The 1970s Classic Songs That’s Now Completely Erased In Music History

Professor of Rock’s YouTube channel shares a fascinating countdown of the top five classic 1970s songs that stirred up so much controversy they’ve been erased from live performances. Many of the artists who created these songs no longer perform them. The list includes a legendary rock group that later apologized for one of their hits after all the members got married, a track with one of rock’s greatest riffs that can’t be played due to its controversial lyrics, and even a song labeled “hideous” and “creepy” by a critic. Tune in to find out which songs made the list and the stories behind their taboo status, exclusively on Professor of Rock!

Lola
In 1970, The Kinks released “Lola”, a groundbreaking song that sparked controversy for its themes around gender identity and fluidity. The song tells the story of a man who falls for a woman named Lola, only to later discover that Lola is actually a man. This concept, though ahead of its time, resonated with the band’s experiences in underground clubs where they encountered drag queens and performers challenging gender norms. Ray Davies, the band’s leader, wrote the song after a drunken night out with the band’s manager, Robert, who danced with a woman who turned out to have a bit of stubble. That strange encounter led Ray to create a song about confusion, attraction, and the blur between masculine and feminine qualities.

The song’s catchy “la la la Lola” chorus became an instant singalong hit, and its riff—born from experimenting with open strings on guitars—added a unique, textured sound to the track. Despite its success, “Lola” sparked debate. Some radio stations even edited out parts of the song to avoid addressing its gender-bending themes, and the BBC banned it briefly due to product placement issues with the mention of Coca-Cola. However, “Lola” marked a major comeback for The Kinks, climbing the charts in both the UK and the US. More than just a hit song, it opened the door for other artists like Lou Reed and David Bowie to explore similar themes, making the track a trailblazer in rock music’s exploration of gender.

Hit Me With Your Best Shot
At number four, we have Pat Benatar’s iconic “Hit Me With Your Best Shot,” a song that became her signature hit for decades. Written by Eddie Schwartz, the song was born from a bizarre therapy session where Eddie was punching pillows to release pent-up anger. After the session, the phrase “Hit me with your best shot” popped into his mind, inspiring the song. When Pat Benatar heard it, she was instantly hooked and recorded it, turning it into one of the biggest rock anthems of the 1980s. The song reached #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a gold record, marking a major milestone in Benatar’s career.

However, over time, Pat’s feelings about the song changed. In an interview, she admitted that some of the lyrics no longer resonated with her. While she once felt proud of the track, she later found it hard to sing lines like “You’re a real tough cookie.” Eventually, Pat and her husband, Neil Giraldo, made the difficult decision to remove “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” from her live performances, particularly out of respect for victims of mass shootings. She explained that it just didn’t feel right to sing the song anymore, despite its popularity. Pat apologized to fans, but firmly stood by her decision, saying, “If you want to hear it, go home and listen to it.” It was a powerful moment of reflection for an artist who had always been proud of the song.

Girls
At number three, we have “Girls” by the Beastie Boys, a track that stirred up a lot of controversy when it was released in 1987. The song, part of their debut album Licensed to Ill, features a catchy drum beat and playful lyrics where the group indulges in a wild, carefree attitude toward women. It was a product of the Beastie Boys’ early days, when their music and live shows often leaned heavily into sexist themes, including lyrics like “Girls, to do the dishes, girls, to clean up my room.” This tone was part of their image at the time, but it didn’t take long for people to call them out for it.

As the years went by, the Beastie Boys began to listen to the criticism and realized how damaging their lyrics were. They eventually made a conscious decision to change. By the 1990s, their music and personal attitudes had evolved, with the band moving away from the misogynistic themes of their earlier work. In fact, in 1994, MCA publicly apologized for their past behavior, marking a major shift for the group. The band had grown and matured, and their experiences, including their relationships with women, played a big role in their transformation. As a result, “Girls” is no longer something the Beastie Boys perform, as they’ve come to acknowledge the harm it represents.

All I Want to Do Is Make Love to You
Coming in at number two is “All I Want to Do Is Make Love to You” by Heart, a song that caused a lot of mixed feelings within the band. Anne Wilson, the lead singer, has been open about her initial dislike for the track, calling its message “hideous.” The song, written by Mutt Lange, was originally meant for Don Henley, but Heart was pressured into recording it. Anne felt uncomfortable with the lyrics, especially the way the story, which was about a man having a casual encounter with a hitchhiker, was flipped to be sung from a woman’s perspective. She found it a bit creepy and off-putting.

Despite Anne’s reservations, the song became a huge hit. It was the lead single from Heart’s 1990 album Brigade, and it went straight to number one in Australia and Canada. In the U.S., it peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100. Over time, Anne warmed up to the song, and to fans’ surprise, it eventually found its way back into Heart’s live performances. Even though it still holds a special place for many fans, Anne has always been clear about her complicated relationship with it. It’s a great example of how a song can evolve, even if it wasn’t always loved by the people who performed it.

Brown Sugar
At number one, we’ve got Brown Sugar by The Rolling Stones, and it’s here for one simple reason: that riff is legendary. It’s one of the greatest riffs in rock history, and it’s a shame we won’t hear it live again. Released in 1971, Brown Sugar became an instant classic, hitting number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks. It was a staple in their live shows for decades until the band decided to stop performing it due to its controversial lyrics. Mick Jagger himself admitted in 1995 that he wouldn’t write the song the same way today, acknowledging its problematic themes.

The song’s creation was almost as quick as its rise to fame. The Rolling Stones laid down the music at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Alabama, and Mick Jagger wrote the lyrics in less than an hour. He soaked in the southern slang around him, drawing inspiration from the local culture and creating a track that was as raw and unapologetic as the band itself. The first verse, with its stark reference to slavery and painful historical moments, became a point of contention years later.

While it started as a rebellious anthem, Brown Sugar has since been scrutinized for its unsettling content, leading to the Stones’ decision to retire it from live performances. The last time they played it was in 2019, closing their North American tour in Miami. It’s a reminder of how music can shape and reflect the times, even when a song’s catchy riff and infectious energy are undeniable.

And that wraps up our countdown of the top five taboo songs that even the artists themselves have distanced from. Whether we agree with the public’s reaction or not, we can still appreciate these tracks for their historical significance and the music behind them. Music is personal, and everyone connects with songs differently, whether it’s the lyrics or the melodies. For some, it’s all about the beat, while for others, the words hold the most meaning. These songs have sparked plenty of debate, and it’s worth discussing how they fit into today’s cultural landscape. What are your thoughts?