"Wild, Wild West" is a song by British pop rock band the Escape Club from their debut studio album, Wild Wild West (1988). The single reached 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 the week of 12 November 1988, making the Escape Club the only British artist to have a No. 1 hit in the United States while never charting in the UK.

Background Lead singer Trevor Steel said:

Lyrics and music The lyrics, with phrases such as "I love her eyes and her wild, wild hair", "heading for the '90s, living in the wild, wild west", are augmented with gunshot, laser and blaster (a la Star Wars) sound effects. Critics have noted that, due to the distinct drum beat and vocal patterns during the verses, portions of the song bear a strong similarity to Elvis Costello's "Pump It Up". On the lyrical content, singer Trevor Steel said, "I guess it was just a reflection of the times, living in the '80s with all the yuppies getting rich quick and living under the fear of the Cold War and AIDS. The "Ronnie" in the song was a reference to Ronald Reagan."

Music video The music video was banned from British television for unclear reasons. The Florida Sun Sentinel claimed it was due to sexism. At the time, band members speculated it was due to the use of disembodied limbs through special effect. They also defended the video, saying the sexism was "designed to make fun of the more overtly sexist promo videos of the era." When asked in a 2012 interview, lead singer Trevor Steel responded, "I can't remember why the video was banned in the UK, I think some kids got scared looking at the disfigured legs." One recent reviewer said of the ban and disembodied limbs, "British censors would've been acting in the public interest. [...] It's [a] pretty easy psychedelic trick-shot, and it's also pure nightmare fuel. I hate looking at it."

Track listings 7-inch, cassette, and mini-CD single "Wild, Wild West" – 3:59 "We Can Run" – 3:40

UK and European 12-inch single A1. "Wild, Wild West" (dance mix) B1. "Wild, Wild West" (single edit) B2. "We Can Run"

US, Canadian, and Australian 12-inch single A1. "Wild, Wild West" (dance mix) – 7:54 A2. "Wild, Wild West" (single edit) – 3:59 B1. "Wild, Wild West" (Wild, Wild dub club) – 7:20 B2. "We Can Run" – 3:40

Credits and personnel Credits are lifted from the Wild Wild West liner notes.

Studios Recorded at Maison Rouge, Air London, and Westside Studios (London, England) Mastered at Sterling Sound (New York City)

Personnel

The Escape Club – writing Trevor Steel – lead vocals, guitar John Holliday – backing vocals, guitar Johnnie Christo – backing vocals, bass Milan Zekavica – drums, percussion Tessa Niles – backing vocals Plum – backing vocals Steve Pigott – keyboards Jon Carin – keyboards Alan Clark – keyboards Andy Duncan – percussion Steve Scales – percussion Jim Patterson – horns Dave Plews – horns Brian Brummitt – horns Ben Parks – horns Chris Kimsey – production John Luongo – mixing Christopher Marc Potter – engineering Gary Hellman – engineering George Marino – mastering

Charts

Weekly charts Chart (1988)PeakpositionCanada Top Singles (RPM)2Canada Dance/Urban (RPM)1US Billboard Hot 1001US 12-inch Singles Sales (Billboard)10US Album Rock Tracks (Billboard)45US Dance Club Play (Billboard)36US Modern Rock Tracks (Billboard)3

Year-end charts Chart (1988)PositionCanada Top Singles (RPM)31Canada Dance/Urban (RPM)2US Billboard Hot 10018

Certifications

Release history RegionDateFormat(s)Label(s)United States15 July 1988AtlanticUnited Kingdom30 August 1988WEAJapan10 December 1988Mini-CD

References