Flirtin’ With Disaster

The Zoo Crew is spinning the high-octane southern rock anthem Flirtin’ With Disaster by Molly Hatchet, from their 1979 album of the same name, and the Zoo Freaks are surely cranking up the volume. This song, a staple of the band’s catalog, was born out of the band’s own chaotic lifestyle in the late ‘70s. According to producer Tom Werman in a Songfacts interview, the track was brought to him by the band, and he immediately saw its hit potential, calling it a standout for its raw energy. Werman highlighted guitarist Duane Roland’s slick, syrupy lead work, noting that he had to balance the contributions of all three guitarists due to band politics, but Roland’s skill shone through. The lyrics, penned by Danny Joe Brown, Dave Hlubek, and Banner Thomas, reflect the band’s reckless pace—touring relentlessly, indulging in drugs and alcohol, and teetering on the edge of self-destruction. Lines like “I’m travelin’ down the road and I’m flirtin’ with disaster” captured their literal and figurative journey, a theme that resonated with fans and landed the song on the Billboard charts for 10 weeks, peaking at No. 42.

Another layer of intrigue comes from the song’s iconic album artwork, a Frank Frazetta painting titled Dark Kingdom, which sold for a staggering $6 million at a 2023 Heritage Auctions sale, as reported by Big Horn Basin Media. Originally used for a 1976 novel, the image of a battle-axe-wielding warrior atop a pile of bones became synonymous with Molly Hatchet’s rugged image, drawing in fans with its Dungeons & Dragons-esque vibe. Social media posts on Reddit reveal fans’ nostalgia, with one user recalling blasting the song in a new Trans Am in 1979, tearing through Georgia towns, embodying the song’s wild spirit. Another fan shared a concert memory from a 1979 San Francisco show, where a roll of toilet paper hit the singer’s mic, forcing the band to restart the intro, a moment of rock ‘n’ roll chaos that fits the song’s vibe perfectly.

Molly Hatchet formed in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1971, founded by guitarist Dave Hlubek. The band’s early days were a revolving door of musicians, starting as a psychedelic outfit called Mind Garden in the late ‘60s with Hlubek, Skip Lake, Tim Lindsey, and Chris Caruso. By 1971, Hlubek and Lake pivoted to a harder-edged sound, joined by lead singer Bobby Maddox and guitarist Steve Holland. The name “Molly Hatchet” came from a legendary figure—a 17th-century Salem prostitute who supposedly beheaded her clients, a nod to the band’s gritty, rebellious ethos. Bassist Banner Thomas joined in 1973, and after several lineup changes, including brief stints by guitarists like Duane Roland, the band solidified with Danny Joe Brown’s arrival in 1976. Brown’s gritty vocals and stage presence gave the band its signature southern rock swagger. Their 1978 debut album, produced by Tom Werman, went platinum, setting the stage for the double-platinum Flirtin’ With Disaster. The band’s relentless touring with acts like Aerosmith, The Who, and AC/DC built their fanbase, though the grueling pace took a toll, as reflected in their music.

Fans can connect with Molly Hatchet’s official website for tour dates, albums, and media, including photos and videos. Their Facebook page keeps the southern rock spirit alive with updates and fan interactions, while their Instagram showcases behind-the-scenes moments and throwbacks. On X, the band shares news and engages with Zoo Freaks and beyond. For deeper fan connections, the Molly Hatchet Fan Club on Facebook is a hub for diehards sharing memories, vinyl finds, and concert stories. Another fan-driven space, the Molly Hatchet – Southern Rock Legends group, celebrates the band’s legacy with discussions about their Frazetta artwork and classic tracks. While no standalone fan websites stand out, platforms like Discogs offer detailed discographies for collectors, and Reddit communities like r/ClassicRock keep the band’s spirit alive with fan anecdotes and trivia.