Whiskey Man (Live 2006)

Hey there, Zoo Freaks, your favorite hippie DJs at THE ZOO are spinning a killer track for you—Whiskey Man (Live 2006) by Molly Hatchet from their album Flirtin' With Disaster - Live. This song, originally from their 1979 platinum-selling album Flirtin' With Disaster, is a boogie-rock anthem with a raw, Southern edge. The live 2006 version, captured during a performance featuring founding member Dave Hlubek back in the lineup, brings an extra dose of grit. Fun fact: the song’s lyrics, warning about the perils of chasing whiskey-fueled highs, were penned during the band’s wild early days when their hard-partying lifestyle mirrored the song’s vibe. In a 2005 interview, guitarist Bobby Ingram shared that Whiskey Man was a crowd favorite because it spoke to the “rebel spirit” of their fans, often sparking sing-alongs at shows. The 2006 live recording, part of the Flirtin' With Disaster - Live DVD, also showcases a blistering guitar solo that had the Kentucky crowd—despite some criticism for being lackluster—amped up.

Another cool tidbit comes from a post on X, where a fan recalled seeing Molly Hatchet perform Whiskey Man live in 2006, noting how Dave Hlubek’s return added a nostalgic punch to the set. The song’s raw energy ties back to its roots in the 1979 studio version, which was produced by Tom Werman, known for blending blues and hard rock. Werman pushed the band to lean into their triple-guitar attack, giving Whiskey Man its signature swagger. The Flirtin' With Disaster album, featuring iconic artwork by fantasy artist Frank Frazetta titled Dark Kingdom, sold over two million copies, and that painting fetched a whopping $6 million at a 2023 auction, making it a landmark in rock art history.

Molly Hatchet kicked off in 1971 in Jacksonville, Florida, when guitarist Dave Hlubek started jamming with local musicians. The band’s name, inspired by a legendary prostitute known for gruesome acts, set the tone for their edgy, Southern rock identity. By 1976, they solidified a lineup with Hlubek, Steve Holland, and Duane Roland on guitars, Danny Joe Brown on vocals, Banner Thomas on bass, and Bruce Crump on drums. Their big break came with their 1978 self-titled debut, which went platinum, followed by the even bigger Flirtin' With Disaster in 1979. The band’s mix of boogie, blues, and hard rock, paired with fantasy-themed album covers by artists like Frazetta, carved out a loyal fanbase. Despite lineup changes and the loss of original members—Danny Joe Brown passed in 2005, Duane Roland in 2006, and Hlubek in 2017—Molly Hatchet keeps rocking under Bobby Ingram’s leadership, who’s been with the band since 1987.

Stay connected with Molly Hatchet through their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts for the latest tour dates and news. Fans can also dive into the Southern rock community on the Molly Hatchet Fan Club on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks can swap stories and share their love for tracks like Whiskey Man. For more, check out fan sites like Molly Hatchet’s Fan Zone, a hub for diehard supporters to keep the rebel spirit alive. Keep rocking, Zoo Freaks!