Contrary to popular belief, the latest "Shock Rock" bands and artists have not created anything new. If we take a look back at the history of popular music, more so Rock n Roll, it all started long, long ago.

From the very beginning, rock music has shocked people. Its driving beat and often hard-hitting lyrics (often containing sexual innuendo) have been around for years. Elvis Presley's gyrating hips were banned on national TV and left him with the nickname, Elvis the Pelvis'. Eventually this increased his record sales and created frenzy each time he appeared live, to the extent that he was only filmed from the waist up (most notably on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1956).

In the 1960's the focus was on youth rebellion. Screamin' Jay Hawkins was possibly the first act to actually shock rock. Hawkins reportedly had a stage show where he would emerge from a coffin and sing to a skull. There were many other gimmicks including smoke bombs. Another act from the 60's was Arthur Brown. He quickly became known for his outlandish performances, which included the use of a burning helmet whilst performing "Fire" and he is also reported to have performed some gigs in the nude!

A more subdued band emerged in the 60's but nevertheless developed a hard image during their time in Hamburg and at the Cavern Club in Liverpool. The Beatles dressed in leather while on stage and their wild antics made them many fans in Germany even though Lennon took great delight in mimicking Hitler, on stage. It was not until the big time that the image was toned down and they appeared in suits.

The Who, became famous as wild rockers following Pete Townsend's accidental smashing of a guitar on stage. It went down like a storm and soon it became trendy' to smash instruments. The Who had moved on but their audiences still demanded the ritual at their gigs. Jimmy Hendrix was inspired to set his guitar alight during a rendition at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967 and not only aimed to shock the audience but used this stunt and the smashing of guitars to actually experiment with sound (in true Hendrix fashion).

The late sixties was a time of peace, love and hippies but it did inspire some pretty good stuff, even if it was the complete opposite. The early 70's saw the introduction of the official shock rock' artists. Songs about the devil and the occult were the trademarks of such bands as Black Sabbath. Ozzy Osborne was launched to rock n roll fame by biting the head off a bat, live on stage.

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