The Newz

One of the most influential rock bands from the UK, certainly the most important hard rock band from Scotland, Nazareth have delivered powerful rock music with no frills for nearly 40 years always delivering their music with an integrity and passion that their loyal fans could always rely on. They had various rock hits in the late `70s, including the proto-power ballad "Love Hurts" (one of the most famous rock ballads of pop rock history).

Released in 1975, their classic album `Hair of the Dog' established Nazareth as an internationally popular hard rock band. Featuring their revamped version of the Everly Brothers' `Love Hurts' (one of the cases where the cover overshadows the original and it becomes "the classic version"). The album sold over a million copies in the U.S. Until the end of the `70s, the band continued successfully as a quartet, releasing a series of Top 100 albums. During the `80s Nazareth survived the hype of synth pop music thanks to their notorious hard work on the road, touring constantly despite of the trends. The 90s were better years for the band, critics started to recognize their value again, especially after many hip bands declared their love for Nazareth. Axl Rose and Guns N' Roses never made any mystery of their love for Nazareth (it's obvious how big is the influence of singer Dan McCafferty on Rose). GNR even released a cover version of "Hair of the Dog" on their album "The Spaghetti Incident".

In 1999, Nazareth resurfaced yet again with `Boogaloo', until tragedy entered the picture. On the first date of the tour drummer Darrel Sweet died of a heart attack and the band vowed to never release an album after the tragic event... until now.

In 2008, thanks to the addition of Lee Agnew (son of bassist Pete Agnew) to the line up, Nazareth are ready to prove they are still on top form, ready to rock again as this was only the start...