Doug Ingle, co-founder and the last surviving original member of the heavy rock band Iron Butterfly, has passed away at 78. As the lead vocalist and organist, Ingle was instrumental in the band’s creation in 1966 and played a key role in their breakthrough hit “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida.” This 17-minute epic, which gained additional fame through a 1995 episode of The Simpsons, became a defining track for the band. The news of Ingle’s death was shared by his son on social media, although the cause of death was not revealed.
Iron Butterfly’s “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida” album, released in 1968, was a monumental success, remaining in the US top 10 for 81 weeks and achieving quadruple-platinum status with sales of over 400,000 copies. The title track, humorously known for its length and the misheard phrase “In the Garden of Eden,” became iconic in rock culture, allowing DJs lengthy breaks during its playtime. Ingle’s legacy in rock music is marked by this enduring track, which remains a staple in the genre’s history.
