Fall of the Peacemakers

Hey there, Zoo Freaks, your hippie DJs at THE ZOO are spinning a classic for you today: Fall of the Peacemakers by Molly Hatchet from their 1983 album No Guts...No Glory. This eight-minute southern rock epic is more than just a killer guitar showcase—it’s a heartfelt tribute to peace advocates like John Lennon, Martin Luther King, and John F. Kennedy. The song’s lyrics, with references to Lennon’s Imagine and Give Peace a Chance, were co-written by guitarist Dave Hlubek and bassist Riff West, who was deeply moved by the assassinations of these iconic figures. Fun fact: Riff West didn’t get proper credit for the lyrics until years later when BMI recognized him as a co-author, securing his share of royalties after a long battle.

Another cool tidbit comes from a comment on Songfacts, where a listener from Memphis recalled how their local AOR station’s DJ, Redbeard, tied the song to the assassination of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat in 1981. While the song’s primary focus is Lennon, its broader message about the loss of peacemakers resonates across eras. Fans on X still rave about it, with one user, @pieceofmind03, calling it one of the band’s standout tracks alongside Whiskey Man and Bounty Hunter, cementing its status as a southern rock anthem. There’s even a haunting acoustic version from 1998 on Silent Reign of Heroes, swapping guitars for keyboards to give it a fresh, reflective vibe.

Now, let’s dive into how Molly Hatchet got their start. Hailing from Jacksonville, Florida, the band was formed in 1971 by guitarist Dave Hlubek, joined early on by guitarist Steve Holland and singer Bobby Maddox. The name “Molly Hatchet” comes from a legendary Southern tale of a prostitute who supposedly mutilated her clients—gruesome, but it stuck! By the mid-70s, the lineup solidified with Hlubek, Holland, Duane Roland on guitar, Banner Thomas on bass, Bruce Crump on drums, and the iconic Danny Joe Brown on vocals. Their big break came in 1978 with a self-titled debut album that went platinum, followed by the even bigger Flirtin’ with Disaster in 1979, selling over two million copies. Known for their “Three Guitar Army” and heroic fantasy album art by legends like Frank Frazetta, they became southern rock royalty, touring with bands like Blackfoot and earning a loyal following.

You can keep up with Molly Hatchet on their official website, where you’ll find tour dates, news, and merch. They’re active on socials too—check out their Facebook for updates and fan chatter, Instagram for behind-the-scenes shots, and X for the latest buzz. Fans are keeping the spirit alive on sites like the Molly Hatchet Fan Club on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks can connect, share memories, and celebrate the band’s legacy. So crank up Fall of the Peacemakers, and let’s keep rockin’ the southern style!