Buzz
Beyond their charm and skill, certain artists exude an aura of mystery. Their enigmatic lives fuel whispers of supernatural bargains and intricate conspiracy theories, captivating audiences long after their passing. These legends continue to intrigue us, pulling us into the shadows of their concealed existences.
10. Ghost
The Swedish occult rock band Ghost stands as one of the most enigmatic groups in music history. With lyrics such as 'Lucifer, we are here for your Praise' and 'Rise up from hell,' they epitomize blasphemous devil rock. What truly captivates fans is the fact that all six members remain entirely anonymous.
The band members are referred to as nameless ghouls, with their frontman dressed as an antipope. In interviews, they have likened their performances to a religious mass.
9. Tupac
Tupac was renowned for his music, which often glorified violence, and his involvement in gang-related activities. The details of his death remain unclear, but it is known that he was shot four times while in a car stopped at a traffic light. Witnesses were unsure where the bullets struck him. He was rushed to the Medical Center of Southern Nevada, where he succumbed to his injuries six days later on September 13, 1996.
Despite his confirmed death, rumors persist that Tupac survived the shooting and now lives in hiding, possibly in a villa in Barbados or Cuba. Several photographs have surfaced, allegedly providing evidence that he is still alive.
8. Richey Edward
Richey Edward, the guitarist and lyricist for the Manic Street Preachers, was set to fly to the USA with a bandmate but inexplicably chose to return to his hometown instead. After spending two weeks there, he vanished at the age of 27, joining the enigmatic club 27.
Following a 13-year search, authorities officially declared him deceased. The sole clue found was his abandoned vehicle. Despite this, his bandmates continue to deposit a quarter of their earnings into a bank account in his name, holding onto the belief that he may still be alive.
7. Giuseppe Tartini
Giuseppe Tartini, a name familiar primarily to violin virtuosos, was born in 1692 in the Venetian Republic. He was the first known owner of a renowned Stradivarius violin. In 1765, shortly before his death, Tartini experienced a dream where he encountered the devil. The devil performed a violin piece for him, which Tartini attempted to transcribe upon waking.
This composition, known as the Violin Sonata in G minor or 'The Devil’s Sonata,' became one of his most celebrated works. Its complexity led contemporaries to speculate that Tartini must have six fingers to play it. (Legends also claimed that anyone who performed the entire piece would forfeit their soul to the devil. Would you dare to try it? The sheet music can be found here).
6. Elvis Presley
The legendary king of rock passed away under mysterious circumstances.
While officially declared dead from a heart attack in 1977, rumors suggest Elvis succumbed to a drug overdose. Despite this, some believe he never died and continues to live in secrecy. Sightings and photographs allegedly place him in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
Elvis's life was filled with peculiarities beyond his death. He once claimed to have been visited by aliens at the age of eight, who showed him a man in a white suit performing for a large audience.
5. Robert Johnson
Blues legend Robert Johnson, another member of the infamous club 27, died in 1938 due to poisoning.
Johnson initially struggled with the guitar and blues music. After disappearing one night, he returned transformed. His friends claimed he had suddenly mastered the instrument. When questioned, Johnson revealed he had met the devil at a crossroad (a site in Mississippi still visited today). The devil allegedly tuned his guitar and granted him talent in exchange for his soul. Johnson's song 'Me & the Devil' fueled the enduring rumor of his Faustian pact.
4. Niccolo Paganini
Paganini, born in 1782 in Italy, began playing the violin at five and became one of the earliest rock stars. His life was shrouded in endless myths. After a mental breakdown at 15, he embraced a lifestyle of drinking, gambling, and womanizing. Renowned for his unparalleled skill, he could play 12 notes per second, leading many to believe he had struck a deal with the devil. His eerie appearance—tall, thin, pale, with a long nose, hollow cheeks, a sardonic smile, and blazing eyes—fueled rumors he was the devil’s son. Doppelgangers of Paganini were often reported in audiences or even on stage.
Another tale suggested he murdered a woman, imprisoned her soul in his violin, and used her intestines as eternal strings. Refusing last rites from a priest before his death, he was buried in unconsecrated ground, adding to his enigmatic legacy.
3. David Bowie
Throughout his career, Bowie consistently employed the metaphor of a fallen star. He embodied Ziggy Stardust, portrayed The Man Who Fell to Earth, and sang about Starman and Astronauts. His extraterrestrial appearance and music often led people to believe he truly came from space.
His final album, Blackstar, and the song 'Lazarus' sparked endless speculation, with lyrics hinting at resurrection (Lazarus being a biblical figure brought back to life by Jesus). In his youth, Bowie was deeply fascinated by Kabbalah (a mystical branch of Judaism) and was nearly obsessed with protective pentagrams. He also showed great interest in Aleister Crowley, referencing him in songs like 'Quicksand' (1971). These mysterious interests fueled theories after his death, with many believing Bowie was still alive. The internet overflowed with analyses of satanic and religious symbolism in his work, and rumors of him faking his death persist, as fans continue to decode hidden messages in his art.
2. Jimmy Page
Jimmy Page, the legendary guitarist of Led Zeppelin, is often associated with occult themes. Rumors suggest that three band members struck a deal with the devil. Their iconic song 'Stairway to Heaven' is said to contain hidden satanic messages when played backward, including phrases like 'Oh, here’s to my sweet Satan' (Curious? Listen here).
Among the band members, Page had the strongest ties to occult practices. He was a devoted admirer of Aleister Crowley and even purchased Crowley’s former home near Loch Ness. However, Page eventually abandoned the property, claiming it was haunted—not by Crowley’s influence but due to its dark history.
1. Syd Barrett
Syd Barrett, born Roger Keith Barrett, was a founding member of the psychedelic rock band Pink Floyd. He served as the singer and guitarist but remained with the group for only two years. His heavy drug use led to schizophrenia and hallucinations. During one performance, Barrett attempted to style his hair using Brylcreem mixed with crushed Mandrax. When he took the stage, the lights triggered a chemical reaction, causing half his face to appear melted.
After leaving Pink Floyd, Barrett formed a new band called Stars. While the group never achieved significant success, a chilling rumor surrounds one of their unreleased albums, The Melting Lady. In the song 'Two Little Towers,' Barrett is said to reference towers collapsing in 2001, eerily predicting both 9/11 and his own death in 2006.
