Witness The Edgar Winter Group’s Electrifying 1973 Performance Of “Frankenstein”
“Frankenstein,” an instrumental track by The Edgar Winter Group, was released in 1973 and quickly became a groundbreaking hit. The song, featured on their album *They Only Come Out at Night*, reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100, an impressive feat for an instrumental piece. The track is notable for its innovative use of the synthesizer, making it one of the first mainstream songs to prominently feature the instrument as a lead.
Edgar Winter, a multi-instrumentalist known for his talents on the keyboard, saxophone, and drums, composed “Frankenstein.” The song’s title was suggested by drummer Chuck Ruff, inspired by the pieced-together nature of the track’s final edit. Due to numerous manual splices in the master tape, the song evolved through various iterations before achieving its iconic form.
Winter’s live performances of “Frankenstein” were particularly memorable, showcasing his ability to play multiple instruments during a single performance. This display of virtuosity contributed to the song’s enduring popularity and helped cement Winter’s reputation as a pioneering musician. The song’s energetic and complex structure, featuring shifts in tempo and dynamic instrumental solos, captivated audiences and set a new standard for rock instrumentals.
The track’s success was initially unexpected. “Frankenstein” was the B-side to the single “Hangin’ Around,” but it soon overshadowed the A-side as DJs and listeners gravitated toward its unique sound. The song’s popularity helped propel the album *They Only Come Out at Night* to over 1.2 million sales, earning it gold and eventually double platinum certification.
In the years following its release, “Frankenstein” continued to receive acclaim and recognition. It has been featured in various media and remains a staple of classic rock radio. Edgar Winter, though less active in the later decades, continued to perform and occasionally released new music. His contributions to rock, particularly through “Frankenstein,” have left a lasting legacy in the genre.
Winter’s innovative use of the synthesizer and his ability to blend different musical styles set him apart from his contemporaries. The Edgar Winter Group’s follow-up single, “Free Ride,” also enjoyed commercial success, reinforcing the band’s influence on the rock scene of the 1970s.
Overall, “Frankenstein” is not just a song but a testament to Edgar Winter’s creativity and the experimental spirit of the era. Its continued popularity is a testament to its innovative composition and the lasting impact of Winter’s musical genius. For fans of classic rock and instrumental music, “Frankenstein” remains a high-water mark of the genre.