Wild Thing

Sam Kinison’s cover of "Wild Thing" from his 1988 comedy album Have You Seen Me Lately? is a raucous, star-studded affair that captures his larger-than-life persona. The song, originally written by Chip Taylor and popularized by The Troggs in 1966, was transformed by Kinison into a comedic rock anthem with a provocative edge. The music video, which received heavy rotation on MTV, featured a slew of rock icons, including Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Slash and Steven Adler of Guns N’ Roses, Billy Idol, and Jon Bon Jovi, among others. A notable cameo came from Rodney Dangerfield, who appears alongside Kinison in the opening diner scene, setting the tone for the wild party atmosphere. The video also starred Jessica Hahn, whose suggestive dance sequences added to its controversial allure, tying into Kinison’s reputation for pushing boundaries. This star power and risqué energy helped the song earn a Grammy nomination for Best Comedy Recording in 1988, a testament to its cultural impact.

Behind the scenes, the video shoot was as chaotic as the song itself. According to posts on the r/GenX subreddit, fans recall the video as a time capsule of 1980s excess, with one user speculating that the cameos and antics hinted at “crazy shit” happening off-camera. Another fan on the r/RockTheSub community called Kinison a “legend,” noting how the video’s raw energy resonated with rock and metal fans. The song’s lyrics, which include Kinison’s irreverent twist like “Every time I kiss you, I taste what other men had for lunch,” were emblematic of his crass humor, as highlighted on Genius. The track’s production leaned into its rock roots, with Tommy Lee on drums and C.C. DeVille of Poison contributing guitar riffs, making it a unique blend of comedy and hard rock.

Sam Kinison, born Samuel Burl Kinison on December 8, 1953, in Yakima, Washington, began his career far from the comedy stage—as a Pentecostal preacher. The son of a preacher, Kinison followed in his father’s footsteps, delivering sermons from ages 17 to 24. His preaching style, marked by intense shouting and a “fire and brimstone” delivery, later became the foundation for his comedic persona. After a divorce forced him to abandon preaching, Kinison turned to comedy, starting in small clubs in Houston, Texas. His big break came in 1985 when he appeared on Rodney Dangerfield’s Ninth Annual Young Comedians Special on HBO, where his savage, primal-scream-driven humor caught the attention of audiences and industry insiders. Kinison’s comedy, often described as misogynistic and boundary-pushing, tackled topics like relationships and religion, drawing both praise and criticism. His rapid rise led to appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, Late Night with David Letterman, and Saturday Night Live, cementing his status as a comedy rock star before his tragic death in a car crash in 1992 at age 38.

For fans looking to dive deeper into Kinison’s legacy, his official website is no longer active, but his presence lives on through social media and fan communities. The Sam Kinison Official Facebook page shares clips and tributes, while posts about “Wild Thing” and his comedy specials frequently appear on platforms like Instagram under hashtags like #SamKinison. On X, fans and music enthusiasts continue to discuss his influence, often sharing links to the “Wild Thing” video. Dedicated fan sites, such as the Discogs page for Sam Kinison, catalog his discography, including Have You Seen Me Lately?. Additionally, the Sam Kinison Fans Facebook group offers a space for “Zoo Freaks” to connect, share memories, and celebrate his unapologetic humor and rock-infused comedy.