The Rambler

The Zoo Crew is spinning "The Rambler" by Molly Hatchet, a track from their 1980 album Beatin’ the Odds, and the Zoo Freaks are loving the Southern rock vibes. This song, a soulful ballad, stands out on the album for its introspective lyrics and Allman Brothers-esque arpeggios, as noted in a review by Albumrock. Unlike the band’s harder-hitting tracks, "The Rambler" tells the story of a wandering soul torn between the open road and the pull of home, with lines like “Lord I hear that highway calling, Darling I hope you’ll wait for me.” In a 1980 interview with Creem magazine, vocalist Jimmy Farrar shared that the song resonated with him personally, reflecting his own struggles with life on the road during the band’s grueling tour schedule. He mentioned how the lyrics captured the loneliness of constant travel, a sentiment echoed by many touring musicians of the era.

Another piece of trivia comes from a rare 1981 radio interview archived on the fan site Southern Rock Bands, where guitarist Dave Hlubek revealed that "The Rambler" was almost cut from Beatin’ the Odds. The band felt it was too soft compared to their usual high-energy sound, but producer Tom Werman insisted it stay, believing it showcased their versatility. Fans on the Molly Hatchet Fans Facebook group often cite the song’s emotional depth as a highlight, with some sharing stories of how it became their go-to track during long drives or moments of reflection. The song’s solemn tone and slide guitar work also drew comparisons to Lynyrd Skynyrd, a nod to Molly Hatchet’s Southern rock roots.

Molly Hatchet was formed in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1971 by guitarist Dave Hlubek, who named the band after a legendary prostitute known for her violent tendencies—a story that became part of their gritty lore. As detailed on their Wikipedia page, the band’s early years were marked by fluid lineups and local gigs in Jacksonville’s rock clubs. Hlubek, along with guitarist Steve Holland and vocalist Bobby Maddox, initially played under various names before settling on Molly Hatchet. By 1976, the lineup solidified with Hlubek, Holland, Duane Roland (guitar), Danny Joe Brown (vocals), Banner Thomas (bass), and Bruce Crump (drums). Their big break came when fellow Southern rockers .38 Special recommended them to manager Pat Armstrong, leading to a deal with Epic Records. Their 1978 self-titled debut, produced by Tom Werman, featured a cover of The Allman Brothers’ “Dreams I’ll Never See” and set the stage for their platinum-selling follow-up, Flirtin’ with Disaster in 1979.

The band’s early sound blended boogie, blues, and hard rock, earning them a loyal following among Southern rock and hard rock fans. Their album covers, often featuring heroic fantasy art by artists like Frank Frazetta (including “Conan the Conqueror” for Beatin’ the Odds), became iconic, as noted on their official Facebook page. Despite lineup changes, including Jimmy Farrar replacing Danny Joe Brown for Beatin’ the Odds, Molly Hatchet maintained a relentless touring schedule, sharing stages with bands like AC/DC, Aerosmith, and The Who. Today, the band continues to tour with a lineup featuring long-time members like keyboardist John Galvin and drummer Shawn Beamer, as highlighted on their Instagram.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, check out Molly Hatchet’s official website for tour dates and merch. Stay connected with the band on their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share updates and throwback photos. Fans can also join the vibrant Molly Hatchet Fans Facebook group to swap stories and discuss favorite tracks like “The Rambler.” For more band history, the fan-run Southern Rock Bands site offers a treasure trove of interviews, photos, and discography details.