Though the tune’s video proved to be well-liked on MTV’s heavy metallic specialty programming on the time, the track did not change into a success. Nonetheless, it is sound (use of samples, electro-drums, choir-like vocals, and so on.) was a particularly related strategy that Def Leppard would good on their 1987 blockbuster album, Hysteria, and particularly such tunes as “Pour Some Sugar on Me” and “Rocket. Understandably, super-producer Mutt Lange will get the lion’s share of credit score for serving to create the trademark “Def Leppard sound” – which really coalesced on Hysteria. However what about Spencer Proffer‘s manufacturing on Quiet Riot’s “The Wild and the Younger”?
And would not it, this track specifically – in addition to all different phases of the band’s profession – was studied and analyzed in my 2025 e book, Bang Your Head, Really feel the Noize: The Quiet Riot Story. Right here is an excerpt which focuses on the tune:
Up subsequent was the album’s undisputed excessive level, “The Wild and the Younger.” Musically and chorus-wise, the tune sounds unmistakably extra like Def Leppard than something Quiet Riot had completed beforehand (particularly with the electro drums, samples, and stadium-sung refrain). Actually, “The Wild and the Younger” appeared like Hysteria-era Def Leppard a full yr BEFORE Hysteria.
Clearly, it was one in all their stronger post-Steel Well being tunes and one of many few tunes on the album wherein this new type/strategy really coalesced. And in contrast to many of the different tunes on the LP the place the synths soured issues, it labored wonders on a track corresponding to this – the place synths have been used extra for texturing, quite than being forcibly crammed down your gullet.
“The Wild and the Younger” would additionally function the album’s lead-off single and video. Performed closely on MTV’s Steel Music Half Hour program (which aired each day from Monday by Friday within the US) in the course of the summer season, it was immediately noticeable that the “QR ’86 look” was extra Vegas-y than merely spandex-y. In different phrases, a la what Kiss and Mötley Crüe have been sporting on the time (re-inspect the movies for “Tears are Falling” and “Smokin’ within the Boys Room” to catch my drift). Gone have been the striped spandex trousers or striped sleeveless t-shirts of ’83 – though Kevin DuBrow‘s favourite fanged necklace remained in place round his neck.
Storyline-wise, the music video touched upon the entire “metallic music is harmful and ought to be banned” motif (which was well-liked on the time, because of such teams because the PMRC, aka, the Dad and mom Music Useful resource Heart). And likewise, reveals the band – after fleeing from obvious metal-hating authority figures – performing the tune…after which finally, halting at gunpoint!
Additionally obvious from viewing the video, was that DuBrow had now magically grown an unlimited quantity of hair. Now, placing all of it in perspective, on the time of this e book’s launch, hair size and metallic music means diddly. However again within the ’80s, it was nearly as vital as the standard of your materials. So, DuBrow understandably opted to seek the advice of some “hair specialists” to supply some much-needed quantity to his beforehand unspectacular mane. However heck, he wasn’t the one one on the time, as each Gene Simmons and Joe Lynn Turner have been two apparent culprits, as effectively.
In 2024, long-time Quiet Riot fan and forged member of The Howard Stern Present, Richard Christy was keen to face by QR III. “I liked that album, however significantly, the track ‘The Wild and the Younger.’ If that track would have been on Situation Important and that might have been its first single – quite than ‘Mama Weer All Crazee Now’ – I feel we might be speaking about Quiet Riot like we discuss Weapons N’ Roses. As a result of that track is so good and so catchy. And the riffs are cool and the drums are cool. The refrain is simply so enormous. If that might have been the primary single off of Situation Important, their path would have been completely completely different. They might have remained an enormous band like they have been with Steel Well being.”
And Christy did not simply cease there regarding his reward for “The Wild and the Younger.” “‘The Wild and the Younger’ is among the best songs of the ’80s, so far as I am involved. It is humorous, every time my youngsters are going loopy, I at all times say, ‘You guys are the wild and the younger’ – and I play them that track!” And since Christy is an exceptionally gifted drummer in his personal proper, it ought to come as no shock that it is Frankie Banali‘s drumming on the tune that additionally makes it a private favourite. “His drumming on ‘The Wild and the Younger’ – that starting drumbeat – is so freaking cool. It is so heavy and I really like the reverb they’ve on the drums.”
Sadly, regardless of constant airings on MTV of the video, the one surprisingly stiffed – not even registering a single spot on the Billboard Sizzling 100. Leading to a standout ’80s metallic anthem that these days, solely diehard Quiet Riot followers appear to understand.
Bang Your Head, Really feel the Noize: The Quiet Riot Story is accessible as paperback, hardcover, and Kindle variations. Click on right here to order.
