@@shanenolan8252 Knowing That He Was Dying While Writing/Recording This Song Makes It So Much More Impactful & In A Way,, Also A Final Goodbye,, Warren Zevon "Keep Me In Your Heart",, Give It A Listen If You've Never Heard It.
Y’all it’s based on the old horror movies (Werewolf, Frankenstein…etc) made in London, Eng. the references of “Lon Chaney and Lon Chaney, jr walking with the queen” were the original Werewolf and the second Werewolf movies!!
There was a clique of singers and songwriters in the 70s that hung out with other, performed each other's songs, appeared on each other's albums. Zevon, James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, Jackson Brown, the Eagles Waddy Wachtel, Russ Kunkel ... a lot of the giants of those days.
This song came about when Don Everly of the Everly Brothers watched the 1930s movie Werewolves of London and he suggested to Warren Zevon should write a dance song with the same title
And then afterwards, in brit culture, a werewolf was the equivalent of today's playa or a womanizing shark. Which happens to fit the song's first and last verse.
Every reactor laughs when they first hear the “A-hoooo, werewolves of London.” Your laugh was no less charming but singing it back to us was very nice. WZ died much too young. Once he learned his cancer was terminal, I love the advice he had for everyone: Enjoy every sandwich. So simple, such an easy thing to do…we should all take a moment to enjoy the moments we have. Having had an incurable type of cancer for 4 years myself, I especially love his farewell song to his wife “Keep Me In Your Heart.” It’s quite moving, yet joyful. My wife and I have only listened to it together a couple times - because I wanted her to know the song exists - but I listen to it every couple of months. It kind of helps me take inventory on ‘Am I doing the things and appreciating the people I love most that I would regret not doing if time suddenly ran out?’
As one of the lucky ones - doc called cancer frre this past Feb 10th from prostate cancer - Tony, I wish you all the best with all sincerity. Warren's music got me through the rough times. i have been a Warren Zevon fan as far back as the mid 70's. It wasn't just by chance that I stumbled across the VH1 Documentary of the making of "The Wind" [that album he made while knowing he had termnal cancer] 2 days after my biopsy results came back. Knowing he had the courage to work, smile, joke around with his muscian friends gave me strength. I turned to my wife and said if I have 2% of the courage and stength, I'll get through this. That was January 10, 2019. ruclips.net/video/hIaOHkeQNMk/видео.html "Enjoy Every Sandwich" -
Bless your heart, friend. I am in the same boat (2 round of chemo and radiation didn't work) and play this song for my grown daughters all the time. I do just want them to keep me in their hearts for awhile. My oldest daughter was already familiar with it because I bought the album "The Wind" when it first came out almost 20 years ago. I think my realest and most profound fear is being forgotten by my daughters.
In Honor & Memory Of Him,, Warren Zevon "Keep Me In Your Heart"..Knowing That He Was Dying,, He Wanted To Do One Final Album..It Would Be Released Just 2 Weeks Before His Death.
I prefer Excitable Boy, but that may be a bit of a shock. I guess understanding Zevon's humor is helpful before diving in. The only werewolf of London I am familiar with was Jack, The American Werewolf in London.
It was used in "The Color of Money," when Tom Cruise's character was mopping the floor with the other pool players. And you're right, there was a movie, "An American Werewolf in London," which was a kind of horror/comedy movie.
I think he was referring to the kind of guys he saw carousing the streets of London late at night when he was playing there in the late 70's, early 80's...
@@your_huge_ego_bores_me The connection between this and a movie is that Phil Everly, of the Everly Brothers, had watched a 1935 film called "Werewolf of London", and he jokingly suggested to Zevon that he write a song with the title, with the idea that there be a dance craze to go with it. The more well-known film "An American Werewolf in London" was not released until a few years after Zevon's song, and Zevon's song does not appear in the movie.
The werewolf movies from Universal Studio in the 1930s always had the werewolf in a rural setting. It’s a pretty shocking transition to put a werewolf in the middle of the capital of the world for many, London. The chaos would be uncontained! The phrase, “little old lady got mutilated late last night“ is a gem worthy of Cole Porter or Stephen Sondheim.
In the film The Werewolf of London you had two werewolves for the price of admission. Warner Oland played the first one and Henry Hull played the second.
This came off Warren's debut album, Excitable Boy, and that entire album is remarkable. I mean, it's remarkable in and of itself but in the degree to which it already manifests a distinct, artistic maturity - unusual for any artists' first outing! You could choose literally any cut off that album to listen to next and I can almost guarantee you'll love it.
Ahhhh. I hadn't bothered to look it up because I'd been told a few times many years ago that it WAS his debut so that "fact" sort of became ingrained. Thanks for setting the record (so to speak) straight! :) @@cavecookie1
No worries. I mentioned it mainly in the hope that you, and others, of course, will take the time to give it a listen. It's easy to find, right here on RUclips! LOL! It's my favorite of Warren's, and I'm not alone in considering it his best! @@Pixelologist
Love how Asia can defuse something that is going no where. “Maybe we should start over cause this has nothing to do with nothing” and then she flashes that million dollar Asia smile. All BJ can do at that point is smile back. I would imagine these guys never argue. How can you?
Lon Chaney was a silent movie star and his son was Lon Cheney Jr who played the werewolf in a movie from the forties the movie was set in London . Also Lon Chaney dad was noted for his make up work in movies
ONE OF THE FIRST WEREWOLF MOVIES WAS "WEREWOLVES OF LONDON STARRING HENRY HULL. THE SONG MENTIONS LON CHANEY WHO WAS A SILENT FILM ACTOR AND DID HIS OWN MAKE UP. HE PLAYED A LOT OF ROLES SUCH AS THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME. LON CHANEY JR. MADE THE ROLE OF "THE WOLFMAN". THE SONG IS JUST A FUN SONG BASED ON OLD MONSTER MOVIES. ENJOY.
I'm just here to recommend his song "Lawyers Guns and Money" - even more fun, lyrics-wise. If you want to get weird with him, "Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner." But all of his songs have deep references for history nerds. "Lon Chaney" is the guy who played "the werewolf" in those old black-and-white movies. Also, it's pronounced "zee-VONN." But seriously, you want to check the full moon schedule and watch yourself.
The video you are referring to, Asia, is of a traffic stop in Russia. The officer pulled someone over for having a headlight out when suddenly a pack of wolves appeared. Crazy stuff, eh? Werewolves of London is a fun song. Warren Zevon was so musically gifted. He had some great songs. Thanks for the reaction.
Look at his last performance on Letterman when he talks about his impending mortality(5 mos later) How he lived a Jim Morrison life in 57 yrs. How he joked the doctors told him he feels way better than his diagnosis looked....What a treasure
There's a video of him singing his song "My S#*ts F**ked Up" on RUclips that he wrote right after his diagnoses that sums up his whole experience with cancer.
@@kenwelch198 "MSFU" was released in 2000, before he was diagnosed in August 2002, he always had a pinchet for songs with a death undertone. The titles of the 3 albums before his diagnosis says volumes. In 1996 he released "I'll Sleep When I'm Dead" - MSFU is on "Life'll Kill Ya" released January 25, 2000, and in May of 2002 he released the album "My Ride's Here", just 3 months before he was diagnosed.
Warren Zevon was so unique and creative . This song got me listening to more of his music back when . Never regretted it . Thanks as always for the react .
Warren Zevon was an American rock singer, songwriter & musician. He was known for recording some quirky songs such as "Werewolves Of London", "Lawyers, Guns & Money" & "Roland The Headless Thompson Gunner". He also recorded some other artist's songs such as "A Certain Girl", "Knockin' On Heaven's Door", "First We Take Manhattan", "Back In The High Life Again" & "Raspberry Beret". But he is best known for writing hit songs for other artists such as Poor Poor Pitiful Me", "Accidentally Like A Martyr", "Mohammed's Radio", "Carmelita" & "Hasten Down The Wind". He died in 2003 at the age of 56.
Honestly the look on both of your faces was so epic when Warren did his first aoooooooooo!!!!!!!!! You have to go back and look because Asia had just done it exactly the way Warren does it and she didn’t even know it was going to be in the song!!!!! Sooo great!🎼🐺
Warren Zevon was an extremely creative writer. Unusual, but a fantastic musician. He was David Letterman's favorite musician and appeared on his show more than any other musician. RIP Warren!
Oh you guys, just react to the movie Abbott and Costello meet Frankenstein. You will laugh your butts off the whole time, and really understand when and why Warren sang 'his hair was perfect' and 'I'd like to meet his tailor'. Or just watch it on your own, but you can't miss out on that one.
The line about Lon Chaney walking with the Queen, is referring to the actor, Lon Chaney Jr., who first portrayed a werewolf on film, in the 1941 movie, The Wolf Man.
One of the best concerts I've seen - Warren in a small bar in the mountains outside Denver in the early 90s. His quirky, intelligent lyrics; his voice; his sense of humor; his delivery and his humility. RIP, unique, special artist. "Poor, Poor Pitiful Me" and "Send Lawyers, Guns and Money."
This song was featured in the cool "horror" flick "American Werewolf in London". It was a great film!! And, yes, it's about werewolves. Tidbit: Lon Chaney Jr. played the Werewolf in horror films. I met Lon Chaney Jr. when I was 4years old. I actually remember him.
I went to a home game in the first season of the Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA)...they didn’t even have their own arena yet...and they use to play the chorus of this song during breaks. LOL Everyone howling along with this song was great! Weird but great! LOL
Warren was a very talented musician. My favorite CD of his was Transverse City, which included "Splendid Isolation" and "Run Straight Down", both great tunes!
This is one of those artists that other artists liked to listen to. We all had the benefit of hearing the names announced on the radio, so it was easy to know it was pronounced ZEE-von. The "werewolf" was a businessman (probably record company exec.)
There is a classic horror movie from 1981 called An American Werewolf in London and it was directed by John Landis. Based on that film and excellent makeup effects they used to transform the lead actor into a werewolf, Michael Jackson hired Landis to direct his Thriller video in 1983. But this song by Zevon, which was released in 1978, predates the film by 3 years and Zevon has said it's more about slick, predatory men in big cities that stalk around more so that classic monster type werewolves.
Go down the Zevon rabbit hole! Go deep! Truly amazing talent. His live album Stand In The Fire is considered one of the greatest live albums of all time.
Like the werewolf's hair, everything about this song is perfect. No matter how many times I've heard it, when it comes on, it gets turned up and sung along to. As to the werewolves in the best city in the world: never seen one, but we did see one of the famous London foxes running through Covent Garden at midnight, under a full moon. Maybe he transformed into something more sinister as he got into Soho :)
Warren Zevon loved playing at a local, main line pa venue so much that he rewrote a version of his song called Werewolves of Bryn Mawr and mentioned local main line businesses
The song began as a joke by Phil Everly (of The Everly Brothers) to Zevon in 1975, over two years before the recording sessions for Excitable Boy.[2] Everly had watched a television broadcast of the 1935 film Werewolf of London and "suggested to Zevon that he adapt the title for a song and dance craze."[2] Zevon, Marinell and Wachtel played with the idea and wrote the song in about 15 minutes, all contributing lyrics that were transcribed by Zevon's then-wife Crystal. However, none of them took the song seriously. Soon after, Zevon's friend Jackson Browne saw the lyrics and thought "Werewolves of London" had potential and began performing the song during his own live concerts. T Bone Burnett also performed the song, on the first leg of Bob Dylan's Rolling Thunder Revue tour in the autumn of 1975.[3] Burnett's version of the song included alternate or partially improvized lyrics mentioning stars from classical Hollywood cinema, along with mentions of vanished labor leader Jimmy Hoffa, and adult film stars Marilyn Chambers and Linda Lovelace.
Warren was a brilliant songwriter. Many musicians have covered his songs, like "Carmelita", "Haste Down The Wind", "Poor, Poor, Pitiful Me", to name a few. He had a biting, sarcastic sense of humor, and had a way of exposing his soul in and honest and gut-wrenching way. Gotta admire someone who has the courage to bare themselves like that. RIP, Mr. Zevon.
"Prison Grove" is an AWESOME song by Warren Zevon!!! Pronounced Zee-von. We have been trying for years to get him in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Listen to some of his other songs and you'll see how great he really is. There was a movie from 1935 called Werewolf of London. It was mentioned to Warren he use the title of that movie for a song & a dance craze. He mentions Lon Chaney, who was an actor from the old b & w movies, who was famous for playing The Wolfman. Please check out Prison Grove. I promise you'll like it.
The Grateful Dead played many of shows and covered a whole lot of tunes over the years ---and while they would steer mostly clear of current radio hits, they were on this one immediately, which is indicative of the esteem in which WZ's contemporaries held him
In 1975 Phil Everly of the Everly Brothers had recently seen the old 1935 film 'Werewolf of London.' He suggested that Zevon write a song about it. Zevon and a few others sat down and wrote the song in 15 minutes.
Warren Zevon and Waddy Wachtel were given the song title by Phil Everly (of Everly Brothers fame). They wrote the song as a goof thinking it was garbage, not expecting much from it. Mick Fleetwood and John McVie (drummer, bassist, and namesakes of Fleetwood Mac) provided the rhythm section. Waddy Wachtel (guitarist on Stevie Nick’s Edge of Seventeen) played guitar and co-wrote and produced, Warren Zevon co-wrote, sang, and played piano. The song was a huge hit. I think it inspired the movie.
Wife here...Great Song...Aaahooo...You're both 2 cute!!!."I'd like to meet his taylor"..My Husband loves the mention of the Chaney actors in the song..!!..Soooo catchy.!! Sorry I'm so late but my internet's been out..You both come up with Awesome insight!!!
The song was just a fun song/dance craze thing, inspired by a 1935 film "Werewolf of London", and came out about 4 years before the film you were thinking about which is "An American Werewolf in London". Oh, and take it from someone who now lives in Kent and has eaten beef chow mein at Lee Ho Fook's (now closed) and drunk a pina colada at Trader Vic's (still open), there are no wolves, let alone werewolves here.
I've been a fan of the late Warren Zevon since the release of his "Excitable Boy" album in '78. I love his music and always thought he straddled the line between genius and insanity. He wrote some pretty darkly humorous songs like "Excitable Boy" and "Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner" and some super-bangers like "Lawyers, Guns and Money" and "Poor Poor Pitiful Me". These songs are all worth a listen.
Was at the Cal-Jam 2 music festival in Ontario California and this song came on in between the bands sets, imagine 300 hundred thousand people howling like wolves in unison! It was quite the spectacle! Warren stole the show and he ain’t even performing that day 😊
i've seen "An American werewolf in London" Just as the poor guy was changing (very graphic and painful-looking scene) into one for the first time, this song was playing.
Where I think it comes from (and I've lived in London pretty much all my 50 years) is this vibe and certain people you get late at night in London, in the bars, things you see down the sidestreets. There can just be something slightly sinister about it, in a way that you don't get in the same way in other cities; especially in the 70s. That's what David Bowie loved about this song - he identified with it. And yes, I have drunk many pin coladas at Trader Vics, but sadly my hair has never been perfect.
It's worth comparing his cover of "Back in the High Life" vs Steve Winwood's original. Same lyrics, but you hear the _cost_ of the fall from the high life. It's more whistful, something he's hoping and aiming for but not sure of.
I love this song. I also really like Roland the headless Thompson gunner and Excitable boy too. I also like the anger he put the song My s***s f***** up about his cancer diagnosis.
Warren was quite a character, too. I like this on the jukebox when shooting pool, as well as Clapton's IT'S IN THE WAY THAT YOU USE IT - because how they were both used in the movie "The Color Of Money" with Newman and Cruise (Touchstone, 1986) - excellent soundtrack. This song's inspired from an old Horror Movie, which also inspired a whole genre of media. Lon Chaney Jr. played the Wolfman in a number of movies, but they were inspired by the original WEREWOLF OF LONDON (Universal, 1935). Check out Warren's POOR, POOR PITIFUL ME, and LAWYERS, GUNS, AND MONEY.
Warren Zevon`s cover of Knocking on Heavens Door recorded when he was literally on it`s doorstep is both tragic and beautiful at the same time; and worth a listen.
There was a movie in the late 70’s called An American Werewolf in London. I think this song was released a few years before then. However, there are many popular old black and white movies that were filmed or set in London.
It initiated from a 1935 film called "Werewolf Of London" that Phil Everly of the Everly Brothers watched and Phil was friends with Warren Zevon, and Phil suggested that Warren should write a song with that title. The lyrics were written with the intent to be funny. There is also a movie that came out in the 80s called An American Werewolf In London, that has this song in the movie. This song is in several movies.
Warren had a rather macabre and brilliant mind like few others. If you dig into Him, it will be a ton of fun to view your analysis of each! Thanks For the fun!
Warren Zevon was a brilliant lyric writer and his sense of humor (occasionally very dark) was the trademark to his music, though his final album, recorded after he was diagnosed with terminal mesothelioma, has some very poignant and heart-felt songs. This song is from the album 'Excitable Boy' which is filled with great songs.
"An American Werewolves of London" is the movie your thinking of BJ. Zevon wrote the song originally about Gigolos taking advantage of little old ladies in 1975. The song was changed in 1978 for his third album. The song was used in the above mentioned movie.
It was written from an old movie named werewolves in London. The 80’s movie an American werewolf in London had this song in it, the piano part is mixed in kid rocks all summer long song also mixed with sweet home Alabama. It’s sort of a spoof goofy song. But catchy
If you've ever heard "All Summer Long" by Kid Rock, he took this song and "Sweet Home Alabama" and put them together. Was pretty cool actually. FYI, there was a movie called "An American Werewolf In London" in 1981, but that was about four years after this song came out.
This song is so catchy. The intro just pulls you in, and you just have to listen to the rest. It was featured in the movie "The Color of Money" with Paul Newman and Tom Cruise, which is a sequel to "The Hustler" with Newman, Jackie Gleason and George C Scott.
Many artists covered his songs most notably Linda Ronstadt "Poor Poor Pitiful Me", pretty much acknowledged as a genius, he had a savage sense of humor "Lawyers, Guns and Money" "My Shit's Fu***ed Up" , there's a great documentary from VH1 Inside Out "Keep Me In Your Heart" which you can find on here. His swan song "Keep Me In Your Heart" was recorded and released 2 weeks before his death in 2003 and literally up to the last minute of his life was just himself, humor was his secret weapon and in the end to quote someone else he "Kicked death in the balls", loved, admired and respected by the likes of Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, Jackson Browne, Don Henley, his outlook on life was pretty simple "Enjoy every sandwich"
1935 movie, that's the reason there is a refence to The Queen and Lon Chaney, and Lon Chaney Jr. both played Werewolves, Lon Chaney was the msn of 1000 faces, (mostly silent movies) and his son played in the 1935 movie.
This song was playing at midnight when I had my first legal beer at our favorite bar way back in 1986! Warren Zevon (pronounced Zee Von) is known for the unusual themes in his songs. There is a John Landis horror movie called “American Werewolf In London.” That May be what you are thinking of.
....the lyrics are literally about werewolves, you know, the monster from movies and books, etc. The title is a reference to London which was the setting for werewolf movies in the 1930's, starring Lon Chaney....
Warren William Zevon (1/24/1947-9/7/2003) was an American rock singer songwriter and musician. Meaning of song " It's about a really well dressed ladies man ,a werewolf preying on old ladies. In a way it's the Victorian nightmare, the gigolo thing"
Thanks, A&B -- Warren "Zeevon" is the pronunciation - he was amazing (RIP).. I think this may be based on "Werewolf of London" movie in 1935 -- Warren Zevon was incredibly funny, smart, and sarcastic.. hope you listen to more of his stuff...
![Coheed and Cambria - Searching for Tomorrow [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/hDsYGLbmadg/mqdefault.jpg)
“ I saw a werewolf drinking a Pina colada at Trader Vic’s and his hair was perfect”. Is one of my all time favorite lyrics. It’s perfectly weird.
@David Olson my favorite line as well and "his hair was perfect"!
Tom Cruise in The Color of Money shooting pool to this tune.
My favorite as well!
I drank many things at Trader Vic's in London including a Pina Colada. I was in London and had to you know!
Yah. Me Too...
R.I.P. Warren..Thanks For All You Gave Us...Gone But Definitely Not Forgotten. 🙏 ❤
Saw him twice live. Amazing musician!!!
He passed ? Today ?
@@shanenolan8252 No..September 7th 2003 From Cancer.
@@happymethehappyone8300 oh i see .yes rest in peace. I wasn't sure or thought maybe it was an anniversary or something. .
@@shanenolan8252 Knowing That He Was Dying While Writing/Recording This Song Makes It So Much More Impactful & In A Way,, Also A Final Goodbye,, Warren Zevon "Keep Me In Your Heart",, Give It A Listen If You've Never Heard It.
Warren was super influential. I always like “Lawyers, Guns and Money”, “Excitable Boy” and “Boom Boom Mancini.”
I gotta second "Lawyers, Guns, and Money". Great song.
All these. I'd add "Roland the headless Thompson gunner" though.
Yea lawyers guns and money!!
Anything from the "Excitable Boy" or "Mr Bad Example" albums.
But Lawyers Guns & Money is my all time favorite p
Love Excitable Boy. Funny as
When Asia went “Aoooooo” before she had ever heard the song, I fell out on the floor knowing what she was about to hear!!!
Me too Hahaha. I'm like she's gonna be shocked!
Y’all it’s based on the old horror movies (Werewolf, Frankenstein…etc) made in London, Eng. the references of “Lon Chaney and Lon Chaney, jr walking with the queen” were the original Werewolf and the second Werewolf movies!!
Just an FYI: On this song, Mick Fleetwood (drums) and John McVie (bass), both of Fleetwood Mac, contributed.
It was also produced by Jackson Browne.
There was a clique of singers and songwriters in the 70s that hung out with other, performed each other's songs, appeared on each other's albums. Zevon, James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, Jackson Brown, the Eagles Waddy Wachtel, Russ Kunkel ... a lot of the giants of those days.
Wow 🤩
With Waddy on guitar
This song came about when Don Everly of the Everly Brothers watched the 1930s movie Werewolves of London and he suggested to Warren Zevon should write a dance song with the same title
And then afterwards, in brit culture, a werewolf was the equivalent of today's playa or a womanizing shark. Which happens to fit the song's first and last verse.
The Secret Inspiration Behind Warren Zevon’s ‘Werewolves of London’
How ‘a dumb song for smart people’ became an unlikely hit
By George Plasketes
Every reactor laughs when they first hear the “A-hoooo, werewolves of London.” Your laugh was no less charming but singing it back to us was very nice. WZ died much too young. Once he learned his cancer was terminal, I love the advice he had for everyone: Enjoy every sandwich. So simple, such an easy thing to do…we should all take a moment to enjoy the moments we have.
Having had an incurable type of cancer for 4 years myself, I especially love his farewell song to his wife “Keep Me In Your Heart.” It’s quite moving, yet joyful. My wife and I have only listened to it together a couple times - because I wanted her to know the song exists - but I listen to it every couple of months. It kind of helps me take inventory on ‘Am I doing the things and appreciating the people I love most that I would regret not doing if time suddenly ran out?’
I wish you the best, fellow human.
@@suemiller2522 Thank you kindly.
As one of the lucky ones - doc called cancer frre this past Feb 10th from prostate cancer - Tony, I wish you all the best with all sincerity. Warren's music got me through the rough times. i have been a Warren Zevon fan as far back as the mid 70's. It wasn't just by chance that I stumbled across the VH1 Documentary of the making of "The Wind" [that album he made while knowing he had termnal cancer] 2 days after my biopsy results came back. Knowing he had the courage to work, smile, joke around with his muscian friends gave me strength. I turned to my wife and said if I have 2% of the courage and stength, I'll get through this. That was January 10, 2019. ruclips.net/video/hIaOHkeQNMk/видео.html "Enjoy Every Sandwich" -
Bless your heart, friend. I am in the same boat (2 round of chemo and radiation didn't work) and play this song for my grown daughters all the time. I do just want them to keep me in their hearts for awhile.
My oldest daughter was already familiar with it because I bought the album "The Wind" when it first came out almost 20 years ago.
I think my realest and most profound fear is being forgotten by my daughters.
Keep Me in Your Heart is so beautiful
“His hair was perfect” remains one of rocks most quoted lines. Great fun…
Quoted by Tom Cruise himself..
Definitely! What a line.."and his hair was perfect"
Warren Zevon "My Shit's F*cked Up",, "Poor Poor Pitiful Me",, "Excitable Boy" & "Lawyers,, Guns And Money"
In Honor & Memory Of Him,,
Warren Zevon "Keep Me In Your Heart"..Knowing That He Was Dying,, He Wanted To Do One Final Album..It Would Be Released Just 2 Weeks Before His Death.
I swear I break into tears when I hear that song knowing he wrote it with months left to live.
@@paulprendergast3184 Trust Me,, You're Not Alone On That..One Final Goodbye.
A genius of monumental proportion, with a catalog so deep it's crazy. Rest easy WZ.
Lon Chaney played a Werewolf in the silent film Era and his son Lon Chaney Jr played a Werewolf in 30's and 40's films.
I prefer Excitable Boy, but that may be a bit of a shock. I guess understanding Zevon's humor is helpful before diving in. The only werewolf of London I am familiar with was Jack, The American Werewolf in London.
There was also a film from the 1930s called The Werewolf of London starring Henry Hull and Warner Oland
Love excitable boy!!!
H built a cage from her bones, Excitable Boy they all said. 😂 Classic song
It was used in "The Color of Money," when Tom Cruise's character was mopping the floor with the other pool players. And you're right, there was a movie, "An American Werewolf in London," which was a kind of horror/comedy movie.
...and it was AWESOME!
@Barry Katz Better--thank you!
You two struck a gold mine finding Warren Zevon, Rare and unique talent. I am thrilled to see this reaction.
Asia & BJ, this was his most known song along with "Lawyers, Guns and Money". "Excitable Boy" was a good song of his.
I'd add the headless thompson gunner
don't forget Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner.
@@karenmandeville7116 Roland! I threw that tune out as well, but left the Roland off!
@@jeffjones6221 and Poor Poor Pitiful Me.
I think he was referring to the kind of guys he saw carousing the streets of London late at night when he was playing there in the late 70's, early 80's...
Yeah I think so too. Slick types, every hair in place, sharp suits, predatory. Still lmao every time I hear " I'd love to meet his tailor"🤣!!!
And of course "His hair was perfect!" Omg I'm busting a gut right now🤣🤣🤣
@@your_huge_ego_bores_me The connection between this and a movie is that Phil Everly, of the Everly Brothers, had watched a 1935 film called "Werewolf of London", and he jokingly suggested to Zevon that he write a song with the title, with the idea that there be a dance craze to go with it. The more well-known film "An American Werewolf in London" was not released until a few years after Zevon's song, and Zevon's song does not appear in the movie.
@@your_huge_ego_bores_me Heh...Yeah, I'm afraid I've never heard of the 1935 film...
The werewolf movies from Universal Studio in the 1930s always had the werewolf in a rural setting. It’s a pretty shocking transition to put a werewolf in the middle of the capital of the world for many, London. The chaos would be uncontained!
The phrase, “little old lady got mutilated late last night“ is a gem worthy of Cole Porter or Stephen Sondheim.
Pretty sure it was Lon Cheney Jr that was in the early Werewolf movies but it could have been his father too.
In the film The Werewolf of London you had two werewolves for the price of admission. Warner Oland played the first one and Henry Hull played the second.
The movie was remade in the 80s
@@John-tn7nm really? When was it made and who was in it?
@@eddhardy1054 1981 I think David Naughton
Warren was an eccentric gifted musician...kind of like zappa, but more mainstream. Godspeed Warren, I think we appreciate the gift you left us.
And one of David Letterman's few real friends in the entertainment industry.
@@recoil53 Dave is pretty eccentric too...I didn't know him, but grew up in the same city...
@@jeffjones6221 You could see it in the way he made humor out of nothing.
This came off Warren's debut album, Excitable Boy, and that entire album is remarkable. I mean, it's remarkable in and of itself but in the degree to which it already manifests a distinct, artistic maturity - unusual for any artists' first outing! You could choose literally any cut off that album to listen to next and I can almost guarantee you'll love it.
This was not his debut album, but definitely his "breakout" effort. His self-titled first album is even better than "Excitable Boy".
Ahhhh. I hadn't bothered to look it up because I'd been told a few times many years ago that it WAS his debut so that "fact" sort of became ingrained. Thanks for setting the record (so to speak) straight! :) @@cavecookie1
No worries. I mentioned it mainly in the hope that you, and others, of course, will take the time to give it a listen. It's easy to find, right here on RUclips! LOL! It's my favorite of Warren's, and I'm not alone in considering it his best! @@Pixelologist
Love how Asia can defuse something that is going no where. “Maybe we should start over cause this has nothing to do with nothing” and then she flashes that million dollar Asia smile. All BJ can do at that point is smile back. I would imagine these guys never argue. How can you?
Lon Chaney was a silent movie star and his son was Lon Cheney Jr who played the werewolf in a movie from the forties the movie was set in London . Also Lon Chaney dad was noted for his make up work in movies
ONE OF THE FIRST WEREWOLF MOVIES WAS "WEREWOLVES OF LONDON STARRING HENRY HULL. THE SONG MENTIONS LON CHANEY WHO WAS A SILENT FILM ACTOR AND DID HIS OWN MAKE UP. HE PLAYED A LOT OF ROLES SUCH AS THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME. LON CHANEY JR. MADE THE ROLE OF "THE WOLFMAN". THE SONG IS JUST A FUN SONG BASED ON OLD MONSTER MOVIES. ENJOY.
I'm just here to recommend his song "Lawyers Guns and Money" - even more fun, lyrics-wise. If you want to get weird with him, "Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner." But all of his songs have deep references for history nerds. "Lon Chaney" is the guy who played "the werewolf" in those old black-and-white movies.
Also, it's pronounced "zee-VONN."
But seriously, you want to check the full moon schedule and watch yourself.
Love this song. That wolf story that you were talking about Asia was a Russian cop who jumped into a car to get away from literal wolves.
Kool I was about to Google that to see if it was an actual happening lol scary thing to happen no matter where really
The video you are referring to, Asia, is of a traffic stop in Russia. The officer pulled someone over for having a headlight out when suddenly a pack of wolves appeared. Crazy stuff, eh? Werewolves of London is a fun song. Warren Zevon was so musically gifted. He had some great songs. Thanks for the reaction.
It's actually a Russian ad for Eristoff vodka!
Look at his last performance on Letterman when he talks about his impending mortality(5 mos later) How he lived a Jim Morrison life in 57 yrs. How he joked the doctors told him he feels way better than his diagnosis looked....What a treasure
There's a video of him singing his song "My S#*ts F**ked Up" on RUclips that he wrote right after his diagnoses that sums up his whole experience with cancer.
@@kenwelch198 "MSFU" was released in 2000, before he was diagnosed in August 2002, he always had a pinchet for songs with a death undertone. The titles of the 3 albums before his diagnosis says volumes. In 1996 he released "I'll Sleep When I'm Dead" - MSFU is on "Life'll Kill Ya" released January 25, 2000, and in May of 2002 he released the album "My Ride's Here", just 3 months before he was diagnosed.
Warren Zevon was so unique and creative . This song got me listening to more of his music back when . Never regretted it . Thanks as always for the react .
Warren Zevon was an American rock singer, songwriter & musician. He was known for recording some quirky songs such as "Werewolves Of London", "Lawyers, Guns & Money" & "Roland The Headless Thompson Gunner". He also recorded some other artist's songs such as "A Certain Girl", "Knockin' On Heaven's Door", "First We Take Manhattan", "Back In The High Life Again" & "Raspberry Beret". But he is best known for writing hit songs for other artists such as Poor Poor Pitiful Me", "Accidentally Like A Martyr", "Mohammed's Radio", "Carmelita" & "Hasten Down The Wind". He died in 2003 at the age of 56.
Honestly the look on both of your faces was so epic when Warren did his first aoooooooooo!!!!!!!!! You have to go back and look because Asia had just done it exactly the way Warren does it and she didn’t even know it was going to be in the song!!!!! Sooo great!🎼🐺
Werewolf of London is a 1935 movie and the song is inspired by the movie
This reminds me of drinking at the local bar and howling drunk, that's all I know about this song, lol. Good times! Fun reaction
Zevon was a musical genius... His album 'Excitable Boy' was a masterpiece!! Give his song 'Roland The Headless Thompson Gunner' a listen
Warren Zevon was an extremely creative writer. Unusual, but a fantastic musician. He was David Letterman's favorite musician and appeared on his show more than any other musician. RIP Warren!
Love this song from the 70's
Yeah, it's based on all those werewolf movies of past
Asia, I loved it when you howled prior to listening to the song!! You're great!!
Oh you guys, just react to the movie Abbott and Costello meet Frankenstein. You will laugh your butts off the whole time, and really understand when and why Warren sang 'his hair was perfect' and 'I'd like to meet his tailor'. Or just watch it on your own, but you can't miss out on that one.
Classic song!!! I'm a Minnesotan just like Warren Zevon!
The line about Lon Chaney walking with the Queen, is referring to the actor, Lon Chaney Jr., who first portrayed a werewolf on film, in the 1941 movie, The Wolf Man.
One of the best concerts I've seen - Warren in a small bar in the mountains outside Denver in the early 90s. His quirky, intelligent lyrics; his voice; his sense of humor; his delivery and his humility. RIP, unique, special artist. "Poor, Poor Pitiful Me" and "Send Lawyers, Guns and Money."
This song was featured in the cool "horror" flick "American Werewolf in London". It was a great film!! And, yes, it's about werewolves. Tidbit: Lon Chaney Jr. played the Werewolf in horror films. I met Lon Chaney Jr. when I was 4years old. I actually remember him.
Back in the day, when they played this in the club…. Everyone would be howling!
There was a Werewolf of London movie - 1935. Lon Chaney played in the werewolf in many old movies.
Classic song. WZ died of cancer around 20 years ago. A lot of sad people that day. He was a cool guy. AAOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Warren was such a great songwriter with a dark sense of humor. And he also wrote beautiful love songs.
What up party Peeps!? (PS it's pronounced ZEE-VON) Great Track!
I went to a home game in the first season of the Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA)...they didn’t even have their own arena yet...and they use to play the chorus of this song during breaks. LOL Everyone howling along with this song was great! Weird but great! LOL
Warren was a very talented musician. My favorite CD of his was Transverse City, which included "Splendid Isolation" and "Run Straight Down", both great tunes!
2 notes into this song and you know what it is! It was heard everywhere, and still is.
This is one of those artists that other artists liked to listen to. We all had the benefit of hearing the names announced on the radio, so it was easy to know it was pronounced ZEE-von. The "werewolf" was a businessman (probably record company exec.)
Always makes me howl... And dance. Love this song, one of my favorites ✌️
There is a classic horror movie from 1981 called An American Werewolf in London and it was directed by John Landis. Based on that film and excellent makeup effects they used to transform the lead actor into a werewolf, Michael Jackson hired Landis to direct his Thriller video in 1983. But this song by Zevon, which was released in 1978, predates the film by 3 years and Zevon has said it's more about slick, predatory men in big cities that stalk around more so that classic monster type werewolves.
Go down the Zevon rabbit hole! Go deep! Truly amazing talent. His live album Stand In The Fire is considered one of the greatest live albums of all time.
Like the werewolf's hair, everything about this song is perfect. No matter how many times I've heard it, when it comes on, it gets turned up and sung along to. As to the werewolves in the best city in the world: never seen one, but we did see one of the famous London foxes running through Covent Garden at midnight, under a full moon. Maybe he transformed into something more sinister as he got into Soho :)
Warren Zevon loved playing at a local, main line pa venue so much that he rewrote a version of his song called Werewolves of Bryn Mawr and mentioned local main line businesses
One of the most clever songwriters who ever lived.
Check out his song "Lawyers, Guns, and Money".
The song began as a joke by Phil Everly (of The Everly Brothers) to Zevon in 1975, over two years before the recording sessions for Excitable Boy.[2] Everly had watched a television broadcast of the 1935 film Werewolf of London and "suggested to Zevon that he adapt the title for a song and dance craze."[2] Zevon, Marinell and Wachtel played with the idea and wrote the song in about 15 minutes, all contributing lyrics that were transcribed by Zevon's then-wife Crystal. However, none of them took the song seriously.
Soon after, Zevon's friend Jackson Browne saw the lyrics and thought "Werewolves of London" had potential and began performing the song during his own live concerts. T Bone Burnett also performed the song, on the first leg of Bob Dylan's Rolling Thunder Revue tour in the autumn of 1975.[3] Burnett's version of the song included alternate or partially improvized lyrics mentioning stars from classical Hollywood cinema, along with mentions of vanished labor leader Jimmy Hoffa, and adult film stars Marilyn Chambers and Linda Lovelace.
Warren was a brilliant songwriter. Many musicians have covered his songs, like "Carmelita", "Haste Down The Wind", "Poor, Poor, Pitiful Me", to name a few. He had a biting, sarcastic sense of humor, and had a way of exposing his soul in and honest and gut-wrenching way. Gotta admire someone who has the courage to bare themselves like that. RIP, Mr. Zevon.
"Prison Grove" is an AWESOME song by Warren Zevon!!! Pronounced Zee-von. We have been trying for years to get him in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Listen to some of his other songs and you'll see how great he really is. There was a movie from 1935 called Werewolf of London. It was mentioned to Warren he use the title of that movie for a song & a dance craze. He mentions Lon Chaney, who was an actor from the old b & w movies, who was famous for playing The Wolfman. Please check out Prison Grove. I promise you'll like it.
The Grateful Dead played many of shows and covered a whole lot of tunes over the years ---and while they would steer mostly clear of current radio hits, they were on this one immediately, which is indicative of the esteem in which WZ's contemporaries held him
In 1975 Phil Everly of the Everly Brothers had recently seen the old 1935 film 'Werewolf of London.' He suggested that Zevon write a song about it. Zevon and a few others sat down and wrote the song in 15 minutes.
Warren Zevon and Waddy Wachtel were given the song title by Phil Everly (of Everly Brothers fame). They wrote the song as a goof thinking it was garbage, not expecting much from it.
Mick Fleetwood and John McVie (drummer, bassist, and namesakes of Fleetwood Mac) provided the rhythm section. Waddy Wachtel (guitarist on Stevie Nick’s Edge of Seventeen) played guitar and co-wrote and produced, Warren Zevon co-wrote, sang, and played piano.
The song was a huge hit. I think it inspired the movie.
Wife here...Great Song...Aaahooo...You're both 2 cute!!!."I'd like to meet his taylor"..My Husband loves the mention of the Chaney actors in the song..!!..Soooo catchy.!!
Sorry I'm so late but my internet's been out..You both come up with Awesome insight!!!
The song was just a fun song/dance craze thing, inspired by a 1935 film "Werewolf of London", and came out about 4 years before the film you were thinking about which is "An American Werewolf in London". Oh, and take it from someone who now lives in Kent and has eaten beef chow mein at Lee Ho Fook's (now closed) and drunk a pina colada at Trader Vic's (still open), there are no wolves, let alone werewolves here.
I've been a fan of the late Warren Zevon since the release of his "Excitable Boy" album in '78. I love his music and always thought he straddled the line between genius and insanity. He wrote some pretty darkly humorous songs like "Excitable Boy" and "Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner" and some super-bangers like "Lawyers, Guns and Money" and "Poor Poor Pitiful Me". These songs are all worth a listen.
Was at the Cal-Jam 2 music festival in Ontario California and this song came on in between the bands sets, imagine 300 hundred thousand people howling like wolves in unison! It was quite the spectacle! Warren stole the show and he ain’t even performing that day 😊
i've seen "An American werewolf in London" Just as the poor guy was changing (very graphic and painful-looking scene) into one for the first time, this song was playing.
One of my all time favourite songs
Warren Zevon was brilliant, RIP
One story goes it was referring to the sixties version of the Bee Gees with the big hair look- Also, try Carmelita, Lawyers guns & money
Where I think it comes from (and I've lived in London pretty much all my 50 years) is this vibe and certain people you get late at night in London, in the bars, things you see down the sidestreets. There can just be something slightly sinister about it, in a way that you don't get in the same way in other cities; especially in the 70s. That's what David Bowie loved about this song - he identified with it.
And yes, I have drunk many pin coladas at Trader Vics, but sadly my hair has never been perfect.
It's worth comparing his cover of "Back in the High Life" vs Steve Winwood's original.
Same lyrics, but you hear the _cost_ of the fall from the high life. It's more whistful, something he's hoping and aiming for but not sure of.
I love this song. I also really like Roland the headless Thompson gunner and Excitable boy too. I also like the anger he put the song My s***s f***** up about his cancer diagnosis.
Warren was quite a character, too. I like this on the jukebox when shooting pool, as well as Clapton's IT'S IN THE WAY THAT YOU USE IT - because how they were both used in the movie "The Color Of Money" with Newman and Cruise (Touchstone, 1986) - excellent soundtrack. This song's inspired from an old Horror Movie, which also inspired a whole genre of media. Lon Chaney Jr. played the Wolfman in a number of movies, but they were inspired by the original WEREWOLF OF LONDON (Universal, 1935). Check out Warren's POOR, POOR PITIFUL ME, and LAWYERS, GUNS, AND MONEY.
Y'all are adorable! I can't have a bad day after music therapy sessions with y'all. P.L.U.R.R. from Austin!
Warren Zevon`s cover of Knocking on Heavens Door recorded when he was literally on it`s doorstep is both tragic and beautiful at the same time; and worth a listen.
Yes this song was featured in the 1981 movie "An American Werewolf In London"....
There was a movie in the late 70’s called An American Werewolf in London. I think this song was released a few years before then. However, there are many popular old black and white movies that were filmed or set in London.
“Maybe we should start over…cause that ain’t got nothin’ to do with it.” Hahaha 🤣. I’m going to start using that phrase, daily!😂
It initiated from a 1935 film called "Werewolf Of London" that Phil Everly of the Everly Brothers watched and Phil was friends with Warren Zevon, and Phil suggested that Warren should write a song with that title. The lyrics were written with the intent to be funny. There is also a movie that came out in the 80s called An American Werewolf In London, that has this song in the movie. This song is in several movies.
Warren had a rather macabre and brilliant mind like few others. If you dig into Him, it will be a ton of fun to view your analysis of each!
Thanks For the fun!
The song was made for a movie called Howling 3:Your Sister Is A Werewolf with Christopher Lee
If you want to hear another odd/great song of his you should listen to his song "Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner".
Warren Zevon was a brilliant lyric writer and his sense of humor (occasionally very dark) was the trademark to his music, though his final album, recorded after he was diagnosed with terminal mesothelioma, has some very poignant and heart-felt songs. This song is from the album 'Excitable Boy' which is filled with great songs.
"An American Werewolves of London" is the movie your thinking of BJ. Zevon wrote the song originally about Gigolos taking advantage of little old ladies in 1975. The song was changed in 1978 for his third album. The song was used in the above mentioned movie.
It was written from an old movie named werewolves in London. The 80’s movie an American werewolf in London had this song in it, the piano part is mixed in kid rocks all summer long song also mixed with sweet home Alabama. It’s sort of a spoof goofy song. But catchy
If you've ever heard "All Summer Long" by Kid Rock, he took this song and "Sweet Home Alabama" and put them together. Was pretty cool actually. FYI, there was a movie called "An American Werewolf In London" in 1981, but that was about four years after this song came out.
This song is so catchy. The intro just pulls you in, and you just have to listen to the rest.
It was featured in the movie "The Color of Money" with Paul Newman and Tom Cruise, which is a sequel to "The Hustler" with Newman, Jackie Gleason and George C Scott.
Many artists covered his songs most notably Linda Ronstadt "Poor Poor Pitiful Me", pretty much acknowledged as a genius, he had a savage sense of humor "Lawyers, Guns and Money" "My Shit's Fu***ed Up" , there's a great documentary from VH1 Inside Out "Keep Me In Your Heart" which you can find on here. His swan song "Keep Me In Your Heart" was recorded and released 2 weeks before his death in 2003 and literally up to the last minute of his life was just himself, humor was his secret weapon and in the end to quote someone else he "Kicked death in the balls", loved, admired and respected by the likes of Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, Jackson Browne, Don Henley, his outlook on life was pretty simple "Enjoy every sandwich"
1935 movie, that's the reason there is a refence to The Queen and Lon Chaney, and Lon Chaney Jr. both played Werewolves, Lon Chaney was the msn of 1000 faces, (mostly silent movies) and his son played in the 1935 movie.
Roland the headless Thompson gunner
Warren was an amazing writer and composer. He had comedy and great songs without a doubt
Along the same line, yall should do reaction to Little Red Riding Hood by Sam the Sham and the Pharoahs. I'd love to Asia react to that!
I also love Sam the Sham! lol
This song was playing at midnight when I had my first legal beer at our favorite bar way back in 1986! Warren Zevon (pronounced Zee Von) is known for the unusual themes in his songs. There is a John Landis horror movie called “American Werewolf In London.” That May be what you are thinking of.
....the lyrics are literally about werewolves, you know, the monster from movies and books, etc. The title is a reference to London which was the setting for werewolf movies in the 1930's, starring Lon Chaney....
This is one of the greatest coolest songs of 1978. Such a killer song.
Warren William Zevon (1/24/1947-9/7/2003) was an American rock singer songwriter and musician. Meaning of song " It's about a really well dressed ladies man ,a werewolf preying on old ladies. In a way it's the Victorian nightmare, the gigolo thing"
what a song...he was a genius ..and by yes hes commenting on very specific things of a specific society
Thanks, A&B -- Warren "Zeevon" is the pronunciation - he was amazing (RIP).. I think this may be based on "Werewolf of London" movie in 1935 -- Warren Zevon was incredibly funny, smart, and sarcastic.. hope you listen to more of his stuff...