Season of the Witch: How the Occult Saved Rock and Roll

I came to this book as a curious skeptic, believing that while the occult, broadly defined, clearly played a role in the evolution and development of rock music, it was probably a minor one. I have just finished the book and Bebergal has persuaded me that indeed, "without the occult imagination there would be no rock as we know it." I had always felt that country blues were the essential root, but once Bebergal showed me the role of the occult in the birth of the blues, he had me. The authority of this thesis for me lies mainly in his persuasive connection of the softer hippie side of the occult with its darker side. "It's in the Dionysian, intoxicating madness that the human drive for creative freedom was born and from which rock would one day derive its essential vitality." This book also has a great sense of fact, rooted in formidable historical research, which adds considerable authority to his astute observations and judgments. I can't believe this book won't soon become definitive on this subject.

A wild trip through the fascinating nexus of the occult and rock and roll. From the rumors of Robert Johnson's devilish dealings through the Stone's majestic Satanic tomfoolery, Black Sabbath's heavy doom metal, and the postmodern chaos magick of bands like Psychic TV and Coil, Season of the Witch covers all the important territory. It's not encyclopedic, but more like a smoky, meandering late-night conversation with the archetypal oddball friend who turned us on to all of the atavistic secrets and occult mysteries hiding in his record collection (the same guy who likely read Tolkien and played D&D). A lot of this has been covered before but never collected into one volume. And as with all good books about music, I discovered plenty of bands I'd missed along the way. Top notch rock journalism for those with an interest in the esoteric subtext of some of our greatest popular music.

An awesome read, full of connections and references that sparked so many ideas and urges to read more about the individual subjects mentioned, to dig even deeper into the link between the occult and rock.

Really wanted this to be better than it was. It is a great overview, but the threads quickly disappear into other threads. Also had a hard time getting past some initial factual errors (Pat Brown was the California governor who outlawed LSD in 1966 not his son Jerry, and Art Deco is a 20th century art movement not a 19th century movement.) All in all though, if you're not in it for a deep read it's a fun read.

Unfortunately this book does not live up to the witch hype or teach you to cast witch spells also there is NO WAND included and it is v irresponsible because there is no mention of charging your crystals under the full moon. I am not sure but I am thinking the FDA has something to do with this?? The surgeon general is a powerful warlock with a history of abusing his power and telling ppl that things like cigarettes, heroin, and neti pots are all bad for you when obviously all of those are excellent cures for the common cold (aka "the blue humours"). Get this book if you like white people wearing mumus and taking LSD but remember that these hexes are for entertainment only and will not work on bureaucrats -OR- your spouse.

Listen to this book. Bebergal has an incredible ear for music, pop culture, myth and history. He hears them all at once - harmonizes them all at once. I read it in one sitting and then read it again a few months later. If you are moved by rock and roll and care about the world it comes from and the worlds it makes, this is a book not to be missed. Five stars...

Fun book, a good mix of cool music history and deeper cuts of info on the occult. Good mix of bands you know and want to hear about and less big names.

Very absorbing and enjoyable book about a still controversial topic. It's not a definitive history, but more a series of anecdotes about performers who left their own occult stamp on popular music. Some of them I'd never heard of, others I had. The best part for me is a deeper understanding of music's influence on popular culture in my own early lifetime. While I don't agree that the occult saved rock and roll, I see how it increased the allure of the music and expanded the frontiers of the culture. Definitely worth a read for anyone interested in rock music and its times.

This was fun reading and though I am well versed in music history, I learned a lot of things I didn’t know about. Recommended!

Excelente atendimento!

Found this a fun book to read, awesome cover too

I enjoyed this book from start to finish, there were lots of interesting stories about well known artists such as David Bowie, The Beatles and The Rolling Stones; however, it was the occult history of some of the lesser known/more obscure artists such as Arthur Brown which really make this book a worthwhile purchase. The book covers a huge range of musicians and artists from a wide time period, so you might even be switched on to some older or newer artists you haven't even heard off. The covers also pretty cool, makes we wish I'd purchased the paperback instead of the Kindle version :)

I'm still reading it.