Reginald Lisowski (July 11, 1926 – October 22, 2005) was an American professional wrestler, better known by his ring name, The Crusher (sometimes Crusher Lisowski to distinguish him from other Crushers, such as Crusher Blackwell).
In 1964, the Minneapolis-based garage rock band The Novas wrote a song dedicated to him called "The Crusher", with lead singer Bob Nolan imitating the raunchy voice of Crusher Lisowski (and his trademark yell at the beginning of the record). The tune, which included the lyrics "Do the hammer lock, you turkeynecks!" was popular in the upper Midwest and made it to #88 on the national Billboard chart. It was later covered by The Cramps on their album Psychedelic Jungle. The song has received a resurgence of popularity in recent years, as David Letterman has often played it on his late-night talk show. The Ramones released "The Crusher" paying tribute to Lisowski on their last studio recorded album, Adios Amigos.
The Novas - The Crusher
17 comments:
One of my all time favorites... This might be thee greatest song ever etched into a piece of vinyl.
I had no idea this was on Parrot. Never ran across a copy of this. I wonder if they got to share the stage with Engelbert Humperdink.
i heard they used to do ludes and pound beers together?!?!!!!!!!!
Listen up you pencil neck geeks!! Reggie may be The Crusher, but there's only one KING OF MEN, and that's the great Fred Blassie!! Thanks Dick, great tune!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNM4atakanI
Live in concert!!-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibURjW1tFDY
Thanks for this one - a real classic. Orange Parrot label -
seems I recall a black background.
Maybe that was the LP labels (Savoy Brown is the one in mind).
Do hope you are healing/healed from
da doctors.
enjoy your burrito
splash
Found this while looking for something else (your long-ago Boyce and Hart post with a shout-out to our mutual friend Larry Grogan). Long time no hear. Still sounds great. Thanks!
Hi boys and girls! I went to high school(Edina, Mn.) with Jeff Raymond who was the drummer for the Novas. Soon after the release and success of "The Crusher", Jeff was tooling around town in his new white convertible. I also had the pleasure of watching the real Crusher battle Vern Gagne in many a match both live and on TV in the Twin Cities!
thanks for stopping in!!!! that is awesome!!!
cheers!
dd
I always thought this was the inspiration for all the cookie monster metal vocals to come.
I grew up two houses from Jeff and can vividly remember the garage practice sessions and drum solos. Jeff recently passed away due the exposure to agent orange in 'nam. Our moms were cousins. May they all RIP
Jeff and I grew up two houses apart. I can vividly remember the garage practice sessions and drum solos. Jeff recently passed away due to exposure to agent orange in 'nam. Our moms were cousins. May they RIP
damn, i'm sorry to hear that! but at least you have those memories!
Thanks for stopping in!!
I meet Bob Nolan the singer of the Novas ten years ago. I was woking at a record store and he came in. He told me he was in a band in the 60's and I had probably never heard of it. I asked what the name was and he said the Novas. I have always loved the song Crusher. I felt so lucky to meet him. Not only had I heard of the band there was a copy of the 45 at the store. I had him sign it and I bought it. I would lIke to reach out to Bob. If anyone has a number or email for him can you email me. My email is headcoatman_2@hotmail.com
My dad claims to have played bass on the recording , anyone remember a Gary Schumacher sitting in with them Edina class of 65
My dad claimed to have played bass on the recording , and had sat in on garage rehersals ..... anyone remember Gary Schumacher , edina class of 65 ?
First time I ever heard this song it's great had me laughing
Anyone know of The Novas playing outside of Minneapolis area? More specifically central Massachusetts. That being the spring of 1965.
Post a Comment