The origin of metal is a controversial topic, with several differing opinions. Geddy Lee, vocalist and bassist of Rush, is one of those who disagrees with the most common opinion, which attributes the creation of the first metal song to the Beatles’ “Helter Skelter”. Instead, Lee credits the Beatles with creating the first song of the genre, but it is not the Fab Four’s song that many cite as an example.
The song that Lee considers the first metal song is “Taxman”, from the album Revolver, in 1966. However, contrary to what many think, this was not the first metal song that the Beatles recorded. Before that, they had released “I Want to Hold Your Hand” in 1963, a song that already had a lighter sound, but also had some more distorted sounds. But it was with “Taxman” that the Beatles came closer to what other music groups of the time were trying to create, something heavier and more distorted.
“Taxman” is a song written by George Harrison, with vocals by John Lennon, and is considered one of the first heavy metal songs. Paul McCartney’s bass line is notable for its complexity and creativity, and Harrison’s guitar solo is one of the first manifestations of distortion in electric guitar. Additionally, the song was instrumentally influenced by the blues music of Chicago and the styles of North American rock. Another song that is mentioned in association with the creation of metal is “Helter Skelter”, released on the self-titled album in 1968. This album is known among fans as the “White Album”. This track was composed in response to the description given by Pete Townshend for “I Can See For Miles”, by The Who, and resulted in one of the heaviest songs of the time. Due to this, the song became a metal classic and was an influence on future bands and musical genres.
