Molly Hatchet Was Gonna Kick My Ass

I opened for Molly Hatchet in Tuscaloosa, Alabama Back in the 90s and things got a bit weird backstage. This is the story of that night.
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Molly Hatchet
Flirtin With Disaster

[@jacobdbrown1]

Very cool story Otis Gibbs. My name is Jacob Brown, my father was Danny Joe Brown. I love listening to all the cool stories, that people have. It makes me very proud that, that is the man my dad was. Thanks for sharing

[@bradbaird6526]

Appreciate the great music of your Dad, Jacob. Hope your family is well. Rest in Peace DJB. Gone too soon prayers up

[@otisgibbs]

I haven't told any stories on the porch in a while and the weather was beautiful, so I figured it was time to return to our roots. : )

[@ClintonCaraway]

I thought this was one of your earlier videos when it popped up in my videos. Glad to see you back out on the porch. I can't wait for the weekend..... those are my favorites! #DieHard

[@deoname]

Great story Otis! My favorite MH song is dreams I'll never see . I'm not sure if Molly Hatchett even has any original members left in it

[@CompassAlwaysPointsToTerrapin]

These are my favorite type of videos on your channel, Otis. Your natural laid back storytelling style is what keeps me coming back to the channel. Thank you.

[@jamesdillman6811]

Great story. I saw them open for Bob Seger right here in Indianapolis in 1979 in Market Square Arena. They were great.

[@baneverything5580]

Yeah, I met them and Danny Joe Brown was a drunk dick. The "Funky Music" guy and the rest were nice.

[@stevevolz4308]

I am a Jacksonville native but have lived in Alabama for the past 21 years so your story resonates with me. I was in a mall record store in Jacksonville during the mid-1980s and was looking at a Molly Hatchet album. Some guy came up behind me and said, "That is a great album. You should buy it". He was Duane Roland with MH and was with a few other band members. They signed my album, which I still have today. A few years later I was working at a liquor store and Danny Joe Brown ordered some type of alcohol through the drive through window. I started talking to him but was interrupted by his girlfriend who drove up and the two started fighting in the parking lot. I like a lot of their songs including Gator Country.

[@billmohelsky7812]

Bounty Hunter is a great tune! Saw them live 2 times around 83, the No Guts, No Glory tour and still have the shirt! Rest Easy Molly Hatchet.

[@Emergefit]

Hatchet did a gig at McNichols sports arena in Denver during their flirting with disaster tour. I actually walked 6 miles in a snowstorm in my Tony Lamas to see the show. To this day one of the top five concerts I’ve ever been to. The original lineup, and those guys could straight up play. And Bruce Crump was a very underappreciated drummer.

[@Wag2112]

McNichols - RIP SO MANY Great shows there !!! 89 - 94 Saxon, GNR on Illusions with Skid Row, Purple, Maiden, Queensryche, & all the hair bands , and the women !!! OMG ! The women of Denver and Colo Springs ARE THE TOP OF THE ROCK ! Debbie, Annette, Kristi, Kelly, Carla, Joanne, Michelle, Shanie, Heather , Lisa . . . Wild Nights and Crazy Days ! Love You ALL !!!

[@hoosierdaddy2308]

That might have been the show I went to if it was like 80 or 81 or 79? I was in the Army in Colorado Springs and I'm from Indiana, but I used to go see shows in Denver. I remember it was really snowy big time. It was the original line up I believe and it was killer. Great guitar playing, singing, etc. Just great stuff.

[@Stratdog1966]

My favorite Molly Hatchet song is Gator Country, a bonafide southern rock anthem and it just rips. It's everything a great southern song and band need to be. It's on their first album. I've seen those guys several times, but the time that comes to mind was in the summer of 1991, two friends and myself drove over to Danville, Illinois to the little civic center there to see Molly Hatchet. It was a smaller crowd, and most were on the floor, and Danny Joe had everyone in the seats come on down to the floor and join the party. I remember being 10 ft from those guys and it was soooo loud, but they sounded so good, Les Pauls through Marshalls just rippin'! Danny Joe was just a cool dude. I remember him saying "Y'all ain't the biggest bunch we've played for this trip, butcha daymn sure the loudest!" And you're right, Otis, it was one of those near-religious experiences that you'll never forget. DJB had to quit touring by the late 90's because of his diabetes and sadly passed away, but Molly Hatchet was never the same. As a matter of fact, every one of the original MH guys are sadly gone now. Now it's just a tribute band.

[@lizzyfan1986]

@@Stratdog1966 complete satire now, shame

[@williammilliken7287]

Whiskey man will always be my favorite...started jamming there music in high school 78-81. 👍

[@spro7772]

Clicked on the video, and really enjoyed your story. " Boogie No More" is an unreal jam to this day!! BTW - Danny Joe had a heart of gold. RIP

[@Renegade424]

Bounty Hunter is the song that made me a lifelong Hatchet fan. In 1980, at 17, growing up in Jacksonville, I found out where Hlubek and literally walked up and knocked on the door. He invited me in and we sat and BSed for quite awhile. Super nice guy. 35 years later we met in a bar that his brother was playing in and he remembered the incident and laughed about it. We talked mainly about his cars that he had, especially the '63 gold split window vetted. I loved that car. They were the quintessential Southern Rock band. Loud and proud.....

[@donnyvaughan9133]

LOVE MOLLY ,REST IN PEACE DANNY, GREAT BAND TURNED MY GRANDSON ON , WOW HE HAS ALL ON HIS COLLECTION.

[@roderickhager8154]

Fall of the peace maker! Graduated in Illinois quad cities and those guys ruled southern fryed rock! Great story.🤘💪🎸

[@bswihart1]

I listen to Dreams ill never see at least once a week, love singing that tune. Gator country and Bounty hunter next in line, "did you know 500 dollars will get your head blowed off?, it will" great lyrics from a great band!

[@BigSKR]

Only Gregg Allman could write a song like Dreams I will never see. So Soulful. But, I preferred Molly Hatchets version, always been a favorite, sad but truthful tune for me.

[@BigSKR]

And, who could deny the Artwork of Frank Frazetta in the late 70s and 80s ?

[@bluesdoggmusicrediker4614]

by far "dreams ill never see" they did a great version of the allman brothers song.

[@ressalg]

There was a time in my life when I would have chuckled at the story of the Hatchet guys getting themselves fired up before a show. But now, I would be grateful to know that a band I had paid to see, whose best days might be behind them, gave enough of a shit to go through rituals like that. They could have just walked out on stage, went through the same old motions, and walked off after a short set. But they didn't, and I have major respect for that.

[@c.k.185]

LOL! Great story. Yeah, that guitar player was Bryan Basset. I met him at a Hatchet show at Mr. Lucky’s in Phoenix. Great guy. He played with Foghat too. Hatchet was always a great show with Danny Joe Brown

[@Gratefulman1965]

Otis, Yea, saw Molly Hatchett live at Oregon Jam 1981 in Salem Oregon at the armory fairgrounds. Anyway Danny had left the band due to his struggles with diabetes and Jimmy Farrar was doing lead vocal duties, this was the tour supporting the Beatin’ the odds album. I have to say, I am a Danny joe brown fan, but Jimmy did a decent job while he was with the band. My favorite Hatchett song would have to be “Boogie no more” off the Flirtin’ with disaster LP. The bands first two with Danny are my personal favorites of the band as albums go. Danny was a generous man, still sad we lost him to Diabetes and Jimmy passed recently as well. Wild men in their day for sure! Anyway great story Otis, thanks!

[@TheMisterMonkeyman]

I was never much of a Molly Hatchet fan besides their radio hit(s?). But I can relate to the story. When I was younger and doing the touring thing it was always super cool when the "big" band on the bill would do something nice for the new guys. It happened way more than people would think, a "veteran" band helping with money or food or whatever. But the opposite did happen some too, which I never understood. Being crappy to some kids that are just trying to do good work and make the show better while making practically no money. Luckily I have way more stories about the nice things that were done for us than stories about the bad things done to us. As always, an enjoyable pleasure Otis. Peace.

[@michaeldy3157]

Early albums were great.

[@smittysmat7826]

I’m from a small jr college town in rural central Georgia. Back in the late 70s, Molly Hatchet would come through on a regular basis to play at the one and only bar where all the college students hung out. Despite the fact that the drinking age then was still 18, my friends and I were not old enough to get in…and since we probably looked about 14, not brave enough to try a fake ID. So instead, we’d pull our car down the alley, right beside the bar, and listen to them through the wall. It was plenty loud. Lol. Fun fact: Molly Hatchet was so connected to our town that on the back cover of their first( I believe) record, one of the guys is wearing a shirt from our town’s police department. Of course, I always thought that was really cool.

[@pauljacobs1911]

Awesome story, Otis. It was cool that you were so humble when he offered the rooms at first. Glad you got to enjoy the good life for a bit!

[@jkinthewind]

I saw Molly Hatchet at a small club in DC in the early eighties. Still love that band. I almost never pick up my guitar without noodling around on Dreams I'll Never See

[@HootNightowl]

As you know, Otis, my standard answer is, I can't pick just 1. So, here's 3: Fall of the Peace makers, Dreams I'll never see & Gator country. Thanks for sharing another unique story, my friend.

[@joblo6394]

Oh that’s right! their cover of Dreams is tremendous, I love their take on it 🙌🏼🤘🏼

[@pg981]

One Last Ride...set to Dave Mann Art.

[@raydavison4288]

In the late '70s, I think it was, I was living with my old love, "Stephanie". She was a wild child who could drink a fifth of Jack & still be on her feet. I loved that girl even though she was f#(4ing half of my friends at the time. One day after I got home from work I heard a commotion outside my house. I looked out just in time to see Steph flying out of the back door of a Lincoln continental. She was drunk & had lost her pants somewhere. The car sped off before Steph even ht the pavement. I went out & picked her up from the street & she was as DRUNK as I had ever seen her & I had seen her pretty damn drunk. In her right hand she was holding a half dozen tickets to the Molly Hatchet show that was scheduled that night in Charleston, W. VA. I never did find out who had been driving the Lincoln, but it must have been somebody in the band or someone close like a roadie or something. We took some friends & went to the show, which was fantastic, btw. I loved Stephanie with my whole heart even if she was kinda "liberal with her favors", if you know what I mean 🙂. Stephanie was killed in a car wreck not long after that. She was stone cold sober & was hit by a drunk driver...

[@WhoWhoandZulu]

Thumb up # 2 ...such an ironic twist at the end of the story ....Sorry and thanks for sharing ...Zulu

[@tonywiley4357]

Dam

[@ericbitzer5247]

I know the feeling. I had a couple exes that died. One was a hit and run when she was crossing the street. Don't think they ever caught the driver. You don't expect the girls to go like the guys and it's a weird feeling when they do.

[@Wag2112]

RIP Wild Child - or Party til ya Puke up there with Hatchet and RJ Dio, Lemmy, Dime, Eddie VH , John Lord, Richard Wright, John Entwhistle etc !!!

[@raydavison4288]

@@Wag2112 💖

[@johnnyallen5902]

Danny was still with the band (off and on, due to serious health problems with diabetes) up until the early/mid-90's and that gesture certainly sounds like him I grew up with his step-brother and heard many, many great stories and had the pleasure of actually meeting him after a show...saw him perform with Hatchet a number of times...terrific performer, and a wonderful guy.

[@johnboy26769]

Hey Otis! I was in a Southern Rock band called Blizzard back in the late 70's. Never saw Molly Hatchet, but in 1980 we "opened" for Charlie Daniels at the NYS Fair. Well didn't really open for him, they had multiple stages with multiple bands and we were on a smaller side stage and played a 45 minute set before he opened as one of the Headliners on the Main stage. But I did get to meet him, and he was one of the nicest guys I've ever met! thanks for the memories!

[@billbazen1287]

I was in a hard rock band called "BLIZZARD".I have a registered US trademark on the name.

[@sayeager5559]

I am happy this story ended well. I don't know enough about Molly Hatchet. I saw them twice in the 80's and both shows were fantastic. Dreams i'll Never See is a pretty awesome song.

[@lovedofgod.4905]

Though "Dreams.." was written by Allman, I like MH version the best. Since '78. Flirtin' was what caught me back then as far as Molly Hatchet was concerned. But soon as I actually sat down and listened to Dreams' in the next years it grew on me. Molly was deliverin the goods ;)....

[@eddieledkins1658]

I first met the guys in Molly Hatchet when I was stationed in Dayton, Ohio. Four years later I saw them again at home in Pensacola, Florida at the Mudbug Womba festival. I couldn't believe they knew who I was. A few years later they played at the Double L a local nightclub. The Ruckus Band was the house band and were friends of mine. After the show we went to Wallace's house and grilled some steaks. They are a really great bunch of hardworking guys. I played for several years and "Dreams I'll Never See" is my adopted theme song but Fall of the Peacemakers is my favorite song.While serving Gator Country always hit home. No pun intended. Thanks for sharing your memories. Although members came and went they all still remained down to earth musicians.

[@simpleman283]

Pensacola is my hometown also, was that in 1993? They were playing out in the street, I can't remember the name of the festival but it was in Seville Quarter. Did U see 38 special on the Navy base around that same time.

[@scottkidwellmusic9175]

My shipmate and fellow troublemaker in the Coast Guard was a big southern rock fan- turned me on to a lot of Texas and southern bands. We're talking deep cuts, not what I'd heard on the radio. One morning, when the ship was in the shipyards, and after a really good night of drinking, I hear him shuffling through his CD collection. The next thing I know, "Flirtin' With Disaster" is blaring out of his boom box at nearly full volume as he laughs and ducks out of the hotel room. It had to be 7 AM... I was definitely awake, but in no condition to function well.

[@hoosierdaddy2308]

Great story man. I've been playing guitar on and off for 40 years. I saw them in Denver in like 80 or 81 I think it was. Original line up and they rocked the place. I want to say they opened for REO Speedwagon that night, but I could be getting two shows mixed up. The 70s are killing me. 🤣🤟♥️ Great band. Great story man. I'm digging the hat sir. 🤙♥️🤙

[@Barry101er]

I too, don’t know much about them either, but here’s my MH story: right before the pandemic my friend Keyboard Dave said "come on over and Jam with these guys, there's no bass player , you don't even need to bring a bass, they have a great space and everything you need". So I went and sure enough, nice Geddy Lee MIJ Jazz bass, nice Mark Bass amp. But the thing I remember the most was the drummer was really something; with an incredible DM custom kit ; and also a percussion set-up with what must have been every piece of LP drum etc. you could buy, all mic’d up to the PA: wow-what fun. Sadly, Covid came, so they stopped the Thursday Jams at the old Shoe factory in Rockland, MA. I asked Keyboard Dave; that drummer was amazing; is he a pro? Dave told me he was Molly Hatchet’s touring drummer back in the day. Such a nice guy! Great jams.

[@baneverything5580]

I had a beat up stick from that guy that was warped and missing chunks where he`d hit the edge of the cymbals. Can`t remember his name but I know it somewhere in my brain.

[@johnbhumphrey]

Are you talking about Shawn Beamer?

[@Barry101er]

@@johnbhumphrey It wasn’t Sean.

[@rjc7289]

"Whiskey Man" is one of my favorite MH tunes. I always thought they straddled that fine line between southern rock and heavy metal. They definitely were the heaviest of the popular southern rock bands at the time.

[@scottycunningham1413]

For sure, the Viking imagery definitely added to that

[@Gashouse69]

I was a huge MH fan as a teen and young man back in the 70's. I've always said MH was Southern Rock with teeth. So many great songs. Fall of the Peacemakers, Gator Country, Flirtin' With Disaster' Etc. But probably my favorite is their cover of Dreams I'll Never See by the Allman Bros.

[@ronjepperson3457]

I seen Molly Hatchet i think at least 10 times from 1983-1999 . That was when the Best Version of Molly Hatchet with Danny Joe Brown, Bruce Crump on Drums, Riff West on Base, Dave Huebeck on Guitars, Bobby Ingram on Guitars, John Galvin on Keyboards and Duane Rolland and Steve Holland on Guitars. Seen them in 1985 Promoting Live Album in Cedar Lake Indiana in Small Bar on a Pier out on the Lake. Can't Remember the Name of Bar but one of Best Concerts I seen ever. Played several Stones Songs along with Freebird just kicked some --- that Night ! Also seen last Show Danny Joe Brown did . It was in Orlando in 1998 and Tribute and Benefit Concert to Raise Money for Danny Joe and his Medical Bills. Artimus Pyle was there with his Band and Pat Travers and Gator Country(Former members of Molly Hatchet) and numerous Southern Rock bands and former members of Molly Hatchet. Riff West who was played Base for Molly Hatchet Organized Show and was one of Danny Joe Brown's Friends. Now Molly Hatchet is fronted by Bobby Ingram which was Danny Joe Brown Best Friends and carries on Band and its name great. Phil McCormick that Replaced Danny Joe Brown after Danny's Stroke took over Vocals and did a Great Job but sadly passed away 2 years ago and now a Molly Hatchet Tribute Band Singer is now doing vocal hope he can do a good job in Band ?

[@playmusicnet7347]

Great road story! You took me back out there Otis, 1998 Derringer/Winter Tour. Our paths cross Molly Hatchet's many times that summer. Those guys were pretty cool. Never did see the locker room buildup. Probably cuz they respected Rick and Edgar and besides they were opening for them. Having your own room was nice when your on the road.

[@senatorjimdracula1603]

That's a great story!! Glad they turned out to be nice guys and you got a nice room out of it :)

[@Jaymze13]

They opened for Triumph on the "Thunder Seven" tour in the early 80s. Tarrant County Convention Center in downtown Fort Worth. I want to say Hatchet was touring the "The Deed is Done" album. It was not only the only time I saw Molly Hatchet, but the only time to see Triumph. It was a great show. As far as favorite songs, I have quite a few. "Dead and Gone" (the old DJB version) and "Bounty Hunter" are two of the older songs I really like. I also love "One Last Ride".

[@downtownxmastree6074]

My first concert was TheOutlaws with Molly Hatchet opening. I think Flirtin’ had just hit radio. 1977.

[@garryerisman5231]

I’ve seen them live a bunch of times in the 70’s and 80’s . They were the loudest band I’ve ever heard …

[@clayton5584]

that was an awesome story. the thing I remember most about MH was how cool their posters were. My older brother had several in his room

[@Peter7966]

Otis... this story took a turn for the better. Molly Hatchet did you right. Good for them. And you. The road makes for some strange encounters, bad and good.

[@josephmoore1354]

We took their house band gig at "The Castaways" in Jax Beach Fl. In the early 70's we were there for @ 11 months then moved on. "Catworth Fox" was our name and band mate deaths was the cause of our breaking up. To young too soon as the all say "We could have been somebody" Molly, Skynard, 38 special, ourselves, and many other groups were all part of the scene in the late 60's early 70's in North Florida and Petty, down where I lived were all trying to make it. Some did and some, not so much, but we all added to the sound coming from the South. Sincerely, Joe

[@stephensuddick274]

Way back in time, I remember Molly Hatchet was in town for a concert. I saw them standing outside a music store. They were the wildest looking bunch of guys I ever saw. Of course, I love Gator Country because of how the lyrics let all the established southern rock bands know in no uncertain terms that they were here and they were serious and they were rockin'.

[@paulshort6454]

Hey OTIS. That was a great story. Back in 1978, Molly Hatchet opened for the Outlaws at the San Diego Sports Arena. Maybe 15,000 in the crowd. My college roomates and I would smuggle our tequila inside using bota bags (wine skins) under our shirts. Men picking fights was the normal stretch of vocabulary. I almost caught some just for slamming the door too hard of someone's VW van (filled w/ pot smoke). Concerts and bars overflowing with a constant stream of music. Good times all the time -except the cops were often assholes who did half their talking w/ their hands. They'd pull you by your long hair if your listening wasn't good. "Whiskey Mama" was another favorite song. Peace & best wishes, old man.

[@awarewolves1712]

I was really surprised when I saw the title of this video. I lived in Jacksonville for a few years growing up and Danny Joe Brown had gone to the same Jr. High School that I went to. My good friend's mom had dated Danny Joe Brown in high school and although I never met him, I always heard he was a really nice dude. She worked in the med room at the Jacksonville Arena and would tell us about the various nefarious goings on during concerts. Someone handed out a bunch of dosed peppermints at Billy Squier and they had a lot of freak-outs although it was never determined whether this was due to the acid or to the fact that Saga opened.... ; D

[@catdriver1527]

My first concert ever....Molly Hatchet with 38 special opening up for them at Barton Coliseum in Little rock...probably 1980. Fantastic show

[@mintonmiller]

love the backstage story. A couple of years I was listening to an interview with Larkin Poe. The interviewer kept asking about any backstage ritual they had to get pumped up to hits the stage. Apparently she was not satisifed with the answer she was getting because she kept pressing the point about 3 times in a row. Finally, Rebeca Lovell said "We usually sacrifice a couple rabbits". The interviewer almost dropped her mic and there was a long pregnant pause which was finally broken by Magen Lovell quietly saying "noooo we don't". Interviewer finally gained her composure and carried on with the interview.

[@danielmorris3687]

🤣 Good story. I love Larkin Poe. Those sisters kick ass. They were a damn good bluegrass band when they were performing with their older sister also. Talented ladies.

[@mintonmiller]

@@danielmorris3687 Funny thing about them. I am basically old school country and never did get in to too many rock bands. It has been over 2 decades since I have purchased a album of a new artist or wanted to see one in concert. But Rebeca and Megan have just got that unclassifiable "it" that makes them truly great. Their albums are great, but it is when these ladies hit the stage that they really shine. There is this feedback loop between the two sisters feeding off each other at the same time there is a feedback loop between the sisters collectively and the audience that is so amazing to see. I have watched everything online I can find multiple times. I am almost 60 and clearly I am not their target demographic, but I have made my daughter promise that if Larkin Poe comes near enough to me, that she will take me to a concert.

[@danielmorris3687]

@@mintonmiller I'm 59 too and I think we are exactly their demographic...music lovers who appreciate great musicians that play real instruments. 👍 I'm not sure if they tour in Canada much but I'd definitely go if they played Toronto which is about an hour from my home, even if I do stick out like an old geezer in a crowd of youngins. ✌🇨🇦

[@mintonmiller]

@@danielmorris3687 I'll do ya one better. because I am legally blind and into country music, if I get to see The Poe, I plan to down by the stage with my cowboy hat and my white cane rockin' and dancin' to the music. Now THAT is one weird old geezer they won't forget.

[@larryn2682]

The Lovell sisters are quite talented and thankfully into the old school real music, when people had talent and could play an instrument. However, don't expect them or their PR/social media person to ever respond to any comments, suggestions or other communication. Not the best attitude towards fans.

[@rodneymiller9439]

My band is opening for Molly Hatchet this very weekend! Same kinda venue, 1000 seat place downtown.

[@MrPorkslap1]

I saw Molly Hatchett at UMBC's fieldhouse I think around 1981. My sister who was attending college there said that cracks were repported in the building structure after the concert.

[@newking70]

As a kid growing up in the 70s, I liked going to the local record store and checking out the albums. When I saw the cover art on Flirting with Disaster I was blown away. I had to buy the album. RIP Dave Hlubek.

[@scraggly65]

Frank Frazetta painted some great album covers

[@musicalimagesbymikeo8290]

I just stumbled upon this video. I love Molly Hatchet! First saw them in 1981 with Jimmy Farrar singing, Take No Prisoners was the current album. It was at the Hollywood Palladium and the show was broadcast on the radio. I remember a dude trying to climb up on stage during the concert and one of the band members gave him a look that makes me think of the title of this video, he backed off right away Ha Ha. My best memories of that band are a couple years later when Danny Joe Brown came back and they put out an album called No Guts No Glory. I saw them 4 times that year. Two shows in one day at Six Flags Magic Mountain and then one at a small place near Los Angeles called The Country Club in Reseda. Around that same time I saw them tape an episode of the TV show Rock N Roll Tonite. Those 4 concerts will always be about the most kick ass shows I've ever been to. The ringing in my ears have never recovered. LOL Search youtube for them on Rock N Roll Tonite. Your video mentions the guitarist who wrote Play That Funky Music, well that guys name is Bryan Bassett and he has been in the band Foghat for a long time now. Great player and good man.

[@texashunter8327]

I saw MH in the Music Hall, Houston, TX in 1979. They opened up for Ac/Dc. Danny Joe Brown came out with an ac/dc shirt on spinning the mic stand.

[@randaloopy]

In the late 80’s, a friend of mine & I went to a Molly Hatchet concert in a small kinda biker bar in Crystal MN called the “Iron Horse”. (sadly today it’s a used car lot though the bldg is still there but remodeled) What I remember most was when we walked in there was a large sign that said “No colors & No knives”. A little unsettling for a gentle country boy like myself. 😕 And the band members were all big guys! And loud. The stage wasn’t very big & they nearly hit their heads on the ceiling. Great rockin music though & a great memory.

[@bluesrocker79]

Molly Hatchet was always LOUD!lol

[@DavidSmith-ss1cg]

Otis, you're right about the guys in Molly Hatchet being Southern gentlemen as well as being road warriors and great musicians; I did some work for one of the original guitar players, Steve Holland, who was living on a nice boat in Panama City Beach owned by a buddy who he had befriended in his earlier days(when he had money and got rid of it as fast as he could) and was returning the favor by letting him stay on the boat. Later on, he came to a bar run by the guy I was working for(when we worked on that boat) and sat in, and he saw me playing guitar, and encouraged me to play lead, and was pretty nice about the whole thing - he could tell that my head was in a bad place, and he kinda could tell by the way I spoke that I was smarter than I seemed and that my confidence had been beaten down. I can barely remember much of that time, but your story reminded me of meeting and playing with a real rock musician who was a hell of a nice cat. I'd seen this video for a while, and I finally clicked on it and checked it out; I didn't expect to be reminded of that guy's kindness. Thanks for this memory awakener, and for all your other great videos. Fortune passes everywhere.

[@ayronsmama05]

Yeah Flirtin with disaster is the only Molly Hatchett that I can name off the top of my head and I am sure there are others that I just don't realize was them. Cool story and the ending was nice and peaceful! Thanks Otis, Blessings!

[@rabinlimstrok]

I got to see Molly Hatchet in 1977 in Atlanta at The Fox Theater with The Outlaws. Still is my favorite show I've ever seen. I was 17 years old and lived where I still do in western North Carolina and it was on a school night. Never forget it !!

[@rp1526]

That was a great story. And you have a smooth way to tell it. Thanks. Molly Hatchet was one of the goto bands when I I was growing up. Flirtin’ with disaster comes to mind as my favorite but there were a few.

[@gatormangrove3129]

Hatchet was a Jacksonville band. So was Lynyrd Skynyrd and Blackfoot. In fact, Ronnie Van Zant, the lead singer for Skynyrd, discovered Molly Hatchet and was a huge supporter of the band. I was born and raised in DeLand Florida, which is about 80 miles SW of Jacksonville. I grew up on Southern rock, especially Lynyrd Skynyrd, Blackfoot and Molly Hatchet. I was living in Wilmington N.C. in 1983 when Molly Hatchet came through town. A friend of mine was a part time concert promoter in Wilmington and asked me if I would assist the band throughout the day of the concert. Things like getting the guys cigarettes, booze, food and possibly illicit substances. On the day of the show I met these dudes and because of the way I talked, they figured out I was " one of them " as they put it. When DJB and Dave Hlubek found out I was from Valusia County, I was a one day honorary member of Molly Hatchet. I did nothing that night but drink, smoke and get a little high with the boys. You sir are correct about the martial arts stuff. Those cats were also big in stature and attitude. I'll never forget that night. Bad ass Southern boys who took no shit and took no prisoners. Huge hearts of gold, each and every one of them. Also, Bryan Bassett was the guitarist with Wild Cherry.

[@hippydippy]

During the early 80's I was in a Southern Rock band that opened for Hatchet 2 or 3 times. In fact, the first major concert I ever played was on their debut tour in 1980. Danny was always cool, but one of their guitarist's was a real Dick. Our lead guitarist had more than a few tense moments with him & he was from Arkansas. lol

[@garyjohnson1525]

My college roommate knew that (the original) Molly Hatchet was my alltime favorite band, and for my 21st birthday, took me to my first Molly Hatchet concert. That was 1981, and I was blessed to have seen them six more times over the course of a number of years. My alltime favorite song of theirs is, "It's All Over Now", but those boys never turned out a bad song, EVER!!!! God rest Danny Joe and the rest that have passed that comprised the baddest southern rock band that ever existed. Thank you, sir, for sharing your story.

[@kennethhacker3014]

A friend of mine auditioned for them back in the late 90s for the bass and back up vocals...long story short he never got the gig but its a great story..

[@larrywilson1551]

What a great story. Saw Molly Hatchet a few times in the 70's & 80's. They were warm up band for the Outlaws in '78 at the Nassau Coliseum. One of my all time favorite concerts.

[@mattsmith5630]

I’m going with Bounty Hunter. The first line is just “Helllll yeah!” That’s as southern as it gets. Check it out.

[@GlobalMiles]

Wonderful story!! Yeah, saw them at Medina Ballroom outside of MPLS. With the inimitable DJB. Magic.

[@joblo6394]

I think I saw them there…..maybe at the old Roy Wilkins too

[@GlobalMiles]

@@joblo6394 Cool! They were a BIG part of the fabric of the 1978-1992 high school scene, all over KQ.

[@BillyBob-ld5nv]

Play That Funky Music is one of my favorite songs. Great story, Otis.

[@tomm2271]

Hello from Youngstown, Ohio I graduated from HS 1980, so MH was on my radar a lot. Love watching the concert from 1978 live in Passaic , NJ Song "Big Apple" is A+++

[@toterola451]

My favorite Molly Hatchet song is "Gator Country". A kid I knew from Florida used to sing and play that song on the guitar in the barracks when we were spit-shining our boots, and I always blast it and think about sitting around and drinking beers with my buddies before going out to the Enlisted Men's Club. I saw Molly Hatchet with .38 Special and Dickie Bett's Great Southern once, and it was awesome. Not really my favorite genre of music then or now, but if you grew up when and where I grew up, the 70s in the South, it's in your DNA. 🍺

[@tommyheinsen9895]

I was at a Molly Hatchet show, 1978 Omaha Nebraska at The Music Box. Crowd was super drink and rowdy, some drunk guy punched my 17 year old 125 pound a$$ in the face for no reason. I had no idea I could even take punch like that. My buddy intervened and that was the end of that. The band was smoking, and I got a story that I still tell today LOL. Love you Otis!

[@frankoshields6643]

How cool is this story DJB was a stand up guy. Im from Jacksonville, although I'm in Tennessee now, good friend of mine knew DJB back before they hit so got to meet all those guys. What can I say every song was good guess I will go with 1st Dreams I'll Never See, Gator Country, Bounty Hunter, right there with it. When I saw the title for the video I was like 👍 I was jammin to Hatchet last night. I saw them so many times, always was a great time with them. They are all gone now Steve Holland pass last year he was the last of the original line up. Those boys could play, but DJB was the glue for them, they were the heavy metal side of Southern Rock. Love this story Otis it put a big smile on my face hearing you say they was hitting each other like football players, they were intense on stage, and back stage as well.

[@howardsiebel5229]

Hey Man. Have You been to Hilliard? I'm going to Gator Country to pick up an American Bulldog puppy-a baby Gator.

[@lylespeed2821]

Awesome story.all molly hatchet tunes are my favorite have all the vinyl 😁😁

[@hayshallman5903]

I had a group of friends that made up a great band in the small city I was in and we all thought they were the shit so they got to open for Molly Hatchet. Well they did there opening act and it was very good then Hatchet came in and just kicked total ass and I remember just thinking wow what a difference in a professional act and our hometown heroes there was. Hatchet had so much energy and stage presence I never looked at my friends band the same. You could just tell MH had paid their dues!!

[@bengagliardo1080]

musicians have a tendency to help other musicians we've all been there at one time in our careers...... its good to hear stories of the old guard helping those who are going through what they went through.. . ..see ya on the flip side..

[@michaeljohanson9504]

I live sixty miles from Tuscaloosa and I went to see them in the 1990s! I may have been at that show! 😄

[@MedicTJ]

Timmy Lindsay and Shawn Beamer are two acquaintances of mine, and great friends with my keyboard player, and I've had the honor to share a stage with both of them. They are 2 of the nicest people you'll ever meet. Well, Timmy looks A LOT like Sam Elliott, and we were all having steak at a place in the town we were playing in. Lady walks up to Timmy, "OH MY GOSH YOU'RE SAM ELLIOT! CAN I HAVE YOUR AUTOGRAPH?". Welp, Timmy didn't want to disappoint the lady so he nodded and signed it, "Love + xoxoxo SAM" Took everything in my power not to laugh so I just buried my face in my hands on the table. Love that dude!!!

[@stephenlennartz3466]

A story well told! Thanks so much, Otis. I enjoyed this very much! 😎🎸

[@keithhanson1411]

Wow I have a story also 😂 molly played at diablos den in Warner robins ga. They lost a drum adjustment key during a set. I ran 2 miles at 12 midnite to retrieve a adjustment key from a friend .then it was awesome free drinks and helped them load their van and then they gave me some awesome weed for helping them out . Wow ! Cool dudes for sure .

[@AllenGoodman]

Unequivocally, Dreams I will never see. Great story, enjoyed thoroughly. 👍

[@danielturk3544]

❤in 1977 my first nite in fla Jax as a navy guy out getting high and walking the beach and walking by the Ramada inn we hear freebies n the door opens and I got to seedave ripping freebies behind his head !!! They happened to be playing lavida lounge down the breach and igot to see them every night for six days and have been a fan ever since

[@JamesScottB]

Good story Otis. I like the twist. There is some southern rock that I really like--but I could never wrap my head around Molly Hatchet--thought they could really SHRED.. One of my bands in my 20's covered one of their songs and I really didn't like it--and of course I couldn't help but let that be known . I think we eventually dropped that song--or at least I think we did. Thanks for sharing as always Otis.

[@joeurbanowski321]

Otis..!!! That is wayyyy cool..!!! You da man..! Love your stories..👍🏼❤️

[@davidrieck4376]

My ex-wife worked at a hotel. She told me that MH was staying there. I asked her if she could get them to sign my LP. She came home with 2 row 10 tickets in the 10th row at our state fair. The band came out afterwards to buy some concessions. I thanked them for the tickets. At 10 am she told me that they were drinking Jack Daniels in the hallway. Seen them twice since. I play drums in a band and play several of there tunes. Dream I've never seen is my favorite.

[@johnranalli3378]

Flirtin with Disaster is one of my all time favorite guitar solos. Classic song as well

[@hearpalhere]

That's an awesome story Otis, really loved it and surprise twist too haha. Nice!

[@NativeSon60]

Danny Joe had a bass player from Tampa, Buzzy Meekin. I have been around him at jam sessions at clubs in Tampa. They were rowdy at times! Great music from Molly Hatchett. Buzzy played in Hatchett for a little while. Great story dude. RIP Danny.

[@billmcdonough8616]

Saw them in Portland, Maiine. Early 80s. SOOO loud! It was awesome

[@jamiemullins5877]

"I'm cruisin down the road and I'm flirtin with disaster"... Much love back brother, love the-Rock in Roll War Stories...We Want More!!!

[@charlesgauldin8010]

Favorite Molly 🪓 Hatchet song, all of em rock out..but I always loved the one they have called The Creeper

[@maxdelozier5752]

Bounty hunter...16 years old knoxville coliseum 38 special and Blackfoot opened..great show Hatchet blew them all away..keep the video coming Otis thanks

[@thomasminarchickjr.7355]

They said they would, and they did rock Tuscaloosa! 😂😆

[@trog.lodyte]

By the time I found MH they had just put out beatin' the odds, I was 16 in Canada and none of my friends were listening to them. The album had this weird Tolkein like apocalyptic art and I was hooked. Never saw them live though by their vids I get a sense of what a great stage band they were.

[@cruisinwithbuddy]

I never got to see the original Molly Hatchet live, but, I got to meet Steve Holland about 5 years ago. His caretaker is a friend of mine. Every summer, some local southern rock bands in the Savannah area would do a show that was a tribute to Steve. We would go up and see Steve every year for it until last year, when he passed away. We would hang out back stage with Steve. We had to make sure he wasn't trying to drink our beer. Steve liked talking to my wife. She is German and he would tell her stories about his times on tour in Europe. I still have a bottle of near beer in my fridge that was Steve's from a couple of years ago. I miss that guy.

[@TheHarvChannel]

Saw them 3 times back in the 70's, they were outstanding.

[@oldnrone]

That's a really good story...you been around. Cheers from Finland!

[@abelincoln3287]

That was a great story of a memorable experience. While I do love Danny Joe Brown, he did not quite tell the truth. Play that funky music white boy was written by lead singer Rob Parissi. Bryan Bassett was the base player for Wild Cherry, he joined Molly Hatchet in 1993 and toured with them until 1999

[@kellyz77429]

My first Concert had to be 1978 Houston Colliseum AC DC Highway to Hell tour and Molley Hatchet Flirting with Disaster. Most incredible rock experience of my life. We were front row. I will never forget lead singer in Molley turning up a 5th of Jack Daniels and slammed it all mid concert. Damn who does that. Well he did. Angus slung sweat on us rest of night as he rocked his vain popping ass off. Wow what a show. DZ

[@hkguitar1984]

WOW, GREAT STORY. When "Flirtin' with Disaster" first came out I knew I had to learn to play it. That was back in 1979, we always had a blast playing that song, we also added "Dreams I'll never see to our set list. Those songs always went over well.

[@lindellsiler5994]

Always loved Molly Hatchet. Met most the origials at a show back in 89. Got to work security at a show much later. Both lineups seemed like good people so I'm not surprised they treated you right.

[@tomthompson5686]

Thanks Otis for the wonderful story. While listening to you recount your firsthand experience with Molly Hatchet I was skeptical; especially when you referred to them as a pioneer of Southern Rock. Fact is, MH was a remora as opposed to an apex predator such as a shark in the annals of Southern Rock (SR). From whistling his "mules" in to cue the guitar solos, to growling out the lyrics a la Van Zant; it's obvious this band exploited the '77 terminus of Skynyrd and they excelled at it. Thank you for sharing your perspective as it revealed the "heart and soul" of these men. They are innocently making their art to the exultation of the faithful... Thank you Brother. Rock on

[@sandersaycock6865]

Great story Otis Lot of Fav Hatchet tunes… Peacemakers is at this moment one to standout

[@markschweitzer3459]

Otis. Saw them in 1980 out in the plains of western Kansas. They rocked the house. I can’t imagine what it was like touring there. Thanks for the story!!

[@georgemills8701]

I saw them play in a club called Haymakers, in Prospect Heights, Illinois, in 1978, a small rock and roll club, that brought in some real good bands, from time to time. I was 20 ft. from the stage. I didn't know much about them at that time, but I can tell you you they put on a show that was up there with Skinnard and 38 special ! Great stage presence and the lead singer was flying on coke and their two lead guitarists and drummer were great. My favorite song with them was "Fall of the Peace Makers" it is one of the greatest songs, I have ever heard, in my life! Love southern rock, always have, saw the Allman Bros, in 74, in Jersey City, when I was a senior, Skinnard and 38 Special in Soldier field, in Chicago, in 1977 and the Outlaws in that Haymakers club! All great shows!

[@carylawson8360]

My alltime favorite molly hatchet songs will always be bounty hunter and gator country STAND ON IT DWAYNE !!!