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.
Pete Agnew
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.
Jimmy Murrison
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.
Lee Agnew
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.
Carl Sentance
Carl Sentance joined Nazareth in 2015 as the lead vocalist, replacing Dan McCafferty who retired due to health issues. Sentance brought a new energy to the band, featuring on their 2018 album Tattooed on My Brain, his first studio album with the band. His powerful vocals have been well received by fans, allowing the band to continue touring and recording despite the significant lineup change. Prior to joining Nazareth, Sentance had an extensive career in rock and heavy metal, having performed with bands like Persian Risk and the Don Airey Band, and projects associated with Deep Purple members.
Dan McCafferty
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.
Darrell Sweet
Darrell Sweet was the original drummer and a founding member of Nazareth, playing with the band from its inception until his death in 1999. Sweet’s drumming style was pivotal in shaping the band’s hard rock sound, evident in their early albums and major hits. He was behind the kit for all the classic Nazareth albums up until Boogaloo in 1998, his last recording with the band. Sweet’s contribution extended beyond drumming; his backing vocals and involvement in songwriting were crucial to the band’s music production. His death marked the end of an era for Nazareth, leading to the first major lineup change in their history.
Manny Charlton
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.
Zal Cleminson
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.
Billy Rankin
Billy Rankin served as one of the guitarists for Nazareth during two distinct periods, first joining in the early 1980s. He played on the albums 2XS (1982) and Sound Elixir (1983), bringing a fresh, more modern rock approach to the band’s sound. Rankin’s contributions during this time included not only his guitar skills but also his songwriting and backing vocals, adding a new dimension to the Nazareth catalog. After leaving the band in the mid-1980s, Rankin returned to Nazareth in the late 1990s and participated in the albums Boogaloo (1998). Outside Nazareth, Rankin has had a successful solo career and has worked extensively in radio, sharing his rich experience in the music industry with a broader audience.
John Locke
John Locke, formerly of the band Spirit, joined Nazareth in the early 1980s, bringing his distinctive keyboard style to the group. He was part of the lineup for the albums The Fool Circle (1980) and 2XS (1982), during which his keyboard playing enriched the band’s sound with a new layer of melodic depth and complexity. Locke’s ability to blend rock with more progressive elements helped Nazareth explore different musical directions. His tenure with the band, although relatively short-lived, left a lasting impact on their musical evolution. After his time with Nazareth, Locke continued to be involved in music until his death in 2006, remembered for his profound influence on rock and progressive music.
Ronnie Leahy
Ronnie Leahy joined Nazareth in the late 1970s, contributing his keyboard prowess to the band’s evolving sound. He was featured on several albums, including No Mean City (1979) and Malice in Wonderland (1980). Leahy’s keyboard work was integral to the band’s transition towards a more versatile rock sound that incorporated elements of funk and AOR. His rich textures and orchestral arrangements added a new level of sophistication to Nazareth’s music. Beyond Nazareth, Leahy has an extensive career in music, including working with other prominent artists and bands, enhancing his reputation as a versatile and skilled musician.
Read More: Top 10 Nazareth Songs
Linton Osborne
Linton Osborne briefly took on the role of lead vocalist for Nazareth after Dan McCafferty retired due to health reasons. Osborne joined the band in 2014 but his tenure was short-lived, lasting only about a year. During this time, he toured with the band but did not record any studio albums. His departure was announced in early 2015, with the band citing the need to go in a different direction. Despite his brief period with Nazareth, Osborne contributed to the band’s live legacy by performing their classic hits and newer material to audiences worldwide. Following his departure, he continued his music career, focusing on solo projects and other musical collaborations.