In collaboration with Jeroen Hamerlink - Vinyl Expert
In the 1960s, 70s and 80s hidden messages on vinyl music records caused quite some commotion. So-called satanic messages in songs like 'Stairway to Heaven' by Led Zeppelin, which could be heard when played backwards, were believed to persuade youngsters to the wrong side. Read along to learn more about the hidden messages on the vinyl records on your shelves!
Bad Influence
In the 1960s and 70s, rock music became popular in the US and Britain, especially among teenagers and young adults. Parents however, generally perceived rock music as a bad influence. Many would go as far as stating rock music came from the devil; which is why it makes sense the hidden messages in rock music was seen as a satanic message, meant to stimulate bad behaviour. And not just when played backwards; some believed listeners could subconsciously be influenced by these 'satanic' messages. There have been lawsuits and protests to try and stop rock and metal bands from influencing the young ones. But instead of turning away from these controversial music styles, teenagers and young adults got even more interested. There was no way to stop it; rock music 'rocked', and it was precisely what the new generation needed to form their own, new identity.
Acts of Rebellion
So were there actually satanic messages in the music of Led Zeppelin, The Beatles and Styx? Well, there definitely were hidden messages in some songs, but it is very questionable whether these were actually anti-Christ; they are now generally considered jokes and acts of rebellion. It is in many cases even questionable whether artists intentionally put a backmasked message in their songs. You can do so by recording singing, playing it backwards and mixing it in the actual song. Ever since music was recorded, people experimented with inserting backmasked messages. But a word or even sentence heard when playing the song backwards can also be the result of phonemes (the ‘notes’ we use in our language) simply sounding different when played reversed. So you can read more into a song than there actually is, but it must be said that many artists deliberately put hidden messages in their vinyl records. Although most have nothing to do with Satan and will only make you laugh!
A Few Great Examples
'Stairway to Heaven' by Led Zeppelin is probably the most famous “backmasked” vinyl record, although they claim it was an unintentional message. Listen to the reverse couplet starting with "If there’s a bustle in your hedgerow", changing into a verse starting with "Oh here’s to my sweet Satan".
In the refrain of Queen’s 'Another One Bites the Dust' - it’s fun to smoke marihuana.
Still questionable, but very famous, is the hidden message in The Beatles 'Revolution 9'. After a rumour going around saying Paul McCartney had died in a car accident in 1966, fans found their ‘proof’ in the backmasked song: "Turn me on, dead man" and "Get me out, get me out!"
A fun one is 'Empty Spaces' by Pink Floyd. When playing it in reverse you can hear this message: "Hello, hunters. Congratulations. You’ve just discovered the secret message. Please send your answer to Old Pink, care of the funny farm, Chalfont", followed by a voice in the background saying “Roger! Carolyne is on the phone!” and Roger replying with “Ok”.
Have you already tried playing your vinyl records backwards? It is quite amazing to hear these hidden messages, especially since they symbolize the controversial side of the rock revolution. In our Records auction you regularly find vinyl records that contain intentional or accidental hidden message when played backwards. If you need to make room in your collection, register here to sell vinyl at the auctions.