The Zoo Crew, a group of hippie DJs spinning records at THE ZOO radio station, is currently playing "Peter Wolf Intro / Musta Got Lost (Live 1976)" by The J. Geils Band from their electrifying album Live: Blow Your Face Out for all the Zoo Freaks tuning in. This track is famous for Peter Wolf's crazed, drawn-out, and labyrinthine introductory story, a manic sermon that sets the stage for the song's explosive energy. According to posts on Reddit, fans love the dramatic drum hits that punctuate Wolf's tale, especially when he describes pounding on a door in desperation, a moment that perfectly captures the raw, theatrical vibe of the band’s live shows. The intro, often described as a rap-like performance before rap was mainstream, was a novelty at the time, showcasing Wolf’s unique ability to blend storytelling with rock 'n' roll fervor.
In a 2025 interview with Billboard, Peter Wolf reflected on his career, hinting at the chaotic energy behind such performances, though he avoided deep dives into specific J. Geils Band moments for his memoir Waiting on the Moon: Artists, Poets, Drifters, Grifters, and Goddesses. Fans on Reddit have noted how the live version of "Musta Got Lost" overshadows the studio cut, with DJs often cutting off the guitar outro on radio, a testament to the song’s enduring live legacy. One amusing story from Wolf’s memoir, highlighted by The Forward, ties to a 1982 tour with the Rolling Stones, where post-show partying on a coastal beach spilled into hotel rooms, reflecting the wild spirit that fueled performances like this 1976 gem.
The J. Geils Band, formed in 1967 in Worcester, Massachusetts, began under the leadership of guitarist John "J." Geils. The original lineup included vocalist Peter Wolf, harmonica and saxophone player Richard "Magic Dick" Salwitz, drummer Stephen Bladd, vocalist/keyboardist Seth Justman, and bassist Danny Klein. Initially named The J. Geils Blues Band, they dropped "Blues" from the name after shifting focus to electric rock, influenced by acts like James Cotton and Little Walter, as Magic Dick shared in a 2008 interview cited on Wikipedia. Peter Wolf, born Peter Walter Blankfield on March 7, 1946, in the Bronx, New York, attended the High School of Music & Art before moving to Boston. There, he performed with The Hallucinations and helped establish WBCN radio, becoming its first all-night DJ under the moniker "Woofa Goofa," interviewing rock, blues, and jazz legends in the late 1960s.
In 1967, Wolf and drummer Stephen Bladd joined forces with J. Geils, kicking off a journey that built a sizable following in Boston through energetic live shows. Their innovative use of harmonica as a lead instrument and Wolf’s charismatic stage antics, like microphone-stand pole-vaulting, set them apart. By 1969, a chance encounter in Boston led Atlantic Records’ Mario Medious to sign the band, impressed by their cover of John Lee Hooker’s “Serves You Right to Suffer,” as noted in a 2025 Washington Post piece. The band’s minor hits in the ‘70s, including “Musta Got Lost,” paved the way for their divine onstage moments, cementing their legacy.
For more on The J. Geils Band and Peter Wolf, check out the official website at www.jgeilsband.com and Peter Wolf’s site at www.peterwolf.com. Follow Peter on social media via Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans can also connect through The College of Rock and Roll Knowledge on Facebook, a hub for rock enthusiasts sharing love for the band and beyond.
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