IRON--symbolic of something "heavy," as in sound.
BUTTERFLY--light, appealing and versatile...an object that can be used freely in the imagination.
--In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida cover notes...slightly moronic, no?
Iron Butterfly was essentially a one-hit wonder, but is notable for two reasons:
- In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida, easily their best and by far their most successful album. The title song, clocking in at an impressive 17:05, has that famous lead (doo doo DOO DOO DOO doo dee dee dee!) that is still instantly recognizable to most people, especially the boomers who heard it played endlessly on the radio. It contains, among other solos, a drum solo over two minutes long.
- They were pioneers of heavy rock. While heavy bands existed before Iron Butterfly, they were the first to get significant radio play.
Iron Butterfly was:
Surprisingly enough, I think these guys are mostly still alive.
Discography:
- 1968: Heavy
- 1968: In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida
- 1969: Ball
- 1970: Live
- 1970: Metamorphosis
- 1975: Scorching Beauty
- 1976: Sun and Steel