When Rock Inspired Rock: The Stories Behind 'I Can See For Miles' and 'Helter Skelter'

Rock music has a rich history of one artist and band influencing another, sometimes through the sheer force of a single song. Two iconic examples of this phenomenon can be found in the stories behind I Can See For Miles by The Who and Helter Skelter by The Beatles. These tales highlight the power of musical inspiration and how it can drive artists to create groundbreaking and memorable works.

The Origin of 'I Can See For Miles'

In the late 1960s, while The Who was searching for their next big hit, guitarist Pete Townshend mentioned to Paul McCartney that he had written the loudest and most raucous rock song that anyone had ever heard. This statement, while perhaps hyperbolic, caught McCartney's attention. Curiously, Townshend was referring to his own song, I Can See For Miles.

I Can See For Miles was a culmination of Townshend's efforts over a couple of years. He was convinced that this song was not only the best he had written but also the key to saving the band from financial troubles. The song found its place in the public eye in 1967, reaching #9 on the Billboard charts. Despite these early successes, the song's impact on other artists, particularly McCartney, resonates far beyond its chart performance.

Paul McCartney's Inspired Response: 'Helter Skelter'

Fueled by Townshend's description of I Can See For Miles, McCartney set out to top his rival. The result was the notorious Helter Skelter, which McCartney recorded before even hearing Townshend's song. Upon finally listening to it, McCartney reportedly found it not quite as "far-out" as he had been led to believe. Nevertheless, the song remains a classic example of the intensity and volume that inspired it.

The story of inspiration between rock artists is not a linear one, as the same challenge and response dynamic played out a decade later. In the early 1980s, Talking Heads revisited the concept of musical influence with their song The Overload. This time the inspiration came from a description of Joy Division's music, leading Talking Heads to create their own unique track. However, upon hearing Joy Division, the Talking Heads discovered that their original impression of the band had not fully captured their true sound.

The Legacy of Musicians' Impulse to Inspire Each Other

Both I Can See For Miles and Helter Skelter are testaments to the enduring power of music to inspire and challenge. These stories underscore the idea that every artist, no matter how famous or acclaimed, can still find inspiration in the work of others. The seemingly simple phrase 'It's the loudest and most raucous rock song anyone has ever heard' served as a catalyst for some of rock's most iconic songs and moments. These examples remind us of the importance of staying open to new sounds and ideas, regardless of genre boundaries.

The tales of these songs also serve as a cautionary tale for artists. While it's tempting to strive for the impossible, the real magic often lies in the process and the unexpected intersections of different artists' work.

Conclusion

The story of I Can See For Miles and Helter Skelter is a fascinating reminder of the interconnected nature of rock music. It highlights how the music landscape is woven together through threads of inspiration and mutual influence. Whether through a description of a song or a live performance, these moments of cross-pollination have the power to create not just memorable records, but also movements within the rock genre. So the next time you listen to a record, consider the potential impact you might have on another artist and might they be listening right now?