I’m not going to start this list with an SNL cowbell reference, I promise.
The cowbell is an essential percussion instrument used in a wide range of genres, and it is occasionally found in rock music. While tracks like “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” by Blue Öyster Cult and “Born On The Bayou” by Creedence Clearwater Revival tend to be the most well-known classic rock songs to feature the sharp little instrument, there are a few other killer rock songs out there that use it. Let’s look at just a few famous examples!
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“Hair Of The Dog” by Nazareth
I’d be bold enough to say that “Hair Of The Dog” by Nazareth is one of the greatest songs to ever be led by a cowbell. The Scottish rock band released this gem in 1975 on their album of the same name. It’s one of their most successful hard rock tunes, and for good reason. Darrell Sweet was a solid drummer, and adding the cowbell as well as the tambourine to the percussion of “Hair Of The Dog” made it so much more vivid.
Fun fact: Nazareth singer Dan McCafferty also uses a talk box in this song.
“Moby Dick” by Led Zeppelin
This Led Zeppelin classic showcases John Bonham at his very best. He was an absolute beast on the drums. It’s not exactly surprising that he threw a wild card into this 1969 Led Zeppelin II fan favorite by including a cowbell.
Plenty of critics and fans have described this song as just one long Bonham drum solo. Honestly, I’m inclined to agree with that. That being said, Jimmy Page’s bluesy guitar track and John Paul Jones’ bass riff are nothing to sneeze at.
“Honky Tonk Women” by The Rolling Stones
“Honky Tonk Women” by The Rolling Stones is one of the classic rock band’s most iconic songs. And straight from the get-go, this song opens up with a cowbell. This hard rock tune is quite a fun song, all about the narrator’s debauchery and numerous encounters with interesting women. It’s not entirely surprising that this 1969 classic from Let It Bleed (originally a non-album single) has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
Another fun fact: Producer Jimmy Miller is the musician playing the cowbell at the start of the song.
Photo by Ian Dickson/Redferns