15 rock songs hide secret messages when played in reverse

legend of backmasking on their 1988 album ‘Ultramega OK’. The track ‘665’ features a hidden message when played in reverse. Bassist Hiro Yamamoto’s voice is heard saying: “My Chevrolet, my Chevrolet, my Chevrolet.” While most backmasking mysteries are shrouded in dark allegations of Satanism or hidden messages, Soundgarden opted for a more light-hearted approach to the phenomenon, poking fun at the hysteria surrounding the technique.

9. Judas Priest – ‘Love Bites’ (1984)
Judas Priest, 1984. From left to right: K.K. Downing, Dave Holland, Rob Halford, Glenn Tipton, Ian Hill – Keystone/Getty Images
During the height of the ‘Satanic Panic’, Judas Priest found themselves at the center of a high-profile court case where they were accused of hiding subliminal messages in their music that allegedly led two fans to attempt suicide. One of the tracks under scrutiny was ‘Love Bites’. When played backward, the words ‘In the dead of the night, love bites’ could be heard. The case was eventually dismissed, but it remains a cautionary tale of how paranoia and misinterpretation can lead to dangerous accusations in the music industry.

10. Mötley Crüe – ‘Looks That Kill’ (1983)
Mötley Crüe, 1983. From left to right: Nikki Sixx, Vince Neil, Tommy Lee, Mick Mars – Vinnie Zuffante/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
In the case of Mötley Crüe’s ‘Looks That Kill’, the backmasking was more accidental than intentional. Due to a production error, the intro to the song accidentally sounded like ‘Big Bad Batman’. While it wasn’t a deliberate attempt to create a hidden message, the misheard lyrics added to the mystique and intrigue surrounding the band during their glam metal heyday.

11. Queen – ‘Another One Bites the Dust’ (1980)
Queen, 1979. Freddie Mercury and Brian May at the DR Concert Hall, Copenhagen – Jorgen Angel/Redferns via Getty Images
One of the most popular instances of backmasking in rock history can be found in Queen’s anthem ‘Another One Bites the Dust’. When played in reverse, the chorus reveals what sounds like ‘It’s fun to smoke marijuana’. The band denied any intentional use of backmasking and dismissed the claims as a coincidence. However, the controversy added a rebellious edge to the already edgy track and contributed to its enduring popularity.

12. Ozzy Osbourne – ‘Suicide Solution’ (1980)
Black Sabbath in the studio at Regent Sound Studio, Denmark Street, London, 3 June 1970. Back L-R: Geezer Butler, Bill Ward. Front L-R: Tony Iommi, Ozzy Osbourne – Jan Persson/Getty Images
Ozzy Osbourne, already known as the ‘Prince of Darkness’, found himself embroiled in a controversy over backmasking with his song ‘Suicide Solution’. The track came under fire for allegedly encouraging suicide when played backward. The supposed hidden message ‘Why try, why try, get the gun and try it’ raised concerns among parents and authorities. While Osbourne claimed it was a misinterpretation, the incident highlighted the power of suggestion and the impact of backmasking on public perception of music.

13. Rush – ‘The Trees’ (1978)
Rush, 1976. From left to right: Geddy Lee, Neil Peart, Alex Lifeson – Fin Costello/Redferns via Getty Images
Prog rock legends Rush also dabbled in the art of backmasking on their track ‘The Trees’. When reversed, the song features a satirical hidden message where the lyrics represent the trees rebelling against the maples. The playful use of backmasking added an extra layer of complexity to the band’s intricate compositions and showcased their innovative approach to music production.

14. AC/DC – ‘Night Prowler’ (1979)
AC/DC, 1976 – Getty Images
In the wake of the controversy surrounding Judas Priest and Ozzy Osbourne, AC/DC found themselves under scrutiny for their song ‘Night Prowler’. The track was mistakenly linked to the actions of Richard Ramirez, the infamous ‘Night Stalker’ serial killer, due to the line ‘Shazbot, nanu nanu’. While it was a misinterpretation, the association with the chilling crimes added a dark mystique to the song and contributed to the ongoing debate around backmasking in rock music.

15. Monty Python – ‘Always Look on the Bright Side of Life’ (1991)
Monty Python, 1966. From left to right: Eric Idle, Graham Chapman, Michael Palin, Terry Jones