Bands and artists from all around the world have faced a ban on their creative independence. Sometimes the song was explicit and sometimes the song delivered something that has made people in power uncomfortable. Music is a universal language and restricting this humongous form of art has popularized the song even more. From Beatles to Madonna everyone at least has a song that has been banned from a channel or a radio station.
10. Little Big Town – Girl Crush
It is sad when people deny a song as it speaks the utmost truth and nothing but the truest and the darkest feeling of a person. This song is one of the most popular numbers by this country band ‘Little Big Town’. And the song was banned from various naively claiming to be “a gay agenda’’ in 2014. It is clear that the authorities who have banned the song haven’t heard the song even once before banning it.
9. Frankie Goes To Hollywood – ‘Relax’
The band from Liverpool made their debut in 1983 but got airplay issues for this track. From multiple uses of the word ‘Come’ and lines like “When you want to suck to it” BBC objected and banned this song even though the song went number 1 within the first few weeks after releasing the song.
8. Billie Holiday – ‘Strange Fruit’
It was back in 1930 when the black artist was banned from the airwaves. Especially when someone included a line that has the slightest hint of politics the song and sometimes the singers were banned. The Poignant lyricism of the song had a line like “Blood on the leaves and blood at the root/ Black bodies swingin’ in the Southern breeze”. And soon enough the song was banned by US radio stations, not only that her record label Columbia Records refused the song from recording.
7. Paul McCartney & Wings – Give Ireland Back To The Irish
This 1972 song was the debut single by McCartney’s newly-formed band ‘Wings’. In February the song got banned for being openly political. The song was written based on the incident of Bloody Sunday. On 30th January British army opens fire on a civil rights march in Derry, Northern Ireland. He and Lennon were both Irish and this song was a protest against the undignified actions of the British troops.
6. Nine Inch Nails – ‘Happiness In Slavery’
Trent Reznor gained his fair share of fame from his exceptional works in The Social Network and Mank. But he has in the pit of controversy in1992 for the song ‘Happiness In Slavery’. The song depicted song extremist violence and torture. Though there are many artists who have shown the similar without getting banned by anyone.
5. Neil Young – ‘This Notes For You’
The hit number by this Canadian Rockstar was banned by MTV. After a campaign by Michael Jackson’s legal team, MTV took the step as the song slams consumerism and large corporations. And a scene in the music video shows Michael Jackson’s doppelganger’s hair is catching fire.
4. Foo Fighters – ‘Low’
Being one of the most celebrated bands of all time Foo Fighters’ 2003 single ‘Low was banned by MTV. The video of the song features Dave Grohl and actor Jack Black. And they are seen in a sordid motel getting up to ridiculous shenanigans. And MTV thought this is not appropriate for their audience.
3. System Of A Down – ‘Chop Suey‘
Now, System Of A Down is releasing songs that raise awareness of the plight of Armenians. But in 2001 ‘Chop Suey’ caused havoc of controversies after the song got released right after the 9/11 attacks. The song has a significantly rare subject that says about “self-righteous suicide” and offers lines like “angels deserve to die”. Many misread the inner meaning of the song and have associated it with suicide bombers.
2. Madonna – ‘Justify My Love’
This 1990 song is by this legendary artist who has had her fair share of various controversies. But the song was banned by MTV as it has featuring some sexually provocative imagery, including same-sex encounters. Sadly enough, in that era homophobia was encouraged by the world.
1. The Beatle – I Am The Walrus
This brilliant 1967 track has delivered an extensively brilliant iconic tune by the Beatles. But because of a small silly line, the song was banned by BBC. The controversial line was “You’ve been a naughty girl / You let your knickers down”. The television movie Magical Mystery Tour featured the song and was written by Lennon and McCartney.
These songs are living examples of creative artistry that will not be silenced at any cost. This is a list of just 10 songs and the actual numbers of a banned song are countless, from Lady Gaga and Britney Spears to Beach Boys and The rolling stones, sadly enough, most of the artist has gone through this scenario.
