Bio: The Troggs

Love Me Do tells the story of The British 1960s pop group The Troggs, whose recording of Wild Thing gave them international stardom.

The Sound of The Troggs

In the mid-1960s, as the British Invasion swept across the globe, a raw and primal sound emerged from the small town of Andover, Hampshire. This sound belonged to The Troggs, a group that would become one of the most surprisingly influential groups of the era. With their gritty, garage-rock style and a string of hits that captured the rebellious spirit of the times, The Troggs carved out a unique place in music history. Their story is one of humble beginnings, unexpected success, and a legacy that continues to inspire generations of musicians.

Formation of The Troggs

The Troggs formed in 1964, originally calling themselves The Troglodytes—a name inspired by the prehistoric cave-dwelling humans. The group consisted of Reg Presley (born Reginald Ball) on vocals, Chris Britton on guitar, Pete Staples on bass, and Ronnie Bond on drums.

Their sound was a far cry from the polished pop of The Beatles or the blues-rock of The Rolling Stones. Instead, The Troggs embraced a raw, unrefined style that was both primal and irresistible. They were a group of the people, playing music that felt immediate and visceral.

The Troggs’ Big Break

The Troggs’ big break came in 1966 when they recorded Wild Thing, a song written by American songwriter Chip Taylor. The track was a perfect match for the group’s rough-and-ready sound. With its simple, three-chord structure, a catchy melody, and Reg Presley’s distinctive, throaty vocals, Wild Thing became an instant classic.

The song’s iconic opening riff, played on a guitar with a fuzz pedal, was instantly recognizable, and its suggestive lyrics—Wild thing, you make my heart sing—captured the youthful energy and rebellion of the 1960s.

While “Wild Thing” is their most famous song, The Troggs also wrote and recorded “Love Is All Around,” a ballad that became a hit in 1967. Decades later, the song gained new life when the Scottish band Wet Wet Wet covered it for the film Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994). Their version spent 15 weeks at number one in the UK, proving the timelessness of The Troggs’ songwriting.

The Troggs Meet Jimi Hendrix

Wild Thing skyrocketed to number one on the UK Singles Chart and number two on the US Billboard Hot 100, cementing The Troggs’ place in music history. The song’s success was further amplified by its inclusion in Jimi Hendrix’s legendary performance at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967, where Hendrix famously set his guitar on fire after playing the song. This endorsement from one of rock’s greatest guitarists only added to The Troggs’ credibility and mystique.

The Troggs’ Further Hits

Following the success of Wild Thing, The Troggs released a string of hits that solidified their reputation as one of the era’s most exciting groups. Songs like With a Girl Like You, which also reached number one in the UK, and I Can’t Control Myself showcased the group’s knack for crafting catchy, high-energy tunes.

Their music was often characterized by its simplicity and directness, a stark contrast to the increasingly complex and experimental sounds of their contemporaries. The Troggs’ appeal lay in their ability to tap into something primal and universal, creating music that was both accessible and electrifying.

Despite their success, The Troggs faced challenges that were common for groups of their era. The pressures of fame, the demands of constant touring, and the shifting tastes of the music industry took their toll. By the late 1960s, the group’s commercial success began to wane, and they struggled to maintain their place in the spotlight. However, they continued to tour and record, earning a loyal fanbase that appreciated their no-frills approach to rock and roll.

Reg Presley was deeply involved in charity work, particularly for children’s causes. He was known for his generosity and often donated his time and money to help those in need.

The Troggs’ Influence on Punk Rock

One of the most fascinating aspects of The Troggs’ story is their influence on the punk rock movement of the 1970s. The group’s raw, stripped-down sound and DIY ethos resonated with punk musicians, who saw The Troggs as pioneers of a more authentic and rebellious style of music.

Groups like The Ramones and The Buzzcocks cited The Troggs as a major influence, and their music became a touchstone for the punk movement. In many ways, The Troggs were ahead of their time, laying the groundwork for a genre that would emerge a decade later.

The Troggs Tapes

Note that there is also a regular music LP called The Troggs Tapes, which is now what is referred to here. You can find that on YouTube:

The Troggs’ legacy was further cemented in 1991 when a recording of the group in the studio, known as The Troggs Tapes, was leaked to the public. The tape captured the group’s candid and often humorous interactions as they struggled to record a new song. While it was never intended for public release, the tape became a cult classic, offering a glimpse into the group’s dynamic and their unpretentious approach to making music. Not to mention their hilarious use of fruity language. It also highlighted Reg Presley’s colorful personality and his knack for turning frustration into comedy.

In the 1990s, Reg Presley developed a fascination with crop circles and extraterrestrial phenomena. He even wrote a book titled Wild Things They Don’t Tell Us, exploring his theories about UFOs and ancient civilizations. He used the royalties from “Wild Thing” to fund his research into these topics.

The Troggs’ Legacy

Reg Presley remained the heart and soul of The Troggs until his death in 2013. His passion for music and his down-to-earth demeanor endeared him to fans and fellow musicians alike. In his later years, Presley became known for his interest in crop circles and extraterrestrial phenomena, adding an eccentric twist to his already colorful persona. Despite his passing, The Troggs’ music continues to resonate with audiences around the world.