Eulenspygel emerged from the band Royal Servants, founded in 1965 in the Stuttgart region, which released the album „We“ in 1970. Along with several line-up changes and the decision to sing in German in the future, they signed a recording contract with Intercord in 1971 and from then on called themselves Eulenspygel. The line-up consisted of Rainer Maulbetsch (voc, harp), Karl-Heinz Großhans (org, voc), Matthias Thurow (g, vln), Detlev Nottrodt (g, voc), Cornelius Hauptmann (fl), Ronnie Libal (b) and Günter Klinger (dr). In autumn they went to the legendary Maschen Studios in Hamburg for the recordings. As they recorded their first LP as Royal Servants, they called this album „2“, which was released that same year on the progressive sub-label Spiegelei. Their music was also very different from their predecessor. They played a progressive mix of different musical styles with experimental touches of jazz, blues and hard rock. The long and psychedelic instrumental parts with guitar, flute and keyboard solos were sometimes accompanied by electronic effects. With their political and socially critical lyrics sung in German, they were among the pioneers of German-language rock music.

However, the album initially became known for its scandalous cover with the burnt chicken, which was replaced by a neutralised version after numerous protests. This first uncensored version is now a sought-after collector's rarity.