Hair of the Dog

Zoo Freaks, get ready to crank up the volume as the Zoo Crew spins the iconic "Hair of the Dog" by Nazareth from their 1975 album of the same name! This hard-hitting track, with its unforgettable riff and gritty vocals, has some wild stories behind it. According to frontman Dan McCafferty, the song’s title and chorus were inspired by a phrase from the track referring to a deceitful woman who meets her match, originally intended to be called "Son of a Bitch." The record label, however, wasn’t keen on that title, so the band settled on "Hair of the Dog," a nod to the folk hangover cure "the hair of the dog that bit you." The song’s raw energy and rebellious spirit made it a staple on classic rock radio, though its vulgar chorus kept it off the singles chart. Fun fact: the album’s cover art, designed by David Fairbrother-Roe, features a mysterious bat-like creature with vicious teeth, but the creature’s name remains unknown, adding to the album’s mystique.

Another juicy tidbit comes from its influence on other rock legends. Guns N’ Roses covered "Hair of the Dog" on their 1993 album The Spaghetti Incident?, with Slash noting that Axl Rose was a huge fan of Dan McCafferty’s vocal style, saying, “Axl really made me more aware of Nazareth… he can sing like that McCafferty guy.” The track also features a talk box guitar solo and Darrell Sweet’s prodigious cowbell, which became iconic elements, though the band cheekily avoided overusing clichés like rhyming “dues” with “blues” in the lyrics, opting instead for the bold “son of a bitch” in the chorus. Fans on platforms like QuadraphonicQuad have raved about a rare 5.1 surround sound version of the album, possibly from a 30th-anniversary release, though its origins remain a bit of a mystery, with some calling it one of the best upmixes out there.

Nazareth, the Scottish hard rock band behind "Hair of the Dog," kicked off their journey in Dunfermline in 1968. Formed from the ashes of a semi-professional local group called the Shadettes, the band came together with vocalist Dan McCafferty, guitarist Manny Charlton, bassist Pete Agnew, and drummer Darrell Sweet. Inspired by the likes of The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, they took their name from Nazareth, Pennsylvania, referenced in The Band’s song “The Weight” (“I pulled into Nazareth, was feelin’ about half past dead”). The band honed their craft in local pubs and clubs before moving to London in 1970 to chase bigger dreams. Their early years were marked by relentless gigging and a string of albums, starting with their self-titled debut in 1971, but it was their 1975 album Hair of the Dog that catapulted them to international fame, especially in the U.S. and Canada, thanks to hits like “Love Hurts” and the title track.

Zoo Freaks can stay connected with Nazareth through their official Facebook page, where they boast over 347,000 likes and share updates on tours and releases. While the band doesn’t have an active Instagram or X presence, fans keep the spirit alive on platforms like QuadraphonicQuad, where audiophiles discuss rare pressings and surround sound mixes, and Rate Your Music, where the album is rated highly among hard rock enthusiasts. For the latest news, check out Nazareth’s official website, which offers merch, tour dates, and more. So, Zoo Freaks, keep rocking with the Zoo Crew and let “Hair of the Dog” unleash your inner rebel!