Nazareth (band)

Nazareth is one of the most distinguished rock bands to hail from Scotland. The band formed in 1968 and has been entertaining rock fans for over five decades with their music. Their unique style of hard rock and ballads captivated audiences around the world and gained them a reputation as one of the most influential rock bands of all time.

The band was formed in Dunfermline, a small town in Fife, Scotland, by four school friends. The original lineup consisted of Dan McCafferty on vocals, Pete Agnew on bass, Manny Charlton on guitar, and Darrell Sweet on drums. They started by performing at local bars and clubs before they landed a record deal with Fontana Records in 1971.

Their debut album, “Nazareth,” was released in 1971 but didn’t make much of an impact. However, their second album, “Exercises,” released in 1972, gained them critical acclaim and established the band as rock heavyweights. The album features some of their most memorable tracks, including “Witchdoctor Woman” and “Morning Dew.”

Nazareth continued to release successful albums throughout the 70s, including “Razamanaz,” “Loud and Proud,” and “Hair of the Dog.” The latter is probably their most famous album and featured hits such as “Love Hurts,” which became a massive hit all over the world, and “Hair of the Dog.” In 1975, the band was invited to tour with Deep Purple and opened for the British rock legends around the world.

In the following years, Nazareth continued to tour and release successful albums. Charlton left the band in 1980, and the band continued without him, hiring Zal Cleminson as his replacement. The band went through further lineup changes over the years and released a number of albums, including “Move Me,” “Boogaloo,” and “The Newz.”

Nazareth has influenced many bands over the years, with their blend of hard rock and ballads. McCafferty’s distinctive gravelly voice is also one of the band’s defining features. The band’s music has been covered by other musicians, including Guns N’ Roses, who covered “Hair of the Dog” on their album “The Spaghetti Incident?” in 1993.

Nazareth has also been recognized for their contribution to rock music. They were inducted into the Scottish Music Hall of Fame in 2008, and in 2011, their hit song “Love Hurts” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

Sadly, the band faced a setback when McCafferty had to retire in 2013 due to health issues. The remaining members decided to carry on, hiring Linton Osborne as their new lead vocalist. They continued to tour, and in 2018, the band celebrated their 50th anniversary.

In conclusion, Nazareth is one of Scotland’s most iconic rock bands, with a legacy that spans over five decades. Their music continues to be celebrated by fans around the world, and their influence can be heard in the music of many contemporary rock musicians. Nazareth’s contribution to rock music is undeniable, and they will always be remembered as one of the greatest rock bands of all time.