When the UK Musicians' Union tried to ban synthesizers in 1982
By
Andy Jones
Hand-rolled, kettle-boiled, baked to perfection. Worth every minute at the bakery.
Summary
This article recounts the bizarre but true story of the UK Musicians' Union attempting to ban synthesizers, drum machines, and electronic devices in 1982, supposedly to protect jobs for live musicians. The article frames this as a historical oddity, noting the irony that it happened on Bob Moog's birthday. It explores the union's long-standing suspicion of technology, including earlier resistance to amplification and recording, and contrasts this with the inevitable rise of electronic music.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledThe union passed a motion to ban the use of synths, drum machines and any electronic devices
a union working for musicians banned a musical instrument
things were a lot different back then…
You might also wanna read
The Triadex Muse: The Forgearly 1970s Algorithmic Music Sequencer for Home Use
The article explores the Triadex Muse, a pioneering algorithmic composition sequencer/synthesizer from the early 1970s that brought generati
computerhistory.org·4mo ago
How Kraftwerk's 1976 track "Radioactivity" became an anti-nuclear protest anthem
A feature article examining how Kraftwerk's 1976 track "Radioactivity" evolved from a groundbreaking electronic music piece into an anti-nuc
bbc.com·28d ago
How CB Radio Interference Led to FCC Computer Emission Regulations
This article explores the historical context of radio frequency interference (RFI) and how the FCC's crackdown on computer emissions in the
tedium.co·7mo ago
Bandcamp Bans AI-Generated Music and Prohibits AI Training on Platform Content
Bandcamp has announced a ban on AI-generated music content, prohibiting music created wholly or substantially by AI on its platform. The com
The Verge·4mo ago
Numbers: Kraftwerk’s ‘Computer World’ at 45
Rock and Roll Globe·27d ago
Numbers: Kraftwerk’s ‘Computer World’ at 45
Rock and Roll Globe·27d ago