The History of Nazareth: A Legacy of Rock Music
Throughout their long career, the members of Nazareth have experienced various changes but have consistently produced music that resonates with their audience. The band’s achievements include receiving several gold albums and performing at major venues and festivals around the world. They have been influential in the rock genre, inspiring numerous bands with their aggressive guitar work and melodic songwriting.
Founding Members
Pete Agnew is the founding bassist of Nazareth, having been with the band since its inception in 1968. His consistent bass playing and background vocals have been a staple of the band’s sound throughout its entire history. Agnew played on all of Nazareth’s major albums, including their self-titled debut in 1971, the breakthrough album Razamanaz in 1973, and their most commercially successful album, Hair of the Dog in 1975. Beyond his work with Nazareth, Agnew has not pursued many external musical projects, focusing almost exclusively on the band. His loyalty and steady bass lines have contributed significantly to the band’s longevity and ongoing appeal.
Lead Guitarists
Jimmy Murrison joined Nazareth in 1994 as the lead guitarist, making him one of the longest-serving members aside from the original lineup. Since joining the band, Murrison has played on several albums, starting with Move Me in 1994. His guitar work has been a key component in maintaining the band’s hard rock sound into the new millennium. Murrison’s contribution helped the band’s sound evolve while keeping the gritty essence of their early work intact. Outside of Nazareth, Murrison has kept a relatively low profile, dedicating most of his professional efforts to the band.
Drummers
Lee Agnew, son of Pete Agnew, started playing with Nazareth in 1999, initially as a session drummer during the recording of the album Boogaloo. He became a permanent member after the departure of the original drummer, Darrell Sweet, following Sweet’s death in 1999. Lee has been involved in all subsequent recordings and tours, contributing to the band’s continued success and musical evolution. His drumming has adapted the classic Nazareth sound to modern rock sensibilities, ensuring the band remains relevant in the changing music landscape.
Vocalists
Dan McCafferty was the iconic lead vocalist of Nazareth from its formation in 1968 until his retirement in 2013 due to health reasons. His distinctive raspy voice became a defining element of the band’s sound and was instrumental in their global success. McCafferty’s vocals on hits like "Hair of the Dog" and the ballad "Love Hurts" helped cement the band’s place in rock history. Over his lengthy career with Nazareth, he recorded numerous albums, contributing not only his vocal talents but also his charisma and energy on stage. Post-Nazareth, McCafferty has released solo albums, with his work continuing to receive praise for its depth and vocal performance, showcasing his talent beyond the band’s framework.
Guitarists
Manny Charlton was the original guitarist for Nazareth, playing a key role in the band from 1968 until his departure in 1990. Charlton’s guitar work was central to Nazareth’s sound, driving the heavy riffs and melodic leads that defined their music. He was particularly influential on albums like Razamanaz and Hair of the Dog, where his guitar playing and production skills shone brightly. After leaving Nazareth, Charlton moved to the United States and continued his music career, producing for other bands and pursuing solo projects that explored various musical styles, reflecting his versatile guitar skills and broad musical interests.
Keyband Members
Zal Cleminson joined Nazareth in 1979, following a successful stint with the Sensational Alex Harvey Band. Known for his theatrical stage presence and skilled guitar playing, Cleminson was part of Nazareth for a brief yet impactful period. He played on the albums No Mean City (1979) and Malice in Wonderland (1980), contributing to some of the band’s more experimental tracks during this era. Cleminson’s time with Nazareth was marked by a shift towards a more varied sound, incorporating elements of funk and pop without losing the hard rock edge. After leaving Nazareth, he continued to work in music, rejoining the Sensational Alex Harvey Band for reunions and working on other musical projects that showcased his dynamic guitar style.
Conclusion
Nazareth’s legacy is a testament to the power of rock music, with their iconic sound and enduring popularity spanning over five decades. From their humble beginnings in Scotland to their global success, the band has remained true to their roots, producing music that continues to resonate with fans worldwide. Despite the many changes and lineup shifts, the band’s core values of rock ‘n’ roll and their unwavering dedication to their craft have remained constant, ensuring their place in the annals of rock history.
FAQs
Q: Who was the original lead vocalist of Nazareth?
A: Dan McCafferty was the original lead vocalist of Nazareth, serving from 1968 to 2013.
Q: Who replaced Dan McCafferty as the lead vocalist of Nazareth?
A: Carl Sentance replaced Dan McCafferty as the lead vocalist of Nazareth in 2015.
Q: Who is the longest-serving member of Nazareth aside from the original lineup?
A: Jimmy Murrison is the longest-serving member of Nazareth aside from the original lineup, joining the band in 1994.
Q: Who is the current drummer of Nazareth?
A: Lee Agnew is the current drummer of Nazareth, having joined the band in 1999.
Q: What is the name of Nazareth’s most commercially successful album?
A: Hair of the Dog is Nazareth’s most commercially successful album, released in 1975.
Q: Who is the founder of Nazareth?
A: Pete Agnew is the founder of Nazareth, having been with the band since its inception in 1968.
