The Spaghetti Incident?” Album: A Controversial Punk Cover Album by Guns N’ Roses
In 1993, Guns N’ Roses released *The Spaghetti Incident?*, an album that would become one of the most controversial and misunderstood projects in the band’s history. The album, a collection of punk rock covers, was released following the commercial success of their *Use Your Illusion* albums and marked a distinct departure from the hard rock sound that had defined their earlier work. *The Spaghetti Incident?* was a bold and divisive release that stirred up both excitement and backlash, partly due to its inclusion of a song written by one of America’s most infamous criminals—Charles Manson.
A Punk Rock Tribute
At its core, *The Spaghetti Incident?* is a tribute to the punk rock music that influenced Guns N’ Roses in their formative years. The album features covers of songs from bands like The Stooges, The Dead Boys, and The Misfits, showcasing the band’s roots in punk and their desire to pay homage to their musical inspirations. Guns N’ Roses had always been known for their rebellious and raw attitude, and their choice to record a punk album was a natural extension of their musical ethos.
Tracks like “Since I Don’t Have You” and “Ain’t It Fun” displayed the band’s ability to bring a hard-edged sensibility to classic punk songs, while their cover of “New Rose” by The Damned proved they could tap into the urgency and
The Hidden Track: “Look at Your Game, Girl”
While *The Spaghetti Incident?* was already attracting attention for its unconventional choice of material, the most significant controversy arose from a hidden track on the album. Tucked away at the end of the album was “Look at Your Game, Girl,” a haunting and eerie song originally written and performed by Charles Manson, the notorious cult leader responsible for the 1969 murders of actress Sharon Tate and several others. Manson, who had gained infamy for his role in the so-called “Manson Family” killings, had previously recorded the song as part of his 1970 album *Lie: The Love and Terror Cult*.
Guns N’ Roses’ decision to include Manson’s song on their album was met with immediate criticism and outrage. Critics, fans, and the media were quick to draw connections between the band’s decision and Manson’s criminal history. The band was accused of glorifying or legitimizing Manson’s past, despite their assertion that they were drawn to the song’s haunting and eerie melody, rather than its association with Manson’s dark and violent legacy.
Lead singer Axl Rose defended the inclusion, stating that the song was chosen for its musical quality, not its association with Manson. However, the controversy over *The Spaghetti Incident?*’s hidden track remained, with some arguing that the decision to include the song, even as a cover, was a careless and irresponsible one.
A Backlash and Its Impact
In addition to the shock caused by the inclusion of “Look at Your Game, Girl,” the album’s overall reception was lukewarm. *The Spaghetti Incident?* didn’t have the same level of commercial success as Guns N’ Roses’ previous works, such as *Appetite for Destruction* or *Use Your Illusion*. The punk covers, while heartfelt, were seen by many as a distraction from the band’s signature hard rock sound. Critics were divided over the album’s artistic merit, with some praising its raw 
energy and others questioning its relevance in the band’s catalog.
The hidden Manson track continued to fuel controversy even after the album’s release. Some radio stations refused to play *The Spaghetti Incident?*, while others edited out the hidden track entirely. Despite the negative reactions, the album would go on to sell millions of copies worldwide, solidifying its place in Guns N’ Roses’ discography, albeit in a more contentious light.
Reflection on the Album’s Legacy
In hindsight, *The Spaghetti Incident?* remains a fascinating and divisive chapter in Guns N’ Roses’ history. The decision to cover songs by influential punk bands was an acknowledgment of the genre’s role in shaping their early sound. However, the album’s legacy is inextricably linked to the controversy surrounding Manson’s song, which overshadowed the broader musical influences on the project.
Over the years, *The Spaghetti Incident?* has garnered a cult following among fans who appreciate the raw, unpolished nature of the album. While the hidden Manson track continues to be a source of debate, the album also serves as a reminder of Guns N’ Roses’ willingness to push boundaries and challenge the norms of the music industry. Whether fans view it as a bold artistic statement or a misguided misstep, *The Spaghetti Incident?* remains a critical moment in the band’s long and colorful career.
Leave a Reply