A Howl from 1978 That Never Faded: The True Story Behind Warren Zevon’s “Werewolves of London”
In 1978, American singer songwriter Warren Zevon released a song that would become the defining hit of his career. Werewolves of London, from the album Excitable Boy, combined dark humor, barroom piano energy, and sharp songwriting into a track that still resonates across generations of rock listeners.
At the center of the recording is the unforgettable piano riff played by Zevon himself. Trained as a pianist long before achieving fame as a singer songwriter, Zevon brought a loose but precise boogie style to the track. The rolling piano figure anchors the entire song and gives it the playful swagger that made it instantly recognizable on radio. His piano work carries a raw barroom character while maintaining the musical discipline that came from his early classical training.
The recording also featured a remarkable supporting lineup drawn from some of the most respected musicians of the era. Guitarist Waddy Wachtel, one of Zevon’s closest collaborators, contributed the memorable electric guitar parts including the song’s distinctive solo. On rhythm duties were Mick Fleetwood on drums and John McVie on bass, both members of Fleetwood Mac. Their steady rhythm section provided the groove that allowed Zevon’s piano and vocal performance to stand at the forefront.
Released as a single in early 1978, “Werewolves of London” became Zevon’s most successful chart entry, reaching number twenty one on the Billboard Hot 100. While Zevon had already earned deep admiration among fellow musicians and songwriters in the Los Angeles music scene, this record introduced him to a much wider audience.
The song’s imagery blends humor and surreal storytelling, describing strange nocturnal characters wandering through the streets of London. This blend of wit and eccentric narrative became a hallmark of Zevon’s songwriting throughout his career. The track’s relaxed groove and memorable chorus helped it stand apart from the more serious or dramatic rock recordings of the late seventies.
Although the song is widely circulated online today through restored video footage, it is important to understand the historical context of its release. In 1978 the modern concept of the music video had not yet become standard in the industry. The high definition clips seen today are typically archival performance footage or later visual compilations rather than a narrative promotional video produced at the time of the song’s release.
Nearly five decades later, “Werewolves of London” remains a staple of classic rock radio and frequently reappears in seasonal playlists around Halloween. For many listeners it serves as the gateway into the broader catalog of Warren Zevon, a songwriter whose work blended intelligence, dark comedy, and sharp musical craftsmanship. The enduring popularity of the track stands as proof that a simple piano riff, when paired with distinctive storytelling, can echo through popular culture for generations.