‘Occupational Hazard’ Rock Doc Details the Untold Story of Jimmy Buffett’s ‘Ragtag,’ Pre-Fame Coral Reefer Band
A new documentary, *Occupational Hazard: The First Coral Reefers*, tells the story of Jimmy Buffett’s early backing band, before it became the polished group familiar to fans. Its release records a less documented period of Buffett’s career, when he was building his audience and the band was touring with few of the constraints that came with later fame.
Narrated by Jeff Bridges, the film becomes available to rent on 30 October through Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play and Fandango, after a festival and cinema run of nearly nine months. It draws on archival footage and interviews with early band members and collaborators, including guitarist Roger Bartlett, producer Norbert Putnam and longtime keyboardist Michael Utley; Buffett appears in existing interviews, with commentary from Kenny Chesney.
In short
- A documentary explores Jimmy Buffett’s early Coral Reefer Band.
- It captures the group’s rougher years before fame and polish.
- The film is available to rent from 30 October.
Explained simply
Jimmy Buffett built a career as a singer and songwriter, often associated with songs about island life and relaxed coastal settings. The Coral Reefer Band was the group of musicians who played with him, and its sound and line-up developed as his audience grew.
The film focuses on the band’s earlier years, when Buffett was still building a following and touring with a less established group. Interviews with early members and collaborators, alongside archive material, offer context on how the band worked before greater fame brought new demands.