The week of July 26, 1966, found English rock band The Troggs atop the Billboard Hot 100 with their classic hit ‘Wild Thing.’ This was one of two top ten hits for the band in the U.S., with the following year’s ‘Love is All Around’ reaching #7.

‘Wild Thing’ was written by Chip Taylor for the American band The Wild Ones. Their version, released six months earlier, failed to make a splash. It’s not dissimilar from The Troggs’ recording, but lacks its swagger and immediacy.

Among the many notable covers of ‘Wild Thing’ is Jimi Hendrix’s Monterey Pop Festival performance, which he ended by setting his guitar on fire. Now that’s wild!

Old songs. Great memories.
Enjoy Throwback Weekends? Check out the whole archive.