From southern England’s underground, to the heights of the British Invasion, The Troglodytes (later known simply as The Troggs) solidified their place in Rock N Roll history. The Troggs are considered to be the founding fathers of Garage Rock, paving the way to what would eventually become Punk.
Raw, raunchy, and simple songs, coined to have a Caveman’s approach to boy meets girl romanticism. The band’s beat driven primitive sound, combined with Reg Presley’s uniquely lustful vocals, earned the band a number of certified gold hits, with Wild Thing, Love is all Around, and With a Girl like You – each selling over a million copies and propelling the band to international success.
The Troggs, influence on pop music would go on to inspire artists such as Iggy Pop, the Ramones and of course, Jimi Hendrix, whose classic performance at the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival ended with a cover of Wild Thing. Immediately after, Hendrix lit his guitar on fire in the now iconic moment in Rock history.
– Jimi Hendrix Wild Thing Live Monterey 1967
The Troggs also caught the attention of, Bruce Springsteen and E Street band guitarist Little (Miami) Steven (Van Zandt). Springsteen is quoted as being drawn to the raw energy, while Van Zandt championed the Troggs on his radio show, Little Steven’s Underground Garage, for their originality and lasting Influence.
– Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band
The Troggs’ Caveman Rock was simplistic and basic in nature, with a youthful energy and fearless quality. It struck a very primal chord. It seems fitting that The Troggs were originally named The Troglodytes, ironically meaning the Cave Dwellers.
Reg Presley, The Troggs beloved front man, passed away February 4, 2013, at his home in Andover England, with is family by his side. This comes one year after his battle with lung cancer forced him to stop touring.
The godfather of garage will be missed.
Wild Thing is ranked number 257 on Rolling Stone Magazine’s list of the 500 greatest songs of all time.
45 years after the release of Wild Thing the song lives on.
http://youtu.be/kT_YS8KhXYM – Animal of the Muppets
