This Wheel's on Fire (song)

"This Wheel's on Fire" is a song written by Bob Dylan and Rick Danko.^[1] It was originally recorded by Dylan and The Band during their legendary 1967 sessions, portions of which (including this song) comprised the 1975 album, The Basement Tapes.^[2] The Band's own version appeared on their 1968 album, Music From Big Pink.^[3]

In 1968, a version by Julie Driscoll with Brian Auger and The Trinity became a hit in the United Kingdom, peaking at #5 on the UK Singles Chart (see 1968 in music).^[4] With its use of distortion, phasing, the evocative imagery of the song's title and the group's flamboyant dress, this version is closely associated with the psychedelic era in British music. Driscoll recorded the song again in the early 1990s with Adrian Edmondson as the theme to the BBC comedy series Absolutely Fabulous, whose main characters are throwbacks to that era.

The Byrds released a recording of "This Wheel's on Fire" on their 1969 album, Dr. Byrds & Mr. Hyde, and live versions of the song are also included on The Byrds' Live at the Fillmore - February 1969 album and the expanded CD reissue of their (Untitled) album.^[5][6][7] In 1987, the song was covered by the British rock band Siouxsie and the Banshees for their all-covers album, Through the Looking Glass. Released as the first single from that album, the Banshees' version climbed to #14 on the UK singles chart.^[8]

Other artists who have released their own versions of the song, include, Hamilton Camp, Phil Lesh, Golden Earring, Elvis Costello, The Hollies, Ian and Sylvia, Les Fradkin, Leslie West, Serena Ryder, Charlie Winston and Guster.^[9] Most recently this song has been covered by Atlas Sound and released for free on the band's blog. ^[10]

Personnel on The Band version

• Rick Danko - Lead vocal, bass guitar
• Levon Helm - Drums, backing vocal
• Garth Hudson - Clavinet, Lowrey organ
• Richard Manuel - Piano, backing vocal
• Robbie Robertson - Electric guitar

References