Rock Insight

The fact that music has many positive effects on our psychological well-being is not “new” news to many of us.  However, as the holidays grow nearer, I felt it might be a timely reminder that our favorite (or well-selected) tunes can bring some holiday cheer and/or relieve some Yuletide stress.

Strangely, the web site I found to share with you is not a psychological journal entry, or even close, but instead a Senior Living Facility’s site.  Enjoy…

http://www.brookdaleliving.com/sounds-that-soothe-holiday-stress.aspx

It seemed fitting to me to post at least one blog entry discussing bands who wear masks or dress in elaborate costumes as they perform (considering the fact that the last two concert reviews I’ve done were ICP and GWAR). 

The real question for me is twofold:

1) Why do bands do it? (fairly simple answer, I feel)

2) Why are people so attracted to bands who do it? (more complex)

From a psychological perspective, we could go on and on in any number of directions. 

Freud would probably say that bands are sublimating their aggressive drives (i.e. Slipknot) with intimidating make-up and violent lyrics… since it is more socially accepted to do that vs. actually killing people, after-all.  But what about the fans?  Arguably, they are doing the same thing, only vicariously through the band’s efforts. 

For artists and fans alike, common responses to the questions posed are that it serves as an escape from reality, it serves as an expression of the music, and it directs focus entirely on the music itself- not the members. 

Maybe it’s just fun to dress up…  

Maybe it’s just all about “Daddy Issues.” 

Cynically speaking, it’s probably more about the gimmick- that leads to the money- than anything else.  Others may argue that point vehemently.

Here’s a semi-comical look at some famed bands utilizing the art of disguise in their music… enjoy, and happy costume-wearing to you all!

http://www.avclub.com/austin/articles/who-was-that-masked-band,1164/

And then I had to go to work the next day.
It may have been difficult to explain why I was covered in blood (both green and red blood at that) under any other circumstance, but after a GWAR concert, it’s just protocol.
The band from outer space visited Louisville on a previously normal Wednesday night, November 4, at Expo Five. This was a Terry Harper production… and another expensive clean-up bill for the local promoter (think about Insane Clown Posse less than two weeks ago).

GWAR consists of members Oderus Urungus on vocals, Balsac the Jaws of Death and Flattus Maximus on guitars, Jizmak Da Gusha on drums, and Beefcake the Mighty on bass. This concert – I mean “death-rally” – was on my Bucket List. It’s one of those things I felt compelled to do before I die … if you know anything about GWAR, you know it is a “must-see” at least once in your life. I’m actually glad (and disturbed) I did.
Aside from the musical onslaught, GWAR makes the time in-between metal melodies just as brutal. Story-telling, videos, live “theater,” and much more make this band a true entertainment package. Admittedly, I knew little to nothing about them, their music, or why I was there on a work-night, but it didn’t take long to learn that this band had a thirst for performance … and blood … and excessive sexual innuendo.
No one is safe from GWAR’s grip. The audience is assured to have ringing ears for a few days and alien blood in every cavity. The front row has an up-close-and-personal view of Oderus’ “manhood” extending far over the stage monitors. Celebrities are not even safe from GWAR’s antics, and Michael Jackson proved by coming back from the dead and being an extraterrestrial -molester. President Barack Obama wasn’t left alone either, as he was decapitated onstage. Every victim to the band’s wrath subsequently doused the audience in blood and guts. It was like Groundhog Day on Halloween on LSD.
Per the music, I have to say I was actually impressed! I don’t know why I would have expected any less from a band that has been around for 25 years wearing costumes I couldn’t even walk in, let alone play an instrument in. The drummer was fast, accurate and heavy. The guitars shredded solos, and even the bass was heard grooving a few times. Vocals were right for the part, and the band played really well together. Other than the alien suits and simulated murders, it was like a regular concert!
Fans of the band (affectionately called “The Slaves of GWAR”) can check out the latest info about their Masters at www.gwar.net. The band’s new album, Lust in Space, and many other items can be purchased online.

Welcome to “Rock Insight,” a blog about music and a bit about the psychology behind it.  Don’t be turned off yet, there will not be a quiz at the end of each entry!  I look forward to bringing a few interesting stories to you that may provide a bit of “insight” to the crazy little “business” that is music.  I’ll have a few opinions along the way as well; it’s my blog!

Here’s a link to a good story I read to get us going… It discusses the psychological effects of heavy metal on its listeners… Not a very technical article, but a quick easy read.  Doesn’t look like metal makes us crazy after all! 

http://cognitive-psychology.suite101.com/article.cfm/psychology_of_heavy_metal_music

Enjoy!

JK