Come Along

The song Come Along by Salty Dog from their 1990 album Every Dog Has Its Day is a standout track that captures the band’s raw, bluesy sleaze-metal energy. Described as a “work of pure genius,” the song defies traditional structure, lacking a conventional chorus and driven instead by a pulsating bassline, John Bonham-esque drums, and Jimmi Bleacher’s provocative vocal delivery, with its iconic opening line, “Sweet little baby, she’s my hot dog bun.” The track’s music video, which cost the band at least $25,000 to produce, was visually striking due to the director’s choice to remove one color spectrum, giving it a unique aesthetic. However, a Geffen Records executive reportedly disliked this creative decision and, after the video was released without his approval, allegedly instructed MTV to limit its airplay, hampering its exposure. Despite this, Come Along remains a cult favorite, still played on SiriusXM’s Hair Nation channel, a testament to its enduring appeal among hard rock fans.

Another layer of trivia comes from the song’s reception and legacy. Critics and fans alike have praised Come Along for its infectious, gritty vibe, with one reviewer calling it “sleaze metal’s pinnacle” for its unconventional approach and raw power. The song’s demo version, included as a bonus track on the 2010 Bad Reputation Records and 2016 Rock Candy Records reissues, showcases the band’s early vision, though the sound quality is rougher than the polished studio cut. On a 2024 Reddit thread on the r/hairmetal subreddit, fans reminisced about the song’s impact, with one user noting how it stood out amidst the oversaturated rock market of 1990, when labels were signing metal bands at a frenetic pace. The track’s live energy was also evident when Salty Dog performed it during their one-off reunion show at The Key Club in Hollywood on December 10, 2011, though bassist Michael Hannon later described the performance as a “miserable failure” due to insufficient rehearsal.

Salty Dog was formed in Los Angeles in 1986 by bassist Michael Hannon, drummer Khurt Maier, and guitarist Scott Lane, all of whom had previously played in the band Max Havoc. The trio struggled to find the right frontman until Hannon’s friend, Mark Chatfield of The Godz, recommended Youngstown, Ohio native Jimmi Bleacher, whose distinctive, Led Zeppelin-inspired vocals became a defining element of the band’s sound. Managed by Vicky Hamilton, who also worked with Guns N’ Roses, Poison, and Faster Pussycat, Salty Dog honed their bluesy, hard rock style in LA’s rehearsal studios. In 1987, Lane was replaced by Canadian guitarist Pete Reveen, whose versatile playing—spanning electric, acoustic, and banjo—added depth to the band’s debut album. Signed to Geffen Records, they recorded Every Dog Has Its Day at Rockfield Studios in Wales, unaware they’d be responsible for repaying the recording costs, a financial burden that strained the band.

Salty Dog’s influences ranged from blues legends like Muddy Waters and Willie Dixon to contemporary acts like Black Flag and Motörhead, creating a sound that blended sleaze with a gritty, authentic edge. Despite critical acclaim, the band faced challenges, including drug issues among members and Bleacher’s departure in 1991, which led to their dissolution by 1993. Hannon later formed American Dog, while other members joined bands like Dangerous Toys and Bogus Toms. The band’s official online presence is limited, as they disbanded before the social media era, and no active official website or social media accounts exist for Salty Dog. However, fans can connect through unofficial channels like the Salty Dog Fan Group on Facebook, where enthusiasts share memories and discuss the band’s legacy. Pete Reveen has been known to engage with fans on Facebook, as noted in a Reddit post, though no specific account is publicly verified. For further exploration, Last.fm and AllMusic offer detailed discographies and bios, while Sleaze Roxx provides in-depth articles and reviews for dedicated Zoo Freaks spinning Salty Dog’s records.