“Helter Skelter” – A Lennon-McCartney Collaboration (1968)

• Composition Credits: Lennon-McCartney
• Recording Dates: 18 July; 9, 10 September 1968
• Producer: Chris Thomas
• Recording Engineer: Ken Scott
• Release Dates: 22 November 1968 (UK), 25 November 1968 (US)
• Available on:
  • Album: The Beatles (White Album)
  • Compilation: Anthology 3, Love
• Personnel:
  • Paul McCartney: Vocals, Electric Guitar
  • John Lennon: Backing Vocals, Bass Guitar, Tenor Saxophone
  • George Harrison: Backing Vocals, Electric Guitar
  • Ringo Starr: Drums
  • Mal Evans: Trumpet

About The Song

“Helter Skelter” is a song by the English rock band the Beatles that was released on their 1968 album The Beatles (also known as “the White Album”). It was written by Paul McCartney and credited to Lennon–McCartney. The song was McCartney’s attempt to create a sound as loud and dirty as possible. It is regarded as a key influence in the early development of heavy metal.

Composition and Recording

McCartney was inspired to write “Helter Skelter” after an interview with Pete Townshend of The Who, who described their new single “I Can See for Miles” as “the loudest, dirtiest rock and roll record ever made.” McCartney was disappointed with the actual sound of the song, and he decided to write something even louder and dirtier.

He began work on “Helter Skelter” in September 1968, during the sessions for The Beatles. The song was initially intended to be a slower and more melodic track, but it quickly evolved into a much more aggressive and distorted piece of music. McCartney used a distorted bass guitar and a distorted Hammond organ to create a heavy, chaotic sound. He also experimented with tape loops and backwards recording to create a disorienting and disorienting effect.

The recording of “Helter Skelter” was chaotic and intense. The band played the song at a very high volume, and the studio was filled with smoke from the amplifiers. Ringo Starr’s drum kit was set up in the middle of the room, and he was forced to play standing up in order to keep up with the band.

Release and Reception

“Helter Skelter” was released on The Beatles on November 22, 1968. It was the penultimate track on the album, and it was followed by “Long, Long, Long”. The song was met with mixed reviews from critics. Some praised its raw energy and its influence on heavy metal, while others criticized its lack of melody and its chaotic sound.

Despite the critical reception, “Helter Skelter” has become one of the Beatles’ most popular songs. It has been covered by a wide range of artists, including Guns N’ Roses, Oasis, and Marilyn Manson.

Influence on Heavy Metal

“Helter Skelter” is widely regarded as one of the key songs in the development of heavy metal. The song’s distorted sound, aggressive tempo, and chaotic structure were all influential on early heavy metal bands such as Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, and Van Halen.

The song’s influence can also be seen in the work of later heavy metal bands, such as Metallica, Slayer, and Megadeth. These bands have all taken inspiration from “Helter Skelter”‘s raw energy and its willingness to push the boundaries of rock music.

Legacy

“Helter Skelter” remains a controversial song, but it is also one of the most important and influential songs in rock history. Its raw energy and its willingness to experiment have made it a favorite of fans and musicians alike. The song’s legacy can be seen in the work of countless heavy metal bands, and it continues to be a source of inspiration for musicians today.