Molly Hatchet vs Lynyrd Skynyrd

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I'm not really concerned with their 'classic' (eh) periods, I mean - what's a cooler way to prolong a career, playing county fairs with 0 original members, or releasing a Christmas album with songs like "Santa Wants Some Lovin'"?

tarden, Saturday, 9 June 2001 00:00 (twenty-three years ago) link

Can anyone name a Molly Hatchet song *OTHER* than "Flirtin' With Disaster"?

alex in nyc, Saturday, 9 June 2001 00:00 (twenty-three years ago) link

You've just named one more than I could. The only thing I remember about Molly Hatchet (apart from one of the /<-stoopidezt band names ever) were those alarming sword & sorcery album covers...

blah blah

Norman Fay, Saturday, 9 June 2001 00:00 (twenty-three years ago) link

Skynyrd. If this was a "Classic or Dud" I'd even call them classic! I have their 2-LP best of and it has some incredible songs. "Sweet Home Alabama" is just a great pop song w/ excellent production (people tear up the dance floor that one all over rural America.) "Saturday Night Special" is more interesting than any Stones after "Exile," with a riff to die for. "Tuesday's Gone" is a moving weeper. I reckon I have a weakness for Southern Fried rock, what can I say.

Mark, Saturday, 9 June 2001 00:00 (twenty-three years ago) link

What, we can't pick Thirty-Eight Special? What kind of operation is this, anyhow?

Sean Carruthers, Monday, 11 June 2001 00:00 (twenty-three years ago) link

Skynyrd rules... don't think of them as the fat guys in acid-wash harley jackets.. remember them as the shaggy, bellbottomed freaks on the first album cover. And I think it's quite possible that more people have gotten laid to "Tuesday's Gone" than any other song in history.

Andy, Monday, 11 June 2001 00:00 (twenty-three years ago) link

I can take or leave Lynyrd Skynyrd, though they had some pretty good tunes. They tend to get damned for the type of fan they attract -- the old "morons like them" curse. They're just about the only Southern boogie rock group I can stomach (unless you consider old REM to be a Southern boogie rock group).

Interestingly, few people have noted that "Sweet Home Alabama" is at least partly a joke song -- at least its tongue-in- cheek is pretty obvious to me. (I mean, they were friends of Neil Young's and they were taking the piss out of George Wallace and his supporters).

Tadeusz Suchodolski, Monday, 11 June 2001 00:00 (twenty-three years ago) link

Molly Hatchet, as far as I can remember, were just a bunch of rednecks who liked to put bad paintings of Vikings on their album covers. So I guess my vote's gotta go to Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Tadeusz Suchodolski, Monday, 11 June 2001 00:00 (twenty-three years ago) link

> Molly Hatchet, as far as I can remember, were just a bunch of rednecks who liked to put bad paintings of Vikings on their album covers.

Actually, upon re-reading that I think I want to change my vote to Molly Hatchet. Shame the music doesn't match the absurdity, it must be said.

Tadeusz Suchodolski, Monday, 11 June 2001 00:00 (twenty-three years ago) link

three months pass...
No contest here. Molly Hatchet is what southern rock should sound like. Skynyrd is great also, but lacks the power driven punch of Hatchet. Hell Yeah!!

http://www.geocities.com/cork1958/

Cork, Saturday, 29 September 2001 00:00 (twenty-three years ago) link

I agree with Cork. Hatchet has a more powerful sound. They aren't playing too many county fairs these days either. They also have 3 quality CD's with the post-original line-ups, that stand up to the originals just fine, maybe even better. Right, there are indeed 0 original members, but Bobby Ingram has been with them for 16 years, John Galvin 18 years. Banner Thomas has left and returned. Phil and Andy have 6-7 years with the band. There crowds get biggier and bigger with every show. http://mollyhatchet.hypermart.net

Stickman, Saturday, 29 September 2001 00:00 (twenty-three years ago) link

Yes, Molly Hatchet, is one of the best Southern Rock bands. The guys are so "down to earth" and they put on ne "HELLUVA" a show. So if anyone is looking for a vote from me, mine goes to the one, the only, MOLLY HATCHET...OLD and NEW!! For someone to say something negative about the music that Molly Hatchet releases, it just proves they havent listened to any of their songs. And, OH, Being a "redneck", isn't a bad thing... at least "rednecks" have a heart and they care about everyone, not just the few that they choose for friends.

Karen :), Saturday, 29 September 2001 00:00 (twenty-three years ago) link

Well, I guess by my Email address you can guess who I favor. I do like Skynyrd, but to me Molly Hatchet has it all over them. Hatchet rocks harder, louder and prouder! They always did and they always will. As for the original members issue, One or two original members hardly makes a band more credible to the fans. What matters is the music. If the band in question is still playing and making music in the spirit and tradition of the original band, then why not enjoy them and the music. This is the reason many of us stick with our favorite bands even when members come and go. I've seen Molly Hatchet play in just about every type of venue. Arena's to little juke joint's and they've always given it their all. That's the sign of a true rock&roll band.

Jerry

Jerry, Saturday, 29 September 2001 00:00 (twenty-three years ago) link

Hmmm...Gator Country....Cornbread Mafia...Bounty Hunter....No Guts No Glory..Fall of the Peacemakers....so there's a few more Hatchet tunes for ya. Granted they've not got any "orginal" members and play fairs, but they put on a helluva show and are pretty fan-friendly.

Diane L, Saturday, 29 September 2001 00:00 (twenty-three years ago) link

Molly Hatchet gets my vote! They rock, then now and forever! If you don't know or understand the music, sit down and give it a real listen. I bet you'll become a fan.

Pam, Saturday, 29 September 2001 00:00 (twenty-three years ago) link

I think Hatchet made a mistake when they switched producers fromFrank Frazetta to Boris Vallejo. Thank God they never sunk to working with the brothrs Hildebrandt

dave q, Saturday, 29 September 2001 00:00 (twenty-three years ago) link

My vote goes to Hatchet and it ain't even close! They are the ONLY band in America that will pistol-whip your ass while they're on stage and put their arms around you and treat you like family when the show is over. Buy any or all of their last 3 CDs and you'll be convinced!

Walt, Saturday, 29 September 2001 00:00 (twenty-three years ago) link

Both Bands are Great. But Molly Hatchet gets my vote. From the 1st album to the Latest Release " Kingdom of Xll" Molly Hatchet has always made the best albums in Rock and Roll and still does today. No other Band in History treats their Fans as good as Molly Hatchet. The Fans are like Family to the band.

Any place i have ever seen them play is packed!Then and Now. They are the Hardest Working Band out there and one of the last bands playing Real Rock and Roll today.

Greg, Saturday, 29 September 2001 00:00 (twenty-three years ago) link

Molly Hatchet gets my vote, however, I have to say I enjoy listening to either one. I was simply amazed that after the concert how all the members of Hatchet, original or not, came out into the crowd. How many concerts have you been to that the entire band has done that? Not many I am sure. As a matter of fact with all the concerts that I hav been too, Hatchet is the ONLY one I've ever seen do this. They may not pack an arena with 30,000 people, but they care about their fan's and they can play some kick ass Southern Rock!! Hell Yeah!!!!!

Cindy, Sunday, 30 September 2001 00:00 (twenty-three years ago) link

By far Hatchet RULES!How many other bands from "way back then" meet & greet their fans after the show, sign autographs, invite them on the bus, know many of the diehard fans by name or at least by face? Sure they may not have original members in the band, but by God they keep the spirit of Southern Rock ALIVE!I've known and met members from 38, Skynryd, Outlaws, & Hatchet, but by far the guys from Hatchet try to stay as close to to their fan base as possible.I've lived in Jax all my life & have seen them all pretty much from their beginnings & if that makes me a redneck so be it!I've seen them play Vegas,Key Largo,Daytona,Tampa,Lubbock,Jax,Miami, etc... & have NEVER been disappointed.Why can't everybody just agree that SOUTHERN ROCK RULES?!!

Tammy J, Sunday, 30 September 2001 00:00 (twenty-three years ago) link

Hey, I've been in bands that have gone out and greeted the crowd after the show. OK, crowd maybe is the wrong word for eight or ten people at A7, but still, don't see how being a nice guy makes music either good or bad - or even nice.

By the way, Montgomery Gentry's Carrying On has a shot at being my album of the year. "Best southern rock album since the plane crash," said an officially important rock critic, supposedly.

Frank Kogan, Sunday, 30 September 2001 00:00 (twenty-three years ago) link

How the hell does Montgomery Gentry qualify for "southern rock" anything of the year? What does that have to do with the topic here anyway? By people saying how cool it is for the band to do the meet & greet thing, they are just saying how much better Hatchet is in every regard to being an all around entertainer than Skynyrd.

Saddletramp, Monday, 1 October 2001 00:00 (twenty-three years ago) link

Both Skynyrd and Hatchet are great. If someone made me choose I'd give my vote to Molly Hatchet although I love to hear Skynyrd.I love the way Hatchet has kept their typical sound alive since the beginning.They just keep swinging that Hatchet and they just wont stop. Great!!! Keep that southern spirit High.

LittleGb, Monday, 1 October 2001 00:00 (twenty-three years ago) link

one month passes...
I too like both bands, and I have that Christmas CD. I also support both of them too, even tho I prefer the old versions of both. I can say, that even tho I only saw them on video, I must say the old Hatchet Rocks. Danny Joe is one Hell of a powerhouse singe, I love his voice and can't get enough.

Some of you that posted replies already know that Danny is seriously life-threating ill, so ya don't have to read this part.

For the others, I am going to give an overview. Well, Danny is a diabetic, and to the best of my knowledge, was probably born with the condition. The near-constant touring, not to mention the alcohol, eventually took its toll on him, and finally in 1995, Danny had to leave Hatchet,due to his declining health. He was hospitalized at the time of the recording of Devil's Canyon. The Drs. told him, no more travel, no more music, or he could die. In either June or July 1998, Danny suffered a severe stroke, and has been in and out of the ICU on an almost regular basis.

Please say a little prayer for Danny. I have seen too many good Southern Rockers go, I just couldn't bear to see Danny Joe added to that list.

You are all welcome to E-mail me at the above address.

L D, Wednesday, 7 November 2001 01:00 (twenty-three years ago) link

I agree with the posters at the beginning of this thread. Molly Hatchet is no match for Skynyrd. They might be in the same genre, but not the same strata by any means. Of course, this is where my dirty Skynyrd obsession comes out; "sweet home alabama" was my favorite song for years when I had no alternative to the myriad country stations in my hick back-country home area but the local classic rock station Skynyrd were my saviors. Molly Hatchet, to the extent that I even remember them, which isn't much, seemed like boring rip-offs to me.

Dan I., Thursday, 8 November 2001 01:00 (twenty-three years ago) link

Hey, waitaminute, there's somethin' funny goin' on 'round here. Alright you singular ultrarabid Molly Hatchet fan, fess up. How many of those posts did you write under all those different e-mail addresses? I thought there couldn't be that many people that would soil their shorts for a second rate southern rock band.

Dan I., Thursday, 8 November 2001 01:00 (twenty-three years ago) link

"Santa Wants Some Lovin'"?

Why does this sound sooooo ZZ Top?
Is it just because Dusty and Billy look like Santa Claus or is there some deeper connection?

Lord Custos, Thursday, 8 November 2001 01:00 (twenty-three years ago) link

To Dan I,

I only wrote my post under one e-mail address, even tho I do have several. And I happen to like both bands, even tho I prefer the old versions from the 70's-80's and early 90's of both, the versions that had Ronnie and Danny Joe, respectivly, on vocals. Danny was one Hell of a singer, you really should get some old MH CD's and give him a chance.

LD, Thursday, 8 November 2001 01:00 (twenty-three years ago) link

for a second i thought that greg 'no other band in history treats their fans as well as molly hatchet' guy was greg scarth.

ethan, Thursday, 8 November 2001 01:00 (twenty-three years ago) link

You MUST be talking about Lynyrd Skynyrd being the second rate band? Not that I'd call them that, but it SURELY isn't Hatchet you're talking about!

Hey, wait a minute, there's somethin' funny goin' on 'round here. Alright you singular ultrarabid Molly Hatchet fan, fess up. How many of those posts did you write under all those different e-mail addresses? I thought there couldn't be that many people that would soil their shorts for a second rate southern rock band.

-- Dan I. (w1nt3rmut3@hotmail.com), November 08, 2001.

Cork, Saturday, 17 November 2001 01:00 (twenty-three years ago) link

Oh no. Let me make myself perfectly clear here:

Lynyrd Skynyrd = roXor Molly Hatchet = suXor

God, of all the bands to have a "kill ya if you bad mouth 'em" cult following who'd of thought it would be Molly fuckin' Hatchet?

Dan I., Sunday, 18 November 2001 01:00 (twenty-three years ago) link

I see no posts on here about wanting to kill anyone for voicing an opinion. Or, for even flaming anyone for it. But, you said it quite right. Molly "Fucking" Hatchet. Kind of like Twisted "Fucking" Sister, huh? In that context, it's quite a compliment to the band. Thanks Dan. Why do you think Skynyrd & Hatchet don't tour together? Partly because even Skynyrd knows they would get blown off stage!!

Cork, Thursday, 22 November 2001 01:00 (twenty-three years ago) link

I give up. It's not that I give a shit about Lynyrd Skynyrd exactly, it's just that I give even less of one about Molly Hatchet. Um, due to its sheer inconsequence I hereby drop this thread. Flame away. I'm not even listening. You have succeeded in turning me off to whatever miniscule (read: almost nonexistant in the first place) interest I still retained in Southern rock from junior high. Thanks, I probably needed that.

Dan I., Thursday, 22 November 2001 01:00 (twenty-three years ago) link

Cool!!

Cork, Saturday, 24 November 2001 01:00 (twenty-three years ago) link

I sing in a Skynyrd tribute band..... we do 2 hatchet songs Dreams / Bounty

ronnie vansant, Saturday, 8 December 2001 01:00 (twenty-three years ago) link

three months pass...
Give me a break...... Molly Hatchet doesn't have the brains or enough musical talent to even tune Skynyrd's guitars. I've seen the "old" and "new" Skynyrd and I've seen Hatchet....No contest. Someone wake me up when Skynyrd gets to town, otherwise, let me sleep!

dave gazaway, Sunday, 31 March 2002 01:00 (twenty-two years ago) link

Hyuck! You tell 'em Dave-boy! (note: I agree with you)

Dan I., Sunday, 31 March 2002 01:00 (twenty-two years ago) link

The next time you go to see Hatchet you should wake up then.

Cork, Tuesday, 2 April 2002 00:00 (twenty-two years ago) link

The main guitar line in "Simple Man" alone destroys anything I've heard from Molly Hatchet!

Clarke B., Friday, 12 April 2002 00:00 (twenty-two years ago) link

To each their own. Everybody is entitled to their own opinion and my opinion of your opinion is that your taste buds are in your ass. Don't get me wrong, I love Skynyrd also, but I'll take Hatchet over Skynyrd anyday.

Cork, Tuesday, 16 April 2002 00:00 (twenty-two years ago) link

I've always been fan of both bands, but could only listen to Sweet Home and Freebird so many time before I moved on. The old classic Molly tunes still seem fresh and the new tunes are, well, incredible. LS has never had the attitude and grittiness that Molly has. To me LS is and always will be an incredible influence on southern rock music, but as far as pure out and out talent, they can't hold candle to the likes of Molly Hatchet, The Outlaws, ABB, Gov't Mule, etc...

Scott, Tuesday, 16 April 2002 00:00 (twenty-two years ago) link

Well, here we go again.. I just read these posts and have YET to see a place where one of the posts said anyhting about killing someone... the only one I saw that had that anything about killing was Dan... I happen to enjoy Molly Hatchet... If you dont that is your LOSS.... and another thing you inbreed.. GROW UP.. and FYI (incase you are too stupid too know...For Your Information)Hatchet and skynard has played together SEVERAL TIMES.. so maybe when you decide to come back to earth, maybe you can learn a few things... that Dan sure sounds a lot like that John guy from one the groups that I belong too.. Just ask Kevin and WHO plays county Fairs.... Hatchet dont! Where have you been? Hatchet Rules!! and well to those that dont like Hatchet.. then I guess you all have just been deprived of what music and Southern Rock at that is all about.... other than the little bit of Skynard that you know...the only other thing I have to say is GROW UP!!!!!!Oh and I just have to say Montogermy Gentry is COUNTRY music.. NOT Southern Rock!

Karen, Tuesday, 16 April 2002 00:00 (twenty-two years ago) link

four weeks pass...
The Montgomery Gentry guys really respect tradition and with the help of producer Blake Chansey, they will retain their unique sound and take the country by storm with their next album, possibly titled "Good Clean Fun". Song sound familiar? Two of my favorites Iv heard about are "Hell Yeah" and "My Town", their first single to be released in early June. Consider the future of Montgomery Gentrys success and consider the future and preservation of sounthern rock, these tow fit hand in hand. Thanks

Kyle Evans, Tuesday, 14 May 2002 00:00 (twenty-two years ago) link

one month passes...
I know this is a bit off topic for this board.

Danny Joe Brown is not doing very well at all, he needs our Prayers and Support at this time. Please Light a Candle.

LD, Monday, 24 June 2002 00:00 (twenty-two years ago) link

two weeks pass...
that's alright LD. We "ALL" know and love Danny Joe. Wishing him the best.

Cork, Saturday, 13 July 2002 00:00 (twenty-two years ago) link

one year passes...
here's the deal with hatchet vs skynyrd.remember your talking about the first and second best southern rock bands ever.while hatchet is a notch above skynyrd with there hard rock kick ass songs,they just dont have the heart in there music the way skynyrd does.they are my two favorate bands in the world,but if i had to pick one im going with ronnie vanzant and skynyrd.

don michael, Sunday, 13 July 2003 02:49 (twenty-one years ago) link

one year passes...
Molly Hatchet "Gator Country", were they trying to piss people off or what?

"Well I've been to Alabama, people, ain't a whole lot to see
Skynyrd says it's a real sweet home but it ain't nothin' to me
Richard Betts'll tell ya, lord, he's a rambin' man
He can ramble on back to Georgia, I won't give a damn
Charlie Daniels tells us the good lord lives in Tennessee - HA!.."

etc., there's also a verse about Elvin Bishop involving a crude pun on "Mississippi"!

dave q (listerine), Tuesday, 1 February 2005 07:04 (nineteen years ago) link

i love that hatchet bumrush from sep 29!

j blount (papa la bas), Tuesday, 1 February 2005 07:12 (nineteen years ago) link

"Flirtin' With Disaster" for teh win!

eman (eman), Tuesday, 1 February 2005 14:27 (nineteen years ago) link

one month passes...
four months pass...
This should not even be a discussion. Molly Hatchet were so obviously influenced by Skynyrd--right down to the three guitars.

Skynyrd is one of the greatest bands in the history of the United States. Molly Hatchet is a good band that followed in Skynyrd's footsteps.

Dan Provost, Tuesday, 2 August 2005 11:08 (nineteen years ago) link

lmao @ the hatchet fans' forum invasion upthread.

Pashmina (Pashmina), Tuesday, 2 August 2005 11:19 (nineteen years ago) link

one year passes...

Good fite thread. Hatchet fans in fisticuffs with whoever gives 'em the stink eye. New live Hatchet CD + DVD, Flirtin with Disaster -- Live, is pure southern rock gold. Bobby Ingram's mom bought him his first guitar, a Les Paul, when he was in seventh grade, he says on the bonus material. Dave Hlubek weighs 350 lbs. Phil McCormack shouts the pledge of allegiance! The band lines up on the lip of the stage and shakes their guitars in synchrony at the audience. Two bikers chicks in black T's dance onstage during 'Flirtin with Disaster' and they're not even that good looking. Well, good enough, considering.

Many of Hatchet's Kentucky fans are proudly overweight and middle-aged, at least as much so as Skynyrd's. "Whiskey Man" is crushing and then it's hammerdown for another twenty minutes before someone breaks out an acoustic guitar. A five minute drum solo to make you forget Tommy Aldridge and a ten minute guitar solo. Then when they went into Dixie and the the end part of Layla it brought a tear to my eye. There is a surprising and total lack of beer cans and whiskey bottles amid the audience.

Lynyrd Skynyrd is Skynyrd plus Blackfoot plus Outlaws but Hatchet is still only one old guy from Hatchet, another guy from Rum Creek and a bunch of nobodies who play really good, eve the piano player. Hatchet has the secret-that's-not-a-secret of southern rock. It doesn't matter who is playin' the tunes cause you can't remember what they look like after the show except they were big and hairy and white and loud. It just matters that they be good enough to play the songs flawlessly and carry out the vibe and attitude.

Gorge, Wednesday, 4 July 2007 22:20 (seventeen years ago) link

looooooooooool

am0n, Wednesday, 4 July 2007 22:36 (seventeen years ago) link

I am listening to the 4th of July Credence Clearwater Revival Show on my college station. It is great.

This thread should be about CCR instead cause they own you.

BIG HOOS aka the steendriver, Wednesday, 4 July 2007 22:38 (seventeen years ago) link

No, Molly Hatchet own CCR now because those who are still alive didn't have to sell their tunes to some guy named Saul Zaentz. And they didn't have to change their name to Molly Hatcheted and hire the guy from the Cars to play guitar like Creedence Clearwater Revisited.

Gorge, Thursday, 5 July 2007 02:36 (seventeen years ago) link

Well Hatchet fans and Skynyrd fans can all relax... Everyone knows that Jim Dandy & BOA will roll you up and smoke you like a bag of dirt.

will, Thursday, 5 July 2007 14:04 (seventeen years ago) link

(tho these days I kind of dig Hatchet's version of "Dreams" more than ABB.)

will, Thursday, 5 July 2007 14:07 (seventeen years ago) link

This thread should be about CCR instead cause they own you.

they already have their own thread(s) BIG HOOS aka the offtopicposter

am0n, Thursday, 5 July 2007 16:30 (seventeen years ago) link

"Flirtin' With Disaster" for teh win!

-- eman (eman), Tuesday, February 1, 2005 9:27 AM (2 years ago)

still TRU

am0n, Thursday, 5 July 2007 16:30 (seventeen years ago) link

twas 7/4 and i was drunk guys

BIG HOOS aka the steendriver, Thursday, 5 July 2007 17:37 (seventeen years ago) link

With the exception of their first three records, I think Hatchet wins the award for shittiest album covers.

http://www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Venue/9552/molly_hatchet/images/kingdom.jpg
http://www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Venue/9552/molly_hatchet/images/srh.gif
http://www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Venue/9552/molly_hatchet/images/prowl.gif

darin, Thursday, 5 July 2007 18:59 (seventeen years ago) link

who the hell dosed the water supply in this thread??

M@tt He1ges0n, Thursday, 5 July 2007 19:09 (seventeen years ago) link

Those first two covers are kind of good in a Manowar-ish way. This shit's supposed to be fun.

Bill Magill, Thursday, 5 July 2007 19:27 (seventeen years ago) link

the covers are the best part of molly hatchet records! and they don't fuck w/skynyrd anyway anyhow.

M@tt He1ges0n, Thursday, 5 July 2007 19:28 (seventeen years ago) link

Sorry, the early Ken Kelly covers are indeed great, but the prison art spin-offs they're releasing 20 years later are roffle worthy.

darin, Thursday, 5 July 2007 20:20 (seventeen years ago) link

three years pass...

what an awesome thread

it brings me great joy to peruse it

Godspeed HOOS! Black Steendriver (BIG HOOS aka the steendriver), Saturday, 26 March 2011 16:17 (thirteen years ago) link

Ha ha Skynyrd are on a new comp from ultra hipster label Soul Jazz :

http://www.souljazzrecords.co.uk/releases/?id=22999

with no Hatchet, Blackfoot, Rossington Collins Band or .38 Special unfortunately. But you do get "Thirteen" by Big Star?!

Nogma (Matt #2), Saturday, 26 March 2011 16:26 (thirteen years ago) link

two years pass...

An oldie but goodie from The Onion... Molly Hatchet's Nightmare Descent Into Booze, Sex, Drugs 'Not All That Nightmarish,' Guitarist Admits

JACKSONVILLE, FL—The nation's celebrity-biography industry is reeling following Monday's admission by former Molly Hatchet rhythm guitarist Billy Joe Reeves that the rock band's so-called "nightmare descent into booze, sex and drugs" at the height of its late-'70s popularity was "actually not all that nightmarish at all."

"In the summer of 1979, Molly Hatchet was on top of the world. We'd just completed a sold-out tour opening for the likes of Bob Seger and Cheap Trick, and our sophomore effort, Flirtin' With Disaster, was a hit with audiences and critics alike," Reeves told Peter Briley, host of the daytime cable-access talk show Jacksonville Community Voices. "Almost overnight, we were big stars, and things started getting out of control: drugs, alcohol and constant anonymous sex with teenage groupies."

When asked if the experience had been a living hell, a nightmare descent into booze, sex and drugs that almost cost him his life, Reeves stunned Briley with his answer.

"I really wouldn't call it 'nightmarish,' per se, no," Reeves said. "In fact, it was really fucking great. Lord almighty."

Reeves' admission has set off shockwaves within music-bio circles, sharply defying many long-held assumptions about the high price of fame.

"This revelation has stirred up no end of controversy in virtually every corner of the country's $4.2 billion pseudodocumentary industry," said VH1 Behind The Music producer Doug Farelli. "If what this man is saying is true, the very foundation of everything we have come to believe about the celebrity rise-fall-redemption arc may be suspect."

Said E! True Hollywood Story producer Ellen Donovan: "One has to ask: If the excesses of fame are not, in fact, the living hell we have come to believe they are, what else is untrue? What about the heartwarming happy ending, when, after losing all their money, they go clean, settle down and start over again with a better life? Are we to believe that's all just some terrible lie, too?"

During his headline-grabbing interview with Briley, Reeves insisted that sudden fame and fortune did not result in deep inner turmoil and suffering on the part of Molly Hatchet's members, slowly tearing them apart until the band collapsed under the weight of its members' tortured self-destruction. Rather, Reeves said, the struggle, heartache and pain didn't kick in until well after the band had peaked.

"To be honest, if anything, it was the nightmare descent into a lack of booze, sex and drugs that really hurt," said Reeves, who has worked at his brother-in-law's bait shop since leaving Molly Hatchet in 1986. "The excesses of fame were just fine, thank you very much. It was the non-excesses of non-fame that were the hard part."

Jimmy Gaines, a back-up percussionist with Lynyrd Skynyrd from 1977 to 1981, agreed.

"The booze, the sex, the drugs... Those are three great things, and I miss them all terribly," Gaines told MTV News' Kurt Loder during a special investigative report on the controversy Tuesday. "As a matter of fact, I'm looking forward to starting up a second, brand-new nightmare descent into all that stuff just as soon as I can manage it."

Despite the stir his remarks have created, Reeves is not backing down.

"Come on, I'd be high as a kite, a joint in one hand and a fifth of Jack Daniels in the other, and all I had to do was play the first four bars of 'Whiskey Man' and the panties would start dropping," said Reeves, eyeing with wistful longing the Frank Frazetta painting of a battle-axe-wielding barbarian on the cover of 1980's Beatin' The Odds. "And you're asking if it filled me with a gnawing emptiness and despair I couldn't escape? Hell, no. Those days with Danny Joe, Duane, Bruce, Dave and Banner were pretty much the best thing that ever happened to this here good ol' boy, and that's a fact."

Elvis Telecom, Friday, 31 May 2013 01:10 (eleven years ago) link

four years pass...

RIP Dave Hlubek!
https://www.pollstar.com/article/david-hlubek-of-molly-hatchet-dies-132937

Rando Hatchet googlers, your hour cometh.

めんどくさかった (Matt #2), Thursday, 7 September 2017 09:02 (seven years ago) link


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