Love Hurts

The Zoo Crew is spinning the classic track "Love Hurts" by Nazareth from their iconic 1975 album Hair of the Dog, and the Zoo Freaks are surely feeling the raw emotion of this power ballad. One fascinating piece of trivia about "Love Hurts" is that Nazareth transformed it from a country-tinged Everly Brothers track into a heart-wrenching rock anthem. Originally written by Boudleaux Bryant and recorded by the Everly Brothers in 1960, the song was never a single for them, but Nazareth’s 1974 cover, released in 1975 in the U.S., hit No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a global sensation. In Norway, it charted for an astonishing 61 weeks, including 14 weeks at No. 1, making it the country’s top single of all time. Nazareth’s version swapped the line "love is like a stove, it burns you when it’s hot" for "love is like a flame, it burns you when it’s hot," giving it a fiercer edge that resonated with rock fans.

Another intriguing story comes from Nazareth’s bassist Pete Agnew, who shared in a 2022 interview with The Rockpit that the band aimed to make their covers distinct. Initially intended as a B-side, "Love Hurts" was so powerful that it became the A-side, replacing "Guilty" on the U.S. version of Hair of the Dog. Agnew recalled presenting the album to A&M Records’ Jerry Moss, who insisted on including "Love Hurts," a decision that catapulted Nazareth to fame in America. Guitarist Manny Charlton once humorously remarked, “Do I wish I had written it? Every friggin’ day!” reflecting on the song’s massive success. The track’s emotional depth, driven by Dan McCafferty’s raspy, soulful vocals, has kept it alive in pop culture, appearing in shows like That ’70s Show and Rob Zombie’s Halloween.

Nazareth’s journey began in Dunfermline, Scotland, in December 1968, evolving from a semi-professional local band called The Shadettes, formed in 1961. The core lineup—vocalist Dan McCafferty, guitarist Manny Charlton, bassist Pete Agnew, and drummer Darrell Sweet—drew inspiration from The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. They chose the name Nazareth after the town in Pennsylvania mentioned in The Band’s song “The Weight,” with the opening line, “I pulled into Nazareth, was feelin’ about half past dead.” Starting as a club band playing covers, they honed their gritty, hard rock sound in Scotland’s ballrooms. By 1973, their album Razamanaz, produced by Deep Purple’s Roger Glover, scored UK hits with “Bad Bad Boy” and “Broken Down Angel.” Their breakthrough came with Hair of the Dog in 1975, cementing their place in rock history.

Fans can connect with Nazareth through their official website and social media on Facebook, Instagram, and X. For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, fan communities thrive online. The Nazareth Fan Club on Facebook is a vibrant space where fans share memories, photos, and updates about the band. Another great resource is the fan-run Nazareth Fan Club Germany, offering news, discography details, and tour info for dedicated followers. These platforms keep the spirit of Nazareth’s music alive for fans worldwide.