Why heavy metal is good for you - 10 - Your parents will always hate it

Back in the 1980s, when heavy metal first slammed into mainstream consciousness with its true excess (and glam rockers dressing like women), our government actually mobilized its fat ass to try to ban the stuff. Humorously, it was Al Gore's wife Tipper -- yes, that Al Gore, the green and peace guy -- who was leading the charge:

Though it's since become an almost respectable commodity in society, heavy metal music in the 1980's was perceived as a real threat by the self-proclaimed "Moral Majority": the parents, teachers, and legislators in America (they had their counterparts in other countries as well). Its image, sound, and lyrics - as well as the wild behavior of metalheads in concert venues and out on the streets - painted a dire picture in the minds of those stalwart proponents of the status quo.

The PMRC was formed in 1984 by Tipper Gore (wife of Democratic senator Al Gore), Susan Baker (wife of James Baker, then secretary of the treasury) and several other Washington Wives (of ten percent of the senate, to be precise). Considering alarming rises in teen violence and suicide, the group put forth the theory that rock music and lyrics were to blame. Censorship of extreme music was certainly nothing new in the world; South Korea, for example,. had banned heavy metal on its (all government owned) radio stations in 1975, and metalheads had been given haircuts courtesy of its scissor-weilding police.

Frank Zappa addressed the irony of the PMRC's attacking artistic expression rather than the problems within the youth community that they claimed to be so concerned about. But to the moral majority, music was to blame for youth corruption in the first place. The implication seemed to be that, without heavy metal and other types of music considered subversive, every kid would be happy and healthy despite living in an era that witnessed skyrocketing divorce, environmental destruction, Reaganomics, the AIDS scare, and a score of other social woes.

The PMRC and the 80s crusade against heavy metal

The funny thing is that this isn't the first time this has happened:

Paganini's technique was outstanding and unusual, but it was his satanic bearing which caused great crowds to attend his concerts. Schwarz states that "It was more than technical wizardry that attracted the masses: there was a demonic quality as well as an enticing poetry in his playing" (Great Masters of the Violin 181). One instance of superb technique being mistaken for supernatural guidance was the "duel" between Lafont, a famous French violinist of the time, and Paganini. Lafont had volunteered to give a joint concert with Paganini; however, people gained the impression that the concert would be a contest. Paganini was the unofficial "winner" of the contest. Schwarz states that Paganini "won" by improvising during the concert by adding octaves, thirds, and sixths (Great Masters of the Violin 172-173). Paganini was always eager to showcase his technique. Sachs states that Paganini, at a concert in Paris in 1832, played his Sonata a movement perpetual at an amazing twelve notes per second (Virtuoso 33). Most people find it difficult to imagine twelve notes in one second. Paganini managed to play twelve notes in the same amount of time it takes for most musicians to read twelve notes. Paganini's talent extended from the mere mechanics of technique to innovations in technique.

Paganini is the father of modern violin technique. One innovation Paganini began is the practice of memorization. Violinists before Paganini always used music during a concert. Paganini, on the other hand, would boldly walk onto the stage, shake back his long black hair, place his violin under his chin, and begin to play without the aid of music. Audiences were astounded. They marveled at the thought of one man memorizing an entire program of music. The current practice of memorization was attributed to Paganini's supernatural abilities.

Nicolo Paganini

Ruggierro Ricci - Paganini Caprices 13-24

So what does that mean?

Hate speech falls into the “gray zone” along with heavy metal lyrics, flag burning and pornography, according to firstamendmentcenter.org, a Web site run by The First Amendment Center at Vanderbilt University.

Church protest Friday

...People are always going to hate heavy metal. If your parents are liberal, there's a reason they'll hate it. If your parents are conservative, there's a reason they'll hate it. Even if your parents are apolitical, and just want a comfy sofa and warm pizza, there's reasons to hate it. Heavy metal is Loki, the court Jester, Satan and an agent provocateur from death all in one: it reminds us of the scary and dangerous side of life, so we remember to get off our comfy couches and have adventures.

And your parents, who just want you to finish school and get a job so they can turn your room into a storage unit, will really hate that. No matter when you're born.