Real Wild Child

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Real Wild Child (Wild One)" by Iggy Pop, a high-energy track from his 1986 album Blah-Blah-Blah, and the Zoo Freaks are loving it. This song, originally titled "Wild One," was written and recorded in 1958 by Australian rocker Johnny O'Keefe with The Deejays. Deejays saxophonists Johnny Greenan and Dave Owens penned the song over drinks after a chaotic concert, with O'Keefe later contributing. It became a landmark hit, making O'Keefe the first Australian rock'n'roller to top the national charts. The song’s raw energy caught the ear of Buddy Holly and The Crickets during their Australian tour, leading drummer Jerry Allison to record it as "Real Wild Child" under the pseudonym Ivan. Iggy Pop’s 1986 cover, produced by David Bowie, became his only UK Top 10 hit and hit No. 1 in New Zealand. Its infectious vibe has made it a staple in films like Pretty Woman, Crocodile Dundee II, and both Problem Child movies, as well as the opening theme for Australia’s ABC TV music show Rage since 1987.

Behind the scenes, Blah-Blah-Blah marked a turning point for Iggy Pop, though not without tension. In a 2020 reflection on Steve Pafford’s blog, Iggy reportedly called the album “a Bowie album in all but name,” hinting at creative friction with Bowie, who wrote, produced, and mixed much of the record. Bowie’s polished, commercial touch clashed with Iggy’s raw punk roots, and Iggy later “virtually disowned” the album, per Bowie biographer David Buckley. Despite this, the album was Iggy’s best-selling, peaking at No. 75 on the Billboard 200. Fans on Reddit’s Iggy Pop community praise the track’s “flawless production” and “epic synth” in the music video, calling it a perfect cover. The song’s recording at Mountain Studios in Montreux involved Iggy and Bowie hauling gear themselves, with multi-instrumentalist Erdal Kizilcay handling bass, synths, and drums, and Queen’s Roger Taylor lending his Linn drum machine.

Iggy Pop, born James Newell Osterberg Jr. on April 21, 1947, in Muskegon, Michigan, kicked off his music career as a teenager. Nicknamed “Iggy” in high school while drumming for the blues band The Iguanas, he dropped out of the University of Michigan to dive into Chicago’s blues scene. Inspired by acts like The Doors, he formed The Stooges in 1967, embracing a raw, confrontational sound that laid the groundwork for punk rock. As the band’s frontman, Iggy became infamous for his wild stage antics, including self-mutilation, earning him the title “Godfather of Punk.” The Stooges signed with Elektra Records in 1968, releasing their debut album, produced by John Cale, in 1969. Though early albums like The Stooges and Fun House flopped commercially, they became cult classics. His long collaboration with David Bowie in the 1970s, producing albums like The Idiot and Lust for Life, cemented his legend status.

Stay connected with Iggy Pop through his official website, where you can find tour dates and merch. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates on his music and musings. Fans can join the vibrant r/IggyPop Reddit community or check out Iggy Pop Fan Club on Facebook for discussions and rare content. The Zoo Crew and Zoo Freaks can keep the wild vibes going by diving into Iggy’s storied career and this iconic track!