Chip Taylor’s Wild Thing, the worldwide hit of 1966, is thought of as one of the greatest rock songs of all time, defining an era when creativity, freedom of expression and bohemian lifestyles flourished.

Jimi Hendrix famously covered the song in 1967 at the Monterey Pop Festival, before he famously dropped a match on his guitar, coaxing the flames like a snake charmer.

Brit legends The Troggs might made the song huge a whole 50 years ago, but they’re still going strong, and they’re on their way to Ballarat.

The Troggs founding member and guitarist Chris Britton chuckled when he recounted the Jimi Hendrix moment.

“It was amazing when he did it at the Monterey music festival, although it wasn’t the fist time he’d done it,” he said.

“I just happened to be in the audience, it was a magic moment and he was an amazing guitarist.”

Britton, now in his 70s, said he never really thought about the lasting impact The Troggs had on contemporary music. The band is well-known for influencing artists such as The Ramones and Iggy Pop.

“I haven’t really thought about it. I don’t think you’re a legend until you’re dead, in all honestly. I’ve got a long way to go yet.”

He also showed no signs of slowing down from his performing and touring lifestyle.

“I don’t take any tablets or anything, I don’t take vitamin C, it’s just one of those things.”

Sadly, lead singer Reg Presley died of lung cancer in 2013 at the age of 71. However, the remaining members have continued the band with new singer Chris Allen.

Britton said Allen was a perfect fit for the band.

“We haven’t recreated anything, it’s just a continuation of where we were and what we were doing,” he said.

“It’s new in a way because we weren’t looking for a replica-replacement of Reg, it just happened that Chris has a great voice...and he sings Reg’s songs well and he fits in with the band.”

The Troggs will perform at Karova Lounge on December 2. For tickets, visit www.karovalounge.com