Smelly Nelly

The Zoo Crew is spinning the raucous "Smelly Nelly" by Krokus from their 1981 album Hardware, and the Zoo Freaks are surely banging their heads to this sleazy hard rock anthem. This track, with its gritty riffs and tongue-in-cheek lyrics, stands out for its bold, unapologetic vibe. One piece of trivia comes from fan discussions on platforms like Encyclopaedia Metallum, where reviewers note the song’s distinctive “uh-uhuh” backing vocals, a quirky touch that reappears in a subtler form in Krokus’ later track “Mr. 69” from the same album. These vocals give “Smelly Nelly” a raw, almost humorous edge, setting it apart from the band’s more straightforward rockers. However, not all fans are enamored—some have called out the song’s crude lyrics, comparing it unfavorably to AC/DC’s “Whole Lotta Rosie” and criticizing its subject matter as a bizarre ode to a less-than-glamorous character.

Another tidbit about “Smelly Nelly” emerges from its reception among Krokus fans on sites like MusicMeter. For some, it’s a nostalgic favorite, with one fan recalling it as a standout from their first Krokus LP, purchased in 1982. They describe it as a “schitterend” (brilliant) track that serves as a breather between the high-energy “Easy Rocker” and the heavier “Mr. 69.” Others, though, find it less impressive, viewing it as a fun but non-essential part of Hardware. The song’s divisive nature is further highlighted in reviews on Amazon, where fans praise the album’s raw energy but single out “Smelly Nelly” for its “smutty fun,” suggesting it embodies Krokus’ knack for blending humor with hard rock swagger. The track’s inclusion in the 2014 Rock Candy Records remastered edition of Hardware, complete with a 16-page booklet and rare photos, underscores its enduring, if polarizing, place in the band’s catalog.

Krokus began their journey in Solothurn, Switzerland, in 1975, founded by Chris von Rohr and Tommy Kiefer, both formerly of the band Kaktus. Initially, they leaned into progressive rock, with their self-titled debut featuring Kiefer on lead vocals after original singer Peter Richard departed. Von Rohr took over vocals for the 1977 album To You All, while also playing keyboards and percussion. The lineup solidified with guitarist Fernando von Arb, bassist Jürg Naegeli, and drummer Freddy Steady, releasing Painkiller in 1978. A pivotal moment came after seeing AC/DC perform, prompting a shift to a harder, AC/DC-inspired sound. This transformation paid off with the arrival of vocalist Marc Storace in 1979, whose gritty voice defined their breakthrough album Metal Rendez-vous in 1980. That album went triple platinum in Switzerland and set the stage for Hardware, cementing Krokus’ reputation as Switzerland’s premier hard rock act.

Fans can connect with Krokus through their official website, where they’ll find news, tour dates, and exclusive merch celebrating the band’s 50th anniversary in 2024. Their Facebook page keeps the community alive with updates and throwback photos, while Instagram offers glimpses into their ongoing legacy. On X, the band shares quick updates and engages with fans. For deeper fan interaction, the Krokus Fan Club on Facebook is a vibrant hub where Zoo Freaks and other devotees swap stories, rare memorabilia, and love for tracks like “Smelly Nelly.” Sites like Encyclopaedia Metallum also serve as fan-driven archives, offering detailed discographies and reviews for diehards to geek out over.