Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Rockin' Funnies: Wild Thing (1988)

The late Sam Kinison, son of a preacher, took up the pulpit himself before turning to comedy. The high pitched scream that was his trademark was also part of his high energy sermons.

However, Kinison made his fame as a stand-up comic and actor, debuting in Rodney Dangerfield's 1986 film, "Back to School". 2 years later, Dangerfield returned the favor as one of several guest stars in Kinison's video cover of the Troggs' "Wild Thing". Kinison added some new lyrics, and got to roll around in a cage with Jessica Hahn while a number of rock luminaries, including Jon Bon Jovi, Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, and Billy Idol, hooted, hollered, and cheered.

Despite the predictable heavy airplay on MTV, the producers of "Major League" asked the band, X, to record a cover of "Wild Thing", rather than use Kinison's version. X's rendition became the entrance theme for relief pitcher Rick Vaughn (Charlie Sheen). Today, it's more likely Sheen would prefer Kinison's version, since Screamin' Sam might've been a kindred spirit........

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