This Flight Tonight (Live 1981)

The Zoo Crew is spinning a classic tonight with This Flight Tonight (Live 1981) by Nazareth, pulled straight from their electrifying live album Snaz. This track, recorded at Vancouver’s Pacific Coliseum in May 1981, captures the raw energy of Nazareth’s performance, a standout moment from their North American tour. Originally written by Joni Mitchell for her 1971 album Blue, the song was transformed by Nazareth into a hard-hitting rock anthem in 1973. The live version on Snaz showcases their ability to take a folk ballad and crank it up with gritty vocals and driving riffs. Fun fact: Joni Mitchell herself was initially surprised by Nazareth’s take. According to bassist Pete Agnew, when they met her at A&M Studios, she exclaimed, “What, with a rock band?” But she came around, later opening a London gig by saying she’d start with “a Nazareth song,” a nod to their worldwide hit version that peaked at number 11 in the UK.

Another cool tidbit comes from the song’s influence beyond Nazareth. Nancy Wilson of Heart revealed that the iconic guitar riff in Nazareth’s This Flight Tonight inspired the riff for Heart’s classic Barracuda. The band’s love for Mitchell’s work ran deep—Agnew mentioned they often listened to her album Blue while cruising in their van, with This Flight Tonight being a favorite. The Snaz album itself, often mislabeled as “It’s Naz” due to its clever gatefold artwork, was a bold choice. Unlike many live albums that cherry-pick tracks from multiple shows, Nazareth felt this Vancouver performance was so strong they used it in its entirety, mixed at The Manor in Oxfordshire. Fans on platforms like Nazareth Fans Worldwide still rave about the album’s raw power, with some calling it a defining moment in hard rock history.

Nazareth got their start in Dunfermline, Scotland, in 1968, born from the ashes of a local covers band called The Shadettes. Frontman Dan McCafferty, with his unmistakable gravelly voice, joined forces with guitarist Manny Charlton, bassist Pete Agnew, and drummer Darrell Sweet. They honed their craft playing local gigs, channeling influences from The Beatles to early hard rock pioneers. By 1971, they’d signed with Pegasus Records and released their self-titled debut, but it was their 1973 album Loud ’n’ Proud, produced by Deep Purple’s Roger Glover, that put them on the map with hits like This Flight Tonight. Their relentless touring and no-nonsense approach built a loyal following, especially in Canada and Europe, where they scored multiple chart-topping singles. By the time Snaz dropped in 1981, Nazareth had cemented their status as hard rock heavyweights, known for their gritty sound and high-energy live shows.

For more on Nazareth, check out their official website at nazarethdirect.co.uk. You can also follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates on tours and new releases. Fans gather at places like the Nazareth Fans Worldwide Facebook group, where Zoo Freaks can swap stories and share their love for the band. Another great spot is the fan-driven Metal Archives page, packed with detailed discographies and reviews. So, keep it locked to THE ZOO, and let’s keep rocking with Nazareth!