How Supernatural Influences UK Music Pop Legends

Iconic UK stars like David Bowie, Kate Bush, and Gary Numan have drawn inspiration from the paranormal and supernatural, weaving these themes into their music and personas, writes LES HEWITT

The realms of the paranormal and supernatural have long captivated human imagination, fuelling countless tales of witches, spirits, aliens, and otherworldly beings.

This fascination has not only permeated literature and film but has also left an indelible mark on the music industry, inspiring artists to weave these themes into their songs and personas.

From the ethereal melodies of Kate Bush to the robotic soundscapes of Gary Numan, numerous UK musicians have built careers by fully embracing the allure of the unknown.

Kate Bush: A Witchy Woman with Musical Magic

Emerging from the mists of the 1970s, Kate Bush enchanted the music world with her ethereal vocals, theatrical performances, and lyrics steeped in folklore, mythology, and witchcraft.

Her debut single, “Wuthering Heights”, drew from Emily Brontë’s gothic novel of the same name, while later works like “Running Up That Hill” and “Hounds of Love” delved into themes of transformation, the spirit world, and the power of female intuition. Bush’s music, often accompanied by dramatic visuals and elaborate costumes, created a sense of otherworldly enchantment, solidifying her status as a musical sorceress.

Kate Bush, a visionary artist known for her avant-garde approach, has often explored themes of witchcraft and folklore in her music. Her iconic song “Running Up That Hill”, with its evocative lyrics and haunting melody, delves into the idea of a pact with the devil, while “Babooshka” tells a tale of disguise and deception inspired by Russian folklore.

Bush’s theatrical stage presence and enigmatic persona further solidified her connection to the mystical, captivating audiences with her bewitching performances.

Adam Ant

Adam Ant, the flamboyant frontman of Adam and the Ants, drew inspiration from diverse sources, including Native American culture. His stage persona, adorned with feathers, war paint, and tribal attire, reflected a fascination with the Brave, a figure often romanticised in Western culture. Songs like “Antmusic” and “Kings of the Wild Frontier” incorporated tribal drums and chants, creating a unique sound that resonated with audiences and propelled Ant to stardom.

David Bowie

When it comes to paranormal influences, few can match the king of reinvention, David Bowie. A prime example of this is his Ziggy Stardust era, where he embodied the androgynous alien rock star. Bowie’s fascination with space travel, the complexities of the human mind, science fiction, and the occult are littered throughout his volume of work. Tracks like “Quicksand”, “The Bewlay Brothers”, and “The Wild Eyed Boy from Freecloud” showcase his extraordinary storytelling and ethereal inspirations.

The acclaimed Berlin Trilogy, which delved into themes of isolation, paranoia, and dystopian futures, highlighted Bowie’s reflection of his own search for identity and meaning in a rapidly changing world. His influence on subsequent generations of musicians has been immense, with his innovative approach to music and performance paving the way for countless artists to embrace their own unique visions.

Gary Numan

As the 1970s became the 1980s, Gary Numan pioneered a new wave of electronic music that explored themes of artificial intelligence, technology, and humanity’s relationship with machines. His cold, robotic vocals and synthesizer-driven soundscapes created a futuristic atmosphere that was both alluring and unsettling.

Numan’s music, with its dystopian visions and introspective lyrics, resonated with a generation grappling with the rapid advancements in technology and their impact on society. Numan’s image, with his pale complexion, dark attire, and emotionless demeanour, further enhanced his android persona, captivating audiences with his chilling performances.

Siouxsie and the Banshees

The gothic rock band fronted by the enigmatic Siouxsie Sioux often explored themes of death, darkness, and the occult. Their music, with its haunting melodies and Siouxsie’s mesmerising vocals, created a darkly romantic atmosphere that resonated with fans of the macabre.

The Cure

Another influential gothic rock band, The Cure, delved into the darker side of human emotions, with songs like “Lullaby” and “A Forest” evoking a sense of unease and mystery. Frontman Robert Smith’s melancholic vocals and the band’s atmospheric music created a sound that was both beautiful and unsettling.

The Cocteau Twins

A dream pop band known for their ethereal soundscapes and Elizabeth Fraser’s otherworldly vocals, The Cocteau Twins often created music that felt like a journey into another dimension. Their songs, with their cryptic lyrics and swirling instrumentation, invited listeners to lose themselves in a world of dreams and fantasy.

Marc Bolan of T. Rex

Marc Bolan also flirted with the mystical, often incorporating elements of fantasy and magic into his glam rock anthems. Songs like “Mystic Lady” and “Ballrooms of Mars” reflect Bolan’s fascination with the mystical and the celestial. “Ride a White Swan” is considered by many to be a Wiccan anthem.

The UK music scene has been a fertile ground for artists who have embraced the mystical and otherworldly, producing a diverse range of music that continues to fascinate and inspire. In doing so, they may have inspired or stimulated a new generation of people who are prepared to look above and beyond the world as mere perception dictates.

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