In the mood to learn about some pretty shocking classic rock facts about your favorite outfits of the 20th century? We’ve got four super-interesting facts lined up about the greats, like David Bowie, The Rolling Stones, Buddy Holly, and, of course, the Fab Four.
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It’s worth noting that the following classic rock facts aren’t “shocking” in the negative or risqué sense; rather, they’re surprising and incredibly interesting. And I doubt even diehard fans of these bands know about these facts. If I’m wrong, let me know in the comments!
The Rolling Stones’ Use of Fuzz Distortion Was a First
The Rolling Stones are one of the biggest black rock bands of all time, and when they appear on lists of “shocking” facts, those facts tend to involve debauchery or setting the Playboy Mansion on fire. This fact, however, is a lot more historically significant.
In the 1965 tune “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction”, you’ll hear the very first use of fuzz distortion on the hit song. Guitarist Keith Richards achieved this through the use of a fuzz pedal, which was quite a new thing at the time. They weren’t the first rock band to use it, but “Satisfaction” was the first chart-topper to feature the sound that would eventually become a staple in rock music for decades.
The Historical References in “All You Need Is Love” by The Beatles
The 1967 Beatles track “All You Need Is Love” has become an anthem that has stood the test of time. And if you haven’t listened closely, you might have missed all of the historically significant references in the song itself.
The song opens with the French national anthem, which most fans clock right away. However, there are even more historical references throughout the songs. The lyrics involve everyone from German composer Johann Sebastian Bach to trombonist Glenn Miller to even The Beatles’ earlier work, like “She Loves You”.
David Bowie Used a Crazy Technique To Achieve the Reverb in “Heroes”
David Bowie often used interesting experimental techniques to record his songs, especially in his work with Brian Eno. One such example involves how he managed that beautiful, airy vocal reverb in the 1977 art rock song “Heroes”. Apparently, the effect was achieved pre-digital music production by arranging multiple mics at varying distances around Bowie in the studio. The result was a swelling, reverb-drenched vocal track that was considered quite innovative at the time.
Buddy Holly and The Crickets Drummed With Body Parts
Drummers have the privilege of being able to use anything stick-like to play their instruments in a pinch. However, back in the day, Buddy Holly and The Crickets used a pretty interesting percussion trick in lieu of what would become the “traditional” rock band drumset. The “Everyday” hitmakers make it to our list of shocking classic rock facts because drummer Jerry Allison opted to slap his knees to add percussion to the track, something that wasn’t particularly common in pop music in the mid-1950s.
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