An introduction can make or break a song, as exemplified by these iconic classic rock intros. The first 30 seconds (or more) of a song serve as a musical first impression, setting the sonic stage for what the listener is about to experience over the next several minutes. Sometimes, the introductions come on soft and slow. Other times, they throw you straight into a frenzy of guitar licks and powerful drums.
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In either case, these classic rock intros are as distinct and memorable as the rest of the song.
“Foreplay/Long Time” by Boston
Kicking off our list of iconic classic rock intros is “Foreplay/Long Time” by Boston, a sprawling musical suite from the band’s 1976 eponymous debut. “Foreplay” serves as the lengthy instrumental introduction, eventually giving way to the squealing guitar that ushers in “Long Time.” The track is a perfect blend of Boston’s best qualities: lush synthesizers, memorable melodies, and powerful guitar.
“Money for Nothing” by Dire Straits
Dire Straits’ 1985 track “Money for Nothing” features a washed-out, slow burn of an introduction featuring a lengthy crescendo, tension-building drums, and Sting’s distinctive, I want my MTV. The classic rock intro slowly grows in intensity before Mark Knopfler’s guitar riff cuts through the reverb-laden mix. The arrangement was obviously effective, garnering the band a Grammy Award and a three-week run at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
“Crazy Train” by Ozzy Osbourne
When it comes to iconic classic rock intros, it’s hard to find one more unique and memorable as Ozzy Osbourne’s “Crazy Train.” The 1980 single from Osbourne’s solo debut, Blizzard of Ozz, begins with the Prince of Darkness shouting All aboard! before breaking into a menacing laugh as the song’s signature guitar riff begins. The song’s intro doesn’t just ask for your attention. It grabs it with both hands.
“Immigrant Song” by Led Zeppelin
Speaking of memorable screams, Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant is undoubtedly up there on the list. Few of the band’s introductions showcase Plant’s distinct vocals quite like “Immigrant Song” from their 1970 album, Led Zeppelin III. “Immigrant Song” demands the attention of the listener mere seconds after the song begins, and the band doesn’t let go until two and a half minutes later.
“Crazy On You” by Heart
While we typically associate Heart’s Nancy Wilson with the electric guitar, she actually started her career as an acoustic guitar-playing folkie. The intro to the band’s 1976 single “Crazy on You” highlights Wilson’s impressive dexterity on the acoustic, featuring blistering fingerpicking and harmonics that eventually usher in a beefy electric guitar tone that carries the rest of the song to completion.
“Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd
Another iconic classic rock intro featuring acoustic guitars is the title track of Pink Floyd’s 1975 album Wish You Were Here. In true Pink Floyd fashion, “Wish You Were Here” fades in from the last track, “Have a Cigar,” as if the listener were switching dials on an AM radio. The initial acoustic passage is slightly distorted to give it an on-air sound before the second, clearer guitar comes into the mix.
“Fat Bottomed Girls” by Queen
British rock band Queen exuded power on every instrument in their band, including their vocals. The intro to their 1978 track “Fat Bottomed Girls” is a rousing, harmony-filled vocal section featuring frontman Freddie Mercury, guitarist Brian May, and drummer Roger Taylor. A drop D blues lick and driving kick drum keep the energy up as the band moves further into the song.
Photo by Bob Riha, Jr./Getty Images
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