Music is a like an embroidery woven with songs, rhythms, and… as well as myth. From outlandish tales about iconic artists to bizarre beliefs about song origins, these myths have swirled around our favorite tunes for decades.
Today, we’re here to grab our metaphorical music stands, loosen our metaphorical guitar strings, and debunk some of the most shocking music myths out there. So, crank up the volume, settle in, and prepare to have your mind blown (in a good way, of course).
The Beatles Sold Their Souls at the Crossroads
This one’s a classic. Rumor has it that the Fab Four made a pact with the devil at a crossroads (insert spooky imagery here) to achieve meteoric success. While their rise to fame was undeniably rapid, the
truth is likely a combination of talent, hard work, and a dash of good ol’ fashioned luck. Plus, crossroads are notoriously bad places to make deals with dubious entities – wouldn’t a recording studio be a more comfortable setting?
Michael Jackson Bought the Elephant Man’s Bones
This one’s just plain weird. The story goes that Michael Jackson, known for his eccentricities, purchased the skeletal remains of Joseph Merrick, the famed “Elephant Man.” Thankfully, this is entirely untrue.
Merrick’s skeleton remains on display at the Royal London Hospital Museum of Pathology, a much more fitting location than a pop star’s mansion (we hope).
Vanilla Ice Stole “Ice Ice Baby”
Vanilla Ice’s career might have been a one-hit wonder, but there’s no denying the catchy beat of “Ice Ice Baby.” The myth claims he stole the song from another artist, David Bowie’s “Under Pressure.”
While there are undeniable similarities, a legal settlement acknowledged the influence and awarded Bowie and Queen (who also contributed to “Under Pressure”) a songwriting credit. So, “inspired by” rather than “stolen” seems like a more accurate description.
Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” Has Backward Satanic Messages
This one has fueled countless late-night listening sessions with headphones cranked up to eleven. Conspiracy theorists claim that playing “Stairway to Heaven” backwards reveals hidden satanic messages.
However, Jimmy Page, Led Zeppelin’s guitarist, has repeatedly denied this, stating the alleged message is just gibberish created by playing the song in reverse. Besides, wouldn’t a band wanting to spread devilish messages be a little more…direct about it?
Milli Vanilli Lip-Synced Their Entire Career
Okay, this one has some truth to it. Milli Vanilli, a late-80s pop duo, were indeed caught lip-syncing live performances. However, the myth claims they lip-synced all their recordings. This isn’t entirely accurate.
The duo did sing on some of their demos, but session singers provided the vocals for most of their released tracks. This ultimately led to their downfall and the stripping of their Grammy Award.
The Backstreet Boys Bought Their Way to Fame
The Backstreet Boys, with their synchronized dance moves and undeniable charisma, took the 90s by storm. However, a persistent myth suggests they weren’t that talented and simply bought their way to success.
While financial backing can certainly help, raw talent and a dedicated fanbase were the real driving forces behind their success. Let’s face it, millions wouldn’t have fallen for the “Backstreet’s Back” phenomenon if the music wasn’t catchy!
Ozzy Osbourne Bit the Head Off a Bat Onstage
Ozzy Osbourne, known as the Prince of Darkness, has a reputation for wild antics. A particularly gruesome myth claims he bit the head off a bat onstage during a concert. The truth? Ozzy did
indeed bite an animal onstage, but it was a dove, not a bat. Apparently, a fan threw the dove on stage, and in a moment of, well, Ozzy-ness, he bit its head off (the dove, not surprisingly, did not survive).
Queen Wrote “Bohemian Rhapsody” on Cocaine
Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” is a masterpiece of operatic rock, with its complex structure and genre-bending elements. The myth suggests the band wrote it under the influence of…ahem…stimulants.
While the creative process can be fueled by various things (not always legal!), Freddie Mercury, the song’s writer, stated it was simply the product of his imagination. So, next time you hear “Bohemian Rhapsody,” appreciate the pure creative genius, …not the potential presence of questionable substances.
Listening to Mozart Makes Babies Smarter
The “Mozart Effect” is a popular myth that claims listening to Mozart’s music can boost babies’ intelligence. While studies have shown some short-term benefits in spatial reasoning after listening to
Mozart, there’s no conclusive evidence that it leads to long-term cognitive improvement. So, while playing Mozart to your little one might create a calming environment, don’t expect them to become instant Einsteins.
Subliminal Messages Control Your Mind
This one has been around for decades, with claims that hidden messages embedded in music or advertising can manipulate your subconscious and make you buy things you don’t need. The truth ? Subliminal messages are unlikely to have a
significant impact on your behavior. Our brains are pretty good at filtering out irrelevant information, and there’s no solid evidence that subliminal messages can bypass that filter and control your actions.
Music – Where Myth and Melody Collide
Music is a powerful force that evokes emotions, creates memories, and fuels countless myths. While debunking these myths can be entertaining, it also allows us to appreciate the creativity and talent behind the music we love.
So, the next time you hear a catchy tune or a legendary artist’s story, remember – there might be more reality than myth, or maybe there’s a fascinating blend of both.
Do you have any favorite music myths you’d like to debunk (or maybe even perpetuate)? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s keep the conversation about music, myths, and melodies flowing! Remember, there’s always something new to learn in the ever-evolving world of music, and sometimes, the most shocking stories are actually true.
