Free Bird (Live 1985)

Hey there, Zoo Freaks! The Zoo Crew is cranking up the volume with "Free Bird (Live 1985)" by Molly Hatchet from their electrifying Double Trouble Live album. This cover of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s iconic anthem is a bold move, with Molly Hatchet’s dual-guitar assault and Danny Joe Brown’s gritty vocals giving it a raw, Southern rock edge. Fans on platforms like YouTube have praised it, with one commenter in 2011 declaring it “better than the original,” a testament to the band’s fearless energy. Recorded live in Dallas, Texas, and Jacksonville, Florida, the track captures the band at their peak, delivering a performance that’s both a tribute and a reinvention. The vinyl version of the album, as noted on Discogs, includes two extra tracks omitted from the CD, making it a collector’s gem for diehard fans.

The story behind this rendition ties into Molly Hatchet’s deep Southern rock roots. Molly Hatchet was known for saluting their influences, and covering "Free Bird" was a nod to their heroes, Lynyrd Skynyrd. The live album, released after the commercial flop of The Deed Is Done, was a last hurrah for the classic lineup, as founder Dave Hlubek left soon after due to personal struggles. A French hard rock blog called it a “testament” to their prime, highlighting how the band poured everything into tracks like this one. The song’s inclusion also reflects Danny Joe Brown’s return to the band, bringing back the soulful swagger that defined their early hits.

Molly Hatchet got its start in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1971, when guitarist Dave Hlubek formed the band amid a revolving door of musicians. It wasn’t until 1976 that the lineup solidified with Hlubek, guitarists Steve Holland and Duane Roland, vocalist Danny Joe Brown, bassist Banner Thomas, and drummer Bruce Crump. Named after a legendary Southern prostitute who supposedly mutilated her clients, the band carved out a niche blending hard rock boogie with Southern grit. Their 1978 self-titled debut, produced by Tom Werman, went platinum, driven by a cover of the Allman Brothers’ “Dreams I’ll Never See.” The follow-up, Flirtin’ with Disaster, sold over two million copies, cementing their place in Southern rock history. Their early tours with bands like Aerosmith and The Who built a loyal fanbase, drawn to their triple-guitar attack and fantasy-themed album art by legends like Frank Frazetta.

Stay connected with Molly Hatchet through their official website, where you can find tour dates and merch. Follow them on Facebook for updates and fan discussions, check out their Instagram for behind-the-scenes shots, and join the conversation on X for real-time band news. Fans can dive deeper at sites like Southern Rock Bands, which chronicles their legacy, or join the Molly Hatchet Fans group on Facebook to swap stories and rare finds. Keep rocking, Zoo Freaks!