”Wild Thing” is a seminal rock song by the English band The Troggs, released in 1966. Originally written by American songwriter Chip Taylor, the track became The Troggs’ most iconic hit, renowned for its raw energy and straightforward, catchy riff. The song’s primal simplicity and distinctive ocarina solo contributed to its lasting appeal in the rock genre.
Wild Thing
Chart Performance: “Wild Thing” achieved significant commercial success, reaching number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and number two on the UK Singles Chart in 1966.
Recording Labels: Due to a distribution dispute, the single was released simultaneously by two competing labels, Atco Records and Fontana Records. Billboard combined the sales from both, making it the only single to reach number one for two companies at the same time.
Cultural Impact: The song has been covered and performed by numerous artists. Notably, The Jimi Hendrix Experience delivered a dramatic rendition at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967, during which Hendrix famously set his guitar on fire.
Grammy Recognition: In 2019, The Troggs’ version of “Wild Thing” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, cementing its status as a timeless classic.
