I have a favorite Nazareth album. It was (and still is) Razamanaz from 1973, their first on A&M Records (it was their third album overall, the previous two being rather obscure). From there, McCafferty and the boys went on to do extensive and memorable work including their breakthrough 1975 album, Hair Of The Dog with its “Love Hurts” song. The band itself has been through several personnel changes but have consistently stuck with us.
Recently, Dan McCafferty, the band’s notable vocalist, has been experiencing health issues with COPD, and is unable to perform or extend any efforts the band makes to create a new album. Because of this, the familiar vocalist has retired from the line-up.
Fortunately, the band has recorded a new album with McCafferty before this unfortunate departure. The new album, Rock ‘n’ Roll Telephone, is slated for release on June 3 via Union Square Music. The band has original bassist, Pete Agnew in the lineup, Agnew’s son, Leo playing drums, and longtime guitarist, Jimmy Murrison. And I cannot lie. I DO miss Manny Charleton and his bluesy guitars. After McCafferty’s departure, Linton Osborne has been recruited to try to fill big shoes.
Rock ‘n’ Roll Telephone will be made available on CD, a 2CD Deluxe Edition (with two bonus studio tracks, and five live performance tracks), DD, and a 2LP set.