Iron Butterfly: The Legacy of Doug Ingle and the ‘In-A-Gadda-Da-Vidda’ story

Tribute to Doug Ingle of Iron Butterfly
This video is dedicated to Doug’s family, friends, and Iron Butterfly fans around the world. 

“In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida,” is a cornerstone in rock music. It’s poignant to note that every member of the band who made this album has passed away. While Iron Butterfly continues in various forms, the original creators of this classic album are no longer with us. This realisation adds a layer of depth to their music, a testament to the timeless nature of their work.

The Iconic Album: In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida

“In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida” is often seen as a proto-heavy metal album, but it is more accurately described as a blend of heavy and light elements, hence the name Iron Butterfly. The title track, which takes up an entire side of the record, has a fascinating backstory. Doug Ingle, under the influence of wine, intended to say “In the Garden of Eden,” but it came out as “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida,” a name that stuck and became iconic.

This 17-minute track, featuring a three-minute drum solo, was recorded almost by accident. The band played it through while the sound engineer was setting levels, and that spontaneous take became the version we all know. This organic recording process, without the pressure of knowing they were being recorded, captured a genuine and relaxed performance.

Chart Success and Legacy

The album “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida” was a monumental success, reaching #4 on the Billboard 200 chart and achieving multi-platinum status. The single “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida” also charted, reaching #30 on the Billboard Hot 100. These achievements solidified Iron Butterfly’s place in rock history.

Other Notable Albums

“Heavy” (1968): This debut album features the track “Iron Butterfly Theme,” a precursor to their later work and an excellent introduction to their style.
“Ball” (1969): Another essential album that showcases the band’s evolving sound.
“Metamorphosis” (1970): This album includes the track “Butterfly Bleu,” a 14-minute piece featuring one of the first uses of a voice box for a guitar.
Exploring Iron Butterfly

For those new to Iron Butterfly, start with “Iron Butterfly Theme” from “Heavy,” then move on to “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida.” Their box set from Cherry Red Records offers a comprehensive look at their work, featuring seven CDs and an extensive booklet with the band’s full story.

Doug Ingle: Keyboards and vocals
Erik Brann: Guitar (only 17 years old at the time of recording)
Lee Dorman: Bass
Ron Bushy: Drums

Enjoy exploring Iron Butterfly’s legacy, and thank you for watching.

Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine

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