Yabba Dabba Doo! This 80s alt-rock gem fused prehistoric charm with serious guitar chops.
The Song
"I Wanna Be A Flintstone" is the most successful and recognizable hit single by the British alternative rock band The Screaming Blue Messiahs. Released in January 1988, it became a signature song for the band, despite having been a reworked track from an album by an earlier band of lead singer Bill Carter's, Motor Boys Motor, where it was originally titled "Here Come The Flintstones". The song is characterized by its aggressive blend of rhythm and blues, punk, and rockabilly, with lyrics that cleverly play on the themes of the classic cartoon, even though the song's actual meaning isn't literally about the Flintstones. The track was featured on their second studio album, Bikini Red, released in 1987.
The Artist
The Screaming Blue Messiahs were a rock band formed in London in 1983 by guitarist and singer Bill Carter, bass player and backing singer Chris Thompson, and drummer Kenny Harris. The power trio was active between 1983 and 1990, emerging from the pub rock and punk scenes prevalent in the UK capital. They garnered critical acclaim for their raw, exciting rock and roll, touring extensively across Europe, North America, and Australasia. David Bowie was famously a fan, stating in 1987 that they were "the best band I've heard out of England in a long time."
Chart Performance
"I Wanna Be A Flintstone" became the band's biggest commercial success. It peaked at number 28 on the UK Singles Chart in January 1988. While it was a comparative failure in their native UK compared to its reception elsewhere, the song found better success internationally. It was their only charting song in Australia, reaching number 100 in April 1988. Although the single did not chart on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US, the album Bikini Red did reach number 172 on the Billboard 200 Album charts.
Cultural Impact
The song's infectious energy and quirky theme helped The Screaming Blue Messiahs gain wider recognition. Its success led to appearances on popular British television shows like Top of the Pops and the Saturday morning kids' show No. 73. The song's enduring appeal meant it continued to have a life beyond the band's existence, even appearing on the soundtrack for The Flintstones film in 1994. It's often remembered as an irresistible novelty that brought the band to the forefront of the alternative rock scene in the late 80s.
Fun Facts
- The music video for "I Wanna Be A Flintstone" was directed by the London-based animation and live-action team Giblets.
- There were actually two versions of the music video; the directors originally disagreed with the record company over how "cartoony" it should be, resulting in a re-cut version with more Flintstones footage being broadcast.
- Despite the song's title, lead singer Bill Carter admitted in an interview that he didn't actually watch The Flintstones on TV.
- The album Bikini Red, which features "I Wanna Be A Flintstone," was produced by the acclaimed English producer Vic Maile, known for his work with Dr. Feelgood and Motörhead.
- The single was released in multiple formats, including picture discs and extended 12" remix versions.