Warren Zevon acknowledged that his 1978 hit ‘Werewolves of London’ borrowed its title and central idea from writer Hunter S Thompson, whose gonzo journalism often blended dark humour with surreal imagery. The admission highlights how Zevon drew on literary and cultural influences to create one of his best-known songs, turning a provocative phrase into an enduring rock novelty classic.

Released in 1978 on Zevon’s album *Excitable Boy*, ‘Werewolves of London’ became his biggest commercial success and reached number 21 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The song was co-written with LeRoy Marinell and Waddy Wachtel, and its distinctive piano-led arrangement helped make it a staple of classic-rock radio.