The band was formed in 1966 in San Diego, and they released their aforementioned debut album, 'Heavy', in 1968, after signing a deal with an Atlantic Records subsidiary called ATCO. The original members were Doug Ingle (vocals, keyboards), Jack Pinney (drums), Greg Willis (bass), and Danny Weis (guitar). They were soon joined by singer-songwriter frontman Darryl DeLoach.
Jerry "The Bear" Penrod and Bruce Morris replaced Willis and Pinney after the band relocated to Los Angeles, California in 1966, and Ron Bushy then came aboard when Morris' tenure proved to be a short one. All but Ingle and Bushy left the band after recording the first album in late 1967; the remaining musicians, faced with the possibility of the record not being released, quickly found replacements in bassist Lee Dorman and guitarist Erik Brann (aka Erik Braunn) and resumed touring.
Weis and Penrod almost immediately went on to form the group Rhinoceros. Iron Butterfly focused on putting their energies into their second album. The 17-minute "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida", the title track of their second album, became a Top Thirty hit in the U.S. and also gained serious airplay internationally. Doug Ingle is reported to have said the title was an alcohol-slurred version of "In the Garden of Eden", although this is possibly apocryphal. The members when In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida was recorded were Doug Ingle (keyboards and vocals), Lee Dorman (bass guitar), Ron Bushy (drums) and 17-year-old Erik Brann, also Braunn (guitar). The song has been a radio staple for decades and also has prominently featured in several films.
The band had been booked to play at Woodstock, but got stuck at an airport. When their manager called the promoters of the concert, they explained the incredible situation they had been dealt and asked for patience. However, the manager demanded that the Butterfly be flown in by helicopter whereupon they would "immediately" take the stage. After their set they would be paid and flown back to the airport. The manager was told that this would be taken into consideration and he would be called back. In truth, his outrageous demands were never given a second thought. Dorman later expressed regret at this turn of events feeling the band's career may have gone further had they played the festival.
The next album, Ball, topped the charts but more lineup changes followed. In 1970 with Erik Braunn gone, Iron Butterfly released their fourth album, Metamorphosis with two new members, guitarist / vocalist / songwriter Mike Pinera (whose Blues Image had opened for the Butterfly's Vida tour and who later led Ramatam and played with Alice Cooper) and guitarist Larry "Rhino" Reinhardt. The album only managed to get into the top twenty. The band broke up after playing a final show on May 23, 1971. Dorman and Reinhardt later became members of the supergroup Captain Beyond.
The band re-formed in 1974 with Ron Bushy and Eric Braunn joined by bassist Philip Taylor Kramer and keyboardist Howard Reitzes. (Kramer later made news with his 1995 disappearance and the discovery of his bones and minivan at the bottom of Decker Canyon in 1999). The albums released during this lineup: Scorching Beauty in January 1975 with Reitzes and Sun and Steel in October 1975 with Bill DeMartines replacing Reitzes.
From 1977 on Dorman took over the IB moniker and has led several lineups since then(see below for a chronology of IB's lineups) with former members(including Bushy, Ingle, Braunn, etc., coming and going). Other than another brief break between late 1985 and early 1987, the group has continued to this day with Dorman & Bushy currently leading the charge.
The famous line-up of In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida got together for the Atlantic Recording Corporation's 40th anniversary concert and celebration, appearing on stage along with the surviving members of Led Zeppelin, and with Aretha Franklin among many other acts of the company's roster on May 14th, 1988. The reunited foursome also played a 30 city tour that same year.
On October 3, 2002, original guitarist/vocalist Darryl DeLoach died of liver cancer at the age of 56.
On July 25, 2003 Erik Brann died of cardiac failure at the age of 52. He was working on a new solo album at the time of his death. The album to date remains unreleased, although friends and family of Brann are working on seeing its release.
Iron Butterfly is now working on a new album.
New Day
Iron Butterfly Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hey, we all know that the town is around us today
Talking 'bout the pain that comes after
And what a high price it seems we got to pay for live
Time to share a little love
Come and have a new day, yeah
What has got both talking 'bout today
Take a look at the part that we're playing
In a hard special way
Time to share all our love
Come and have a new day
Make it a new day, new day
Made in a new way
Make it a new day, new day
Made in a new way
Got to have time to think it over
Need some more time to think it over
Over and over and over and over
And over and over and over
Time to share all our love
Come and have a new day
Ain't no room for non believers
You can leave us, if you like
Come back when you find your lovin', we'll let you in
Make you feel alright, gonna make you feel alright
Make it a new day, new day
Made in a new way
Make it a new day, new day
Made in a new way
Make it a new day, new day
Made in a new way
Make it a new day, new day
Made in a new way
Make it a new day
Made in a new way
Make it a new day
Made in a new way
Iron Butterfly's song "New Day" is a call to action for all those feeling the weight of pain and stress to come together and start anew. The lyrics are simple and direct, urging listeners to share their love and make a new beginning. It begins by acknowledging the difficulties and pain that exist around us, particularly in the town where we live. But it is also a call for hope and for overcoming those obstacles together. The lyrics convey a sense of urgency and a desire for a better future, where everyone can find peace, love, and happiness. The repeated refrain of "time to share all our love" emphasizes the importance of unity and working together.
The song's upbeat and melodic instrumentation perfectly complements the positive and hopeful lyrics. The catchy guitar riffs and driving drumbeat make it easy to dance and sing along. The song also features a powerful vocal performance, with the lead singer passionately belting out the lyrics.
"New Day" is a timeless song that continues to resonate with audiences today. Its message of hope and unity is as relevant now as it was when the song was first released. It encourages listeners to put aside their differences and come together to create a better future.
Line by Line Meaning
Come and have a new day, yeah
Let's start fresh with a positive and optimistic mindset
Hey, we all know that the town is around us today
We are all aware of the challenges in our community and surroundings
Talking 'bout the pain that comes after
Discussing the aftermath and consequences of negative actions
And what a high price it seems we got to pay for live
The cost of living life can be too high at times
Time to share a little love
It's time to spread kindness and positivity
Hey, it's time that we're feeling
We need to acknowledge and address our emotions
What has got both talking 'bout today
The current events and issues that we are discussing
Take a look at the part that we're playing
We must examine our role in the situation
In a hard special way
Dealing with the challenge in a unique, meaningful manner
Make it a new day, new day
We have an opportunity to make today a better day
Made in a new way
It's up to us to create a positive change in our lives and community
Got to have time to think it over
We need time to contemplate and reflect on our situation
Need some more time to think it over
Further thought and consideration is required
Over and over and over and over
Repeatedly reflecting on our decision and choices
Time to share all our love
Spread love and kindness to those around us
Ain't no room for non believers
We have no space for negativity and cynicism
You can leave us, if you like
If you can't be positive or contribute positively, you're free to leave
Come back when you find your lovin', we'll let you in
If you come back with a positive attitude and loving spirit, we welcome you
Make you feel alright, gonna make you feel alright
We want to create an environment that makes everyone feel good
Make it a new day, new day
We have an opportunity to reset and improve today
Made in a new way
We can create positive change in a fresh, innovative manner
Make it a new day
Let's make today a better day
Made in a new way
In a manner that is unique and refreshing
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DOUGLAS INGLE, LEE DORMAN, RON BUSHY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind