OCCUPATIONAL HAZARD: THE FIRST CORAL REEFERS Review

Growing up, whenever I visited my grandparents, their record player was on, and the whole house could hear it. 9 times out of 10, it was the albums Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes or Son of a Sailor. To put it lightly, I was born into a family of Jimmy Buffett fans.

With over a million concertgoers attending their performances, Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefers Band are a musical act that creates magic. The new documentary Occupational Hazard: The First Coral Reefers takes a closer look at the band behind the centre-stage man, Jimmy Buffett.

With interviews from the original Coral Reefers Band members, Michael Utley, Vaughn Cochran, Roger Bartlett, Deborah McColl, and more, you will be surprised by how much is uncovered.

Exploring Jimmy Buffett's time in Key West during the 70s, Occupational Hazard dives into the beginnings of the singer-songwriter. Those were the days of partying all night and doing any drug under the sun. The documentary does not shy away from this hard reality of the life of a musician.

With the death of John Bonham and John Belushi in the early 80s, the fear of drugs and alcohol taking over Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band began to rise. After one night of partying too hard before his big Red Rock performance, Buffett believed he was having a heart attack. On a plane at the time, the pilot taxied the flight, and first responders attended to Buffett. Turns out all Buffett was suffering from was a severe hangover.

This moment kicked Buffett into shape. Before, Buffett would perform with the Coral Reefer Band intoxicated, but now the rule was to do the job, and then you can celebrate after it is completed. Unfortunately, not all of the Coral Reefer Band members could get sober, so Buffett decided to go in a new direction and get a new band.

I enjoyed hearing from the original Coral Reefer Band members. To see how they got to witness their friend and colleague, Buffett, continue to grow in success as they moved away from the music world is fascinating. It is an interesting perspective to hear that the original Band members moved on to everyday jobs so they could regain control in their lives and sobriety.

I feel like these types of musician documentaries often have a sad ending. However, Occupational Hazard is uplifting. I think many people tend to judge Buffett for his King of Margaritaville persona, but the documentary breaks down the true artist he was. Yes, he built an empire that will never be forgotten, but it all started at a $200 rental beach house and a passion to tell stories through music.

If you want to have a relaxing time, I would suggest checking out Occupational Hazard: The First Coral Reefers. You never know what you will learn about Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band. Also, don't miss out on the great narration from Jeff Bridges, too. Distinct, creative and filled with life, Occupational Hazard: The First Coral Reefers is now in theatres across the United States and available for PVOD in the United States and Canada.

🍿 SCORE = 80 / 100