Magick And Musick, The influence of Ritual Magick in Popular Music Options

You've probably all cringed at the sight of some fundamentalist preacher or politician ranting (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blablabla.gif) about hidden satanic messages in albums by Judas Priest or Led Zeppelin (IMG:style_emoticons/default/diablo.gif) . No doubt cursing them for ruining perfectly good needles as they divine subliminal commands from the dark lord hidden in a cloud of distorted backwards speech. Despite the tedious accusations of those with far too much time on their hands, there has been a long occult connection with rock music stretching back to Robert Johnson selling his soul to the devil at the crossroads. During the hey-day of classic rock both Mick Jagger and Jimmy Page were involved with some of Kenneth Anger's explicitly esoteric (oxymoron noted) film projects. Page also was a huge Crowley buff and purchased the house in which he attempted the Abramelin working. This trend has persisted into the present. Progressive metal super-group Tool have noted numerous occult influences on their website including Crowley, Kenneth Grant, and Austin Osman Spare. Likewise, their music is often littered with arcane references to alchemy, Enochiana, or some other such study. But the influence of magick exists in lesser known music like Gong, The Incredible String Band, and minimalist composer John Zorn. I'm personally fascinated by the unique ways each incorporate magick into their songs, be it the spacy-psychedelia of Gong, the folky nature-invocations of the String Band, or Zorn's Qabalistic compositions. I'd love to discuss these or any other music with some occult influence. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wandwizard.gif)

Yep, know a lot about Tool. My husband is a fan, well..appreciator of their music. (With seeing their "fans" he probably wouldn't want to consider himself one. Many are quite arrogant about what they "know"...yes, I am going by what I've read on their boards) Their new album (10,000 days) has got a lot of their apparent magick preferences in it. (Though, took me a while to adjust my eyes to see it with the funny little glasses they give you.)

I had no idea about Mick though...when I think of Mick I think of the goofy chicken walk and how he and Steve Tyler where in a battle of the lips on celebrity death match. Heheh..

Any idea about Jim Morrison though?

Yeah, I definitely know what you mean about some of Tool's fans being arrogant. Sometimes those knowledgable about rare and intricate art, music, philosophy, etc., tend to wear it like a badge of honor and sneer at those less 'enlightened' than themselves. But I think that many of Tool's fans, appreciators, or what-have-you maintain a certain modesty, as do the actual members of the band. Mostly. The glasses were really tricky to figure out, kinda like a magic eye. I really dug all the images though.
Yup, Mr. "I'm too hot for me" most certainly dabbled in the dark arts. In fact he played numerous magickal head-games with his co-star in the film he was in by Kenneth Anger. Mick did things like sneak hallucinogenic mushrooms into his food before filming scenes and laying curse on him. Real sweet-heart huh? Sadly I cannot remember other details or the name of the film, and I loaned the article to a friend who is out of town. However, a quick peek on google will undoubtedly unearth numerous details for those interested.
Jim Morrison had a pagan style wedding and ritualistically drank blood with his wife. I don't know too much else on the Doors because for whatever reason I never really got interested in their music. I recognize them as great musicians and I am pretty sure they do have a certain shamanic quality, both lyrically and rhythmically. But i just never felt a strong impetus to pursue their music. Go figure. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/hands.gif)