Introduction:
In the heart of the swinging sixties, a raw and untamed energy surged through the music scene. This energy found a powerful voice in the British band The Troggs, and their 1966 anthem, “Wild Thing”. While not their first foray into recording, “Wild Thing” propelled The Troggs to international stardom, becoming a defining rock song of the era.
The Troggs, formed in Andover, England in 1964, consisted of vocalist Reg Presley, lead guitarist Ronnie Bond, rhythm guitarist Chris Britton, bassist Pete Farndon, and drummer Ronnie Bulling. Their sound leaned heavily on the burgeoning genre of garage rock, characterized by its stripped-down instrumentation, distorted guitars, and a rebellious attitude. Though some may associate garage rock with American bands, The Troggs were among the first British groups to truly capture its essence.
“Wild Thing” wasn’t originally a Troggs song. It was written by American songwriter Chip Taylor and first recorded in 1965 by a relatively unknown American band called The Wild Ones. However, their version failed to gain traction. When The Troggs were presented with “Wild Thing” by their producer, Larry Page, they saw its potential. The Troggs injected the song with their signature rawness, transforming it from a B-side obscurity to a chart-topping phenomenon. “Wild Thing” was recorded in a mere ten minutes, a testament to the band’s tight musicianship and the song’s infectious energy.
Released in May 1966, “Wild Thing” became an instant sensation. It rocketed to number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, staying there for two weeks. Across the Atlantic, it reached a respectable number two on the UK Singles Chart. “Wild Thing”‘s success wasn’t limited to the charts. It became a cultural touchstone, capturing the rebellious spirit of the youth and earning a place on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. The song’s influence transcended generations, being covered by a wide range of artists, from Jimi Hendrix to Joan Jett and the Blackhearts.
“Wild Thing” stands as a pivotal moment in rock and roll history. It cemented The Troggs’ place in the annals of rock music and served as a prime example of the raw power and unbridled energy that garage rock embodied. The song continues to resonate with listeners today, a testament to its timeless appeal and the enduring legacy of The Troggs.
Video:
Lyrics:
Wild thing, you make my heart singYou make everything groovy, wild thingWild thing, I think I love youBut I wanna know for sureCome on and hold me tightI love you
Wild thing, you make my heart singYou make everything groovyWild thing
Wild thing, I think you move meBut I wanna know for sureCome on and hold me tightYou move me
Wild thing, you make my heart singYou make everything groovy, wild thingC’mon, c’mon, wild thingCheck it, check it, wild thing