Many years after his passing, Warren Zevon remains a legendary figure in the music industry. Bob Dylan once described him as a “musician’s musician,” emphasizing Zevon’s unique talent. Interestingly, despite his success, Zevon himself was surprised by the massive popularity of his hit song “Werewolves of London.”
Zevon’s inspiration for the song came from a casual conversation with Phil Everly after watching the movie “Werewolf of London.” With the help of his bandmates LeRoy Marinell and Waddy Wachtel, the trio wrote the catchy tune in just 15 minutes. Despite Zevon’s initial reluctance to release “Werewolves of London” as a single, the record label’s decision proved to be a wise one.
Featuring Fleetwood Mac legends Mick Fleetwood and John McVie, “Werewolves of London” became Zevon’s only top 40 hit, reaching #21 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song’s iconic opening line has been hailed by BBC Radio 2 listeners as the best in history.
Years later, Zevon downplayed the success of “Werewolves of London,” referring to it as a novelty song. He jokingly remarked that it wasn’t as big a hit as some might think, comparing it to more mainstream pop songs. Despite his humble attitude, the track remains a beloved part of rock history.
In a modern women’s lifestyle magazine, Warren Zevon’s unexpected success with “Werewolves of London” would be highlighted as a testament to the unpredictability of the music industry. The story of how a casual suggestion led to one of the most recognizable rock songs of all time serves as a reminder that sometimes the most captivating art is created in the most unassuming moments.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.