Glam Rock’s Cheeky Wink: When Sweet’s “Wig Wam Bam” Shook the Charts
A raucous, unapologetically playful slice of glam rock, “Wig Wam Bam” captured the zeitgeist of the early ’70s with its infectious energy and suggestive lyrical wink. Reaching number four on the UK Singles Chart in 1972, and carving out a strong presence in charts across Europe, this single solidified Sweet’s transition from bubblegum pop to the harder-edged sound that would define their legacy. It was a time of glitter, platform boots, and a rebellion that was as much about the music as it was about the sheer spectacle of it all.
Ah, those heady days of the early seventies. A time when the boundaries of pop and rock were gleefully blurred, and the air crackled with a sense of playful anarchy. Sweet, initially known for their sugary hits penned by Chinn and Chapman, were yearning for a grittier sound, a sound that reflected their live performances. “Wig Wam Bam” marked a pivotal moment in this evolution. It was a step away from the innocent, bubblegum melodies of “Funny Funny” and “Co-Co” towards the more visceral, driving rhythms that would characterize their later work.
The story behind “Wig Wam Bam” is as colorful as the band’s stage attire. Chinn and Chapman, the songwriting duo who had crafted Sweet’s earlier hits, once again provided the song, but this time, the band’s own burgeoning rock sensibilities were allowed to shine. The song’s title and lyrical content, with its suggestive “wig wam” imagery, were deliberately provocative, a nod to the growing sexual liberation of the era. It was a cheeky wink, a playful tease that resonated with a generation eager to break free from the constraints of the past. The lyrics, while seemingly nonsensical at times, were a masterclass in double entendre, a knowing nod to the burgeoning freedoms of the era. The song felt like a party, a wild, untamed celebration of youth and vitality.
The meaning of “Wig Wam Bam” is, at its core, about uninhibited fun. It’s about letting loose and embracing the sheer joy of the moment. It was a song that perfectly captured the spirit of glam rock, a genre that reveled in theatricality and excess. The driving beat, the soaring harmonies, and the raucous guitar riffs all combined to create a sonic explosion that was impossible to resist. It was a sound that filled dance floors and radio waves, a soundtrack to a generation’s newfound sense of freedom.
For those of us who remember those times, “Wig Wam Bam” evokes a flood of memories. It’s the sound of crowded discos, the smell of hairspray, and the sight of glittering platform boots stomping to the beat. It’s the memory of a time when music was a shared experience, a collective expression of youthful exuberance. It was a time when Sweet, with their flamboyant style and infectious energy, were at the forefront of a musical revolution. The song was featured on their album, “Sweet Fanny Adams” which demonstrated the band’s shift into a more serious rock act. The album, while not as commercially successful as some of their earlier work, marked a significant turning point in their career, showcasing their musical versatility and their commitment to pushing boundaries. “Wig Wam Bam” stands as a testament to the band’s ability to evolve and adapt, to embrace change while staying true to their own unique sound. It’s a song that continues to resonate with fans of glam rock, a reminder of a time when music was as much about the spectacle as it was about the sound.