The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are cranking up the Southern rock vibes with "If You Don't Care" by Skinny Molly from their 2012 album Haywire Riot. This track kicks off the album with a punch, blending gritty guitar riffs and Mike Estes’ road-worn vocals into a three-and-a-half-minute burst of pure Southern rock energy. According to a review on Blues Magazine, the song’s “vlijmscherp gitaarwerk” (razor-sharp guitar work) sets the tone for the album’s authentic Southern rock sound, instantly hooking listeners. Fans on Amazon have called it a standout, with one reviewer noting it “saddles up next to you like an old friend,” capturing its welcoming yet rebellious spirit. While specific stories about the song’s creation are scarce, drummer Kurt Pietro hinted in a 2012 Purple Haze radio interview that the band’s time on the road shaped its raw, no-nonsense vibe, reflecting their life of relentless touring.
Skinny Molly formed in 2004, sparked by a chance collaboration between Mike Estes, formerly of Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Dave Hlubek of Molly Hatchet. What started as a one-off European tour grew into a full-fledged band, driven by their shared love for Southern rock’s gritty roots. Estes, who joined Lynyrd Skynyrd in the mid-’90s, brought a wealth of experience, having befriended members of the Rossington Collins Band in high school. By 2008, the band released their debut album, No Good Deed, but it was Haywire Riot that cemented their reputation, with Jay Johnson (ex-Rossington Band, Blackfoot) on guitar, Kurt Pietro on drums, and Luke Bradshaw on bass. According to Grateful Web, the band’s chemistry and “old-school values” of stellar songwriting and white-hot performances defined their rise. Their music channels the legacy of the Allman Brothers and Lynyrd Skynyrd, but with a modern edge that keeps the Zoo Freaks hooked.
Stay connected with Skinny Molly through their Facebook and Instagram pages, where they share tour updates, merch drops, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of their Southern rock life. Their X account is another spot to catch their latest quips and show announcements. For fans looking to dive deeper, the Skinny Molly Fan Page on Facebook is a lively hub where Zoo Freaks and other diehards swap stories, post live show photos, and celebrate the band’s music. While no official fan websites stand out, the band’s merch page on their official site offers CDs, tees, and more to keep the Southern rock spirit alive.
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