Today, it seems most shocking performances come from pop stars, but there was a time when shock rockers stirred up controversy. Shock rockers do the unexpected live on stage while performing any type of rock music. Here are 7 of the most influential shock rockers who spark controversy wherever they go!
1 Screamin’ Jay Hawkins
One of the very first shock rockers was Screamin’ Jay Hawkins. You may not know his name, but I’m sure you have heard his hit song, “I Put a Spell on You.” During his live shows, he would emerge from a coffin and sing into a skull microphone. Screamin’ Jay Hawkins paved the way for other shock rockers. While his on-stage antics may seem tame by today’s standards, he brought a lot of shock value with his stunts in the late 1950s.
Frequently asked questions
2 Alice Cooper
Alice Cooper upped the ante of shock rock in the 1970s. Cooper wears heavy makeup while performing and has an unmatched energy in the rock and roll scene. He helped form the genre of metal and that in itself was controversial at the time.
3 Marilyn Manson
After Screamin’ Jay Hawkins formed the genre and Alice Cooper redefined it, along came Marilyn Manson to reshape the genre again. Manson is arguably the most well-known shock rocker. He is known as the most controversial artist of all time. Not only does he wear heavy makeup, he often cross-dresses as well. He has been known to burn American flags and tear pages out of the Bible during his concerts. He has been blamed for mass shootings and to this day, his concerts are a heavily protested occasion.
4 Rob Zombie
While Rob Zombie may be focusing on his work as a director and producer right now, there was a time when Rob Zombie was known for his shock rock antics. Zombie is influenced by horror movies, which is apparent in his songs and dress. His shows are like a horror movie come to life! His macabre style and songs continue to shock many.
5 Ozzy Osbourne
Ozzy Osbourne has done many shocking things during the course of his career. However, none of it can compare to when he bit the head off of a bat live on stage. A year prior to that, Ozzy bit the head off of a dove during a meeting with CBS executives. Nothing Ozzy has done or will ever do will be quite as shocking and controversial as that!
6 Dee Snider
Dee Snider was blurring gender lines long before Marilyn Manson. Snider, who is the lead singer for Twisted Sister, would perform shows in full makeup. He would also wear his hair like a woman as well as wear women’s dresses and clothing. Dee Snider was one of the first male performers to go on stage in drag during his career in the 1970s.
7 Iggy Pop
Iggy Pop began his shock rock antics in the 1960s. He is known for the way he moves while on stage. His moves in and of themselves are shocking, but that’s just the beginning. Iggy Pop has vomited on stage, rolled around in glass, and exposed himself to the audience while performing. Another thing Iggy has to his name is that he was the very first musician to stage dive, which was a shocking act at the time.
Each of these shock rockers did something out of the ordinary at the time that got people talking. While some of their acts are horrifying or inappropriate, a lot of it is in good fun and entertaining. What are your thoughts on shock rockers – love ‘em or hate ‘em? Sound off in the comments!
