarists Dave Hlubek and Steve Holland. The band’s name, inspired by a legendary axe-wielding figure named Hatchet Molly, was suggested by early member Bobby Maddox, as Hlubek shared in an interview recounted on Wikipedia. Before forming Molly Hatchet, Hlubek and others played in a psychedelic outfit called Mind Garden in the late ’60s, but by 1971, they shifted to a harder-edged Southern rock sound. Early members included vocalist Bobby Maddox and guitarist Donald Hall, but the classic lineup solidified with Danny Joe Brown on vocals, Duane Roland and Steve Holland on guitars, Banner Thomas on bass, and Bruce Crump on drums. Their big break came with a signing to Epic Records, leading to their 1978 debut album, which featured "Bounty Hunter" and set the stage for their rise with hits like "Flirtin’ with Disaster." The band’s iconic album art, often painted by fantasy artists like Frank Frazetta, gave them a distinctive visual identity that complemented their rugged sound.

Despite lineup changes and the passing of all original members—Danny Joe Brown in 2005, Duane Roland in 2006, Dave Hlubek in 2017, and Steve Holland in 2020—Molly Hatchet continues to tour and record with members like guitarist Bobby Ingram and keyboardist John Galvin. Fans can connect with the band through their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour updates and engage with the Zoo Freak spirit. The Official Molly Hatchet Fan Club on Facebook is a lively hub for fans to swap stories, photos, and memories of live shows. Another fan-driven space, Molly Hatchet Rocks, offers news, discography details, and a community for diehards. These platforms keep the band’s legacy alive, perfect for the Zoo Crew to share with their listeners while spinning "Bounty Hunter (Live 1985)."