The Only Instrumental Banned From Radio: A Classic Rock Hit’s Story
In the music world, controversy often surrounds hit songs, usually due to explicit lyrics considered unsuitable for wide audiences. However, in the early days of rock and roll, a pioneering instrumental track managed to achieve the unthinkable – getting banned from the airwaves. This remarkable achievement was claimed by an instrumental song, which remains the only one of its kind to face such a fate.
Link Wray, an innovator in the realm of electric guitar, altered the course of rock and roll history in 1958 with his instrumental track “Rumble.” By reportedly inserting a pencil through his amplifier to create a distinct fuzz tone, Wray birthed a chart-topping instrumental piece that Rolling Stone once likened to an “invitation to a knife fight.” The title “Rumble” itself was suggested by Phil Everly of the Everly Brothers, as the ominous atmosphere of the song conjured images of a street fight.
Historical anecdotes reveal that Wray’s band premiered “Rumble” at a dance in Fredericksburg, Virginia, in 1957. Initially tasked with performing a song they were unfamiliar with, Wray improvised the opening chords of “Rumble” on the spot. Despite the tune’s trajectory towards popularity and commercial success, radio stations in major cities like New York and Boston opted to bar the song from airplay. Concerns over juvenile delinquency and potential incitement to violence prompted this decision, fearing that “Rumble” could spark real-life conflicts.
Nevertheless, the absence of radio support did not hinder the meteoric rise of “Rumble,” as it ascended to the 16th spot on the pop charts and reached the 11th spot on the R&B chart. The banishment of “Rumble” from the airwaves added to its allure, solidifying its legendary status and amplifying its impact on the genre of rock music.
The influence of “Rumble” extended beyond its controversial beginnings, leaving an indelible mark on future rock legends. The Who’s Pete Townshend credited the song with inspiring his pursuit of guitar playing, stating that without Link Wray and “Rumble,” he would never have picked up a guitar. Bob Dylan lauded the instrumental as the “finest ever,” while Iggy Pop referred to its impact on subsequent music, highlighting its influence on bands like AC/DC and the punk rock scene.
In the realm of popular culture, “Rumble” experienced a resurgence in 1994 with its inclusion in Quentin Tarantino’s iconic film, “Pulp Fiction.” Link Wray continued his musical journey well into his seventies, passing away in 2005 at the age of 76. Dylan honored him during a live show shortly after his death by performing “Rumble,” further cementing the song’s legacy. In 2018, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted “Rumble” into a new category for singles, ensuring its enduring impact and securing its place in music history.