Hair Of The Dog (Live 1981)

Zoo Freaks, get ready for some gritty rock vibes as we spin Hair of the Dog (Live 1981) by Nazareth from their electrifying live album Snaz! This track, recorded at the Pacific Coliseum in Vancouver on May 23, 1981, captures the raw energy of Nazareth at their peak. The song itself hails from their 1975 album Hair of the Dog, but the live version on Snaz cranks up the intensity with Dan McCafferty’s ferocious vocals and Manny Charlton’s blistering guitar riffs. One juicy piece of trivia: the song was originally meant to be titled “Son of a Bitch” due to its iconic chorus line, but the record label balked, so the band cleverly settled on Hair of the Dog, a nod to the folk hangover cure “the hair of the dog that bit you.” This compromise kept the rebellious spirit intact while sneaking past the censors.

Another wild story comes from the song’s production and live performances. Nazareth used a talkbox effect in the studio version, made famous by artists like Peter Frampton, where a tube channels guitar sounds into the performer’s mouth. Live, they amped up the theatrics by running the tube through a bagpipe prop for visual flair, though the bagpipes didn’t actually play. Fans also love how the band weaves in a snippet of the traditional Scottish tune The Bonny Banks of Loch Lomond during live renditions, giving a nod to their Scottish roots. The Snaz performance is particularly special because it’s a complete, unedited show, unlike many live albums that splice together different nights. As one fan on Amazon raved, “This CD captures Nazareth at their best… It’s a complete show,” highlighting the band’s raw power during their 1981 North American tour.

The song’s legacy extends beyond Nazareth’s own performances. In 1993, Guns N’ Roses covered Hair of the Dog on their album The Spaghetti Incident?, with Slash noting in an interview that Axl Rose’s vocal style was heavily influenced by Dan McCafferty’s gritty delivery. Slash recalled, “Axl really made me more aware of Nazareth… he can sing like that McCafferty guy.” This cover was a tribute after Nazareth declined Axl’s request to perform at his wedding, a quirky footnote in rock history. Social media posts from fans, like one from @JVMonte2 on X, call out favorites like “Changin’ Times” and “Miss Misery” alongside the title track, showing how the album resonates with longtime listeners.

Nazareth formed in Dunfermline, Scotland, in 1968, evolving from a local band called The Shadettes. Bassist Pete Agnew, vocalist Dan McCafferty, drummer Darrell Sweet, and guitarist Manny Charlton came together with a shared love for hard rock and blues, inspired by bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Their name was sparked by the opening line of The Band’s song “The Weight,” which references Nazareth, Pennsylvania. Starting in local pubs, they honed their sound and built a following through relentless gigging. By the early 1970s, they signed with Pegasus Records and released their self-titled debut in 1971, but it was their 1973 album Razamanaz, produced by Deep Purple’s Roger Glover, that started gaining them international attention. The breakthrough came with Hair of the Dog in 1975, which sold over two million copies worldwide, cementing their place in hard rock history.

Today, you can keep up with Nazareth through their official Facebook page, where they share tour updates and throwback photos, or on Instagram for behind-the-scenes glimpses. Their X account is less active but still worth a follow for occasional news. Fans gather at sites like Nazareth Fan Club, a hub for diehards sharing memories and rare memorabilia. On Facebook, groups like Nazareth - The Official Fan Group buzz with discussions about favorite tracks and live shows. So, Zoo Freaks, crank up that volume and let Hair of the Dog unleash your inner rock beast!