Season of the Witch: How the Occult Saved Rock and Roll

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. Writing with vivid storytelling and laser-sharp analysis, Peter Bebergal reveals how esoteric and supernatural traditions became a key part of the emergence and progress of rock and roll.

“Fascinating…an absorbing read deserving an important place in rock literature.” – Michal Moorcock

“Passionate, informed, gripping, and at times wonderfully lyrical.” – Jason Heller,  NPR.com

“Kudos to Bebergal for taming the wily spirits of rock long enough to capture their essence in this fascinating book. Perhaps more impressive is the book’s  comprehensiveness…Season of the Witch puts the hellfire in highbrow.” –Casey Rae, The Contrarian

“Skillfully woven...will delight any music fan and music historian in equal measure.” – Spirituality Today

“A thoroughly researched, absorbing, entertaining ride for anyone who’s ever played the Beatles’ ‘White Album’ backwards.” –Andrea Shea, WBUR/ NPR

“A must-read.” – Cheryl Eddy, io9.com