Season of the Witch

How the Occult Saved Rock and Roll

By: Peter Bebergal

Narrated by: Gildart Jackson

This epic cultural and historical odyssey unearths the full influence of occult traditions on rock and roll—from the Beatles to Black Sabbath—and shows how the marriage between mysticism and music changed our world.

From the hoodoo-inspired sounds of Elvis Presley to the Eastern odysseys of George Harrison, from the dark dalliances of Led Zeppelin to the Masonic imagery of today's hip-hop scene, the occult has long breathed life into rock and hip-hop—and, indeed, esoteric and supernatural traditions are a key ingredient behind the emergence and development of rock and roll.

With vivid storytelling and laser-sharp analysis, writer and critic Peter Bebergal illuminates this web of influences to produce the definitive work on how the occult shaped—and saved—popular music.

As Bebergal explains, occult and mystical ideals gave rock and roll its heart and purpose, making rock into more than just backbeat music, but into a cultural revolution of political, spiritual, sexual, and social liberation.

©2014 Peter Bebergal (P)2022 Tantor

Interesting insights

A new take on music I grew up listening to. well done indeed. yes.

Great look into the history of Rock & Roll.

I first heard about this book when The Last Podcast on the Left did an episode on David Bowie. I have been waiting years for an audible for this and greatly appreciate it for finally coming along. It gets a little slow at parts and the narration sometimes can make you feel like you’re in history class nodding off. I still highly recommend this book for anyone who is interested in learning more about rock and roll history and the spiritual aspect of how they are related.