Get ready to rock out with a forgotten gem from the late 80s hard rock scene!
The Song
"The Kid Goes Wild" is a high-energy track by the American hard rock band Babylon A.D. It served as a prominent single from their self-titled debut album, Babylon A.D., which was released in 1989. The song epitomizes the late-80s hair metal sound with its driving guitar riffs, powerful vocals, and anthemic chorus, perfectly capturing the rebellious spirit of the era. The album was produced by Jack Ponti and Tom Werman, known for their work with other hard rock acts.
The Artist
Babylon A.D. formed in the San Francisco Bay Area in 1987. The band's classic lineup included Derek Davis on vocals, John Matthews and Ron Freschi on guitars, Rob Reid on bass, and James Pacheco on drums. They quickly gained a reputation for their energetic live performances, which helped them secure a record deal with Arista Records. Their debut album, featuring "The Kid Goes Wild," was a strong entry into the hard rock scene.
Chart Performance
While Babylon A.D.'s debut album received critical acclaim within the hard rock community and sold well, "The Kid Goes Wild" did not achieve significant mainstream chart success on the Billboard Hot 100. However, the song, along with the album, was a staple on rock radio stations and MTV's Headbangers Ball, which was crucial for exposure for hard rock bands during that period. The album itself peaked at number 136 on the Billboard 200 chart.
Cultural Impact
"The Kid Goes Wild" is often remembered as a quintessential track from the tail end of the hair metal era, embodying the genre's boisterous energy and youthful rebellion. The song's inclusion in the cult classic film RoboCop 2 (1990) significantly boosted its profile and cemented its place in pop culture, introducing the band to a wider audience beyond just rock fans. The music video also frequently appeared on rock-focused music television programs, contributing to the band's visual presence.
Fun Facts
- The song "The Kid Goes Wild" was prominently featured in the 1990 film RoboCop 2, playing during a memorable scene where the character Hob is introduced.
- The music video for "The Kid Goes Wild" showcases the band's raw stage presence, featuring live performance footage blended with stylized shots, typical of hard rock videos of the era.
- Babylon A.D. released several more albums after their debut, continuing to tour and maintain a dedicated fanbase, proving their longevity beyond the initial hair metal boom.
- The band re-recorded "The Kid Goes Wild" for their 2017 album, Revelation Highway, giving the classic track a modern update while retaining its original energy.
- Vocalist Derek Davis has also pursued a solo career, releasing blues-rock oriented material.