Glam Rock’s Cheeky Chorus: A Flashback to the Glittering 70s with Sweet’s “Wig Wam Bam”
A playful romp through the wilder side of rock ‘n’ roll, “Wig Wam Bam” offered a tongue-in-cheek celebration of youthful abandon and the sheer, unadulterated joy of a good time. Released in 1972, this glam rock anthem, a staple of Sweet’s early career, soared to number four on the UK Singles Chart, cementing their status as hitmakers and capturing the frenetic energy of a generation. The song, nestled within the band’s burgeoning catalog, arrived at a pivotal moment, a time when the world was shimmering with glitter, platform boots, and the unapologetic exuberance of glam.
The story of “Wig Wam Bam” is intertwined with the prolific songwriting duo of Nicky Chinn and Mike Chapman, the masterminds behind many of Sweet’s early hits. Chinn and Chapman had a knack for crafting instantly catchy melodies and lyrics that, while often seemingly frivolous, possessed an underlying sense of rebellion and youthful defiance. They recognized the changing tides of popular music, the shift from the earnestness of the late 60s to the flamboyant spectacle of glam. “Wig Wam Bam,” with its infectious rhythm and sing-along chorus, was perfectly tailored to this new era. It was a calculated move, a deliberate attempt to capture the hearts of the burgeoning teenybopper audience, but it was also undeniably fun.
The meaning of “Wig Wam Bam,” while seemingly straightforward, carries a subtle layer of playful innuendo. The phrase itself, a nonsensical chant, evokes a sense of tribal ritual, a primal celebration of music and dance. The lyrics, with their references to “boogie” and “rock ‘n’ roll,” are a celebration of the liberating power of music. It was a time when the boundaries of social norms were being pushed, and Sweet was at the forefront of this cultural shift. The song, in its essence, is a testament to the carefree spirit of youth, a reminder of a time when the most important thing was to let loose and have a good time.
For those of us who remember the 70s, “Wig Wam Bam” is more than just a song; it’s a time capsule. It transports us back to a world of brightly colored jumpsuits, platform heels, and the heady scent of hairspray. It was a time when music was an escape, a way to express ourselves and connect with others. Sweet provided the soundtrack to this era, their music a blend of catchy pop melodies and hard-rocking riffs. The band, comprised of Brian Connolly’s soaring vocals, Andy Scott’s blistering guitar work, Steve Priest’s distinctive basslines, and Mick Tucker’s powerful drumming, were a force to be reckoned with. They were masters of the pop hook, but they also possessed a raw energy that set them apart from their contemporaries.
The song’s impact extended beyond the charts. It became a staple of glam rock compilations and a beloved anthem for generations of music fans. It’s a reminder of a time when music was fun, unpretentious, and unapologetically loud. In an age of digital downloads and streaming services, “Wig Wam Bam” stands as a testament to the enduring power of a well-crafted pop song. It’s a reminder of the days when records were cherished possessions, and music was a shared experience, a way to connect with others and create lasting memories. It’s a song that still brings a smile to the face and a tap to the foot, a testament to the enduring magic of Sweet’s early, glitter-drenched days. In retrospect, the simplicity of the song is its greatest strength, a pure distillation of the joy and excitement that defined the glam rock era. It’s a slice of musical history that continues to resonate, a reminder of a time when the world was a little bit brighter, a little bit louder, and a whole lot more fun.