Imagine a band so legendary, so dedicated to the party lifestyle, that they out-drank even Led Zeppelin and the Rolling Stones! That's the tantalizing claim at the heart of a new documentary, and it's got everyone talking.
Occupational Hazard: The First Coral Reefers isn't just another music documentary; it's a deep dive into the origins of the Coral Reefer Band, the musicians who helped Jimmy Buffett create the iconic "Margaritaville" sound. Narrated by the one and only Jeff Bridges, the film promises an intimate look at the band's wild journey through the 1970s and early 80s. We're talking about the very citizens of Margaritaville, the guys who lived the lifestyle before it became a global phenomenon.
The film, directed by John H. Cunningham, will premiere at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival on February 9th. But here's where it gets interesting... the documentary isn't just about the music.
According to the musicians interviewed, the Coral Reefer Band was a bit "ragged" around the edges, but that's precisely what gave them their unique sound. They recall how the band's name was inspired both by Key West's actual coral reefs and, more playfully, by "reefer," which was slang for marijuana back in the day – one musician even mimes taking a hit! And this is the part most people miss: the film doesn't shy away from exploring the band's legendary partying habits. One woman in the documentary recounts, with a laugh, that their tour rider demanded more liquor than even rock and roll titans like Led Zeppelin and the Rolling Stones. Can you imagine the stories they must have?
Filmmaker Cunningham explained his motivation: "I first saw Jimmy and the Coral Reefers in 1977 and then moved to Key West shortly thereafter. Having known many of the first Reefers for several years, I felt the band’s origin story needed to be preserved...I knew we had captured lightning in a bottle.”
The documentary features interviews with Kenny Chesney, Mac McAnally, songwriter Keith Sykes, and many of the original Coral Reefers, including the often-overlooked road crew. You can find updates on future screenings on the film's website: OccupationalHazardFilm.com.
But here's a thought: Is it possible that the Coral Reefer Band's famously relaxed (and perhaps inebriated) approach to music actually enhanced their creativity and contributed to their unique sound? Or do you think that kind of lifestyle ultimately hinders artistic expression? And the big question: do you think their level of 'dedication' is admirable, or a cautionary tale? Sound off in the comments below!
