By Luke Voogt
Legendary UK band The Troggs will make Geelong’s heart sing next weekend in a one-off performance 50 years in the making.
The gig would be the band’s first ever in the city, original lead guitarist Chris Britton told the Indy from Sydney.
“We had to get there eventually didn’t we?” he said.
“I know we’ve been to Melbourne a few years ago. We’ll look forward to that one then.”
The band shot to stardom in 1966 with the now iconic hit Wild Thing, followed by other chart-toppers With a Girl Like You and Love Is All Around.
“It was just a matter of being in the right place at the right time,” Britton said.
“We got the demo of Wild Thing from Larry Page and we loved it. Within six months it all happened and we got exposure all around the world.”
Fifty years later the band’s success still hasn’t sunk in for Britton.
“We thought it would probably hang about for a couple of years at most,” he said. “We’re as bemused as everybody by the fact it’s still going on.”
“It’s such a simple easy song to play and learn. It’s the first thing kids learn to play.
“It’s had some incredible covers. Everyone’s had a go at it – from the Muppets to Hendricks.”
Britton’s path to stardom began coveting a Spanish guitar in the window of a ‘High Street’ store at the age of nine.
“That was before rock and roll was invented,” he said.
“It was on sale for nine guineas. I managed to save up five quid over my birthdays and Christmas – my Dad and my uncle paid for the rest.”
Britton would go from performing at pubs, weddings and birthdays, to playing in front of tens of thousands with The Troggs.
“The strangest one was when we did Times Square on NYE in 2000 – we had pole-dancing girls in bikinis,” Britton said.
The 72-year-old is still going strong and playing with the same energy.
“Well … at least I like to think I am,” he said.
“I’m old enough to know better but not wise enough.
“I’m looking forward to carrying on until 2051 because that’s the next festival of Britain – I’ll be 107 by then.”
The band is travelling Australia for the 50th anniversary tour for Wild Thing.
“It’s a magic great big county – you’re so lucky,” he said.
Despite the fame, Britton still prefers a raucous pub to a packed concert hall or stadium.
“You don’t get the same buzz as smaller shows, you really don’t make contact with them really,” he said.
“It’s like going back to your origins.”
Britton said he was more-than-happy for the Geelong crowd to drown out the band by singing along.
“That would be fantastic. As long as they’re enthusiastic I don’t mind!”
The Troggs will perform at Barwon Club on 3 December.
