Magick, Myths, and Music: Aleister Crowley’s long shadow on sound
Rockapedia, 2026
Aleister Crowley’s, the infamous occultist, writer, and self-styled Great Beast
, has been haunting popular culture for over a century. While he’s best known for his role in modern occultism and Thelema, Crowley’s influence quietly (and sometimes loudly) slipped into the world of music too. From album art to lyrics to full-on lifestyle inspiration, plenty of musicians have flirted with Crowley’s ideas, imagery, and rebellious spirit. Here’s a simple look at five notable artists and bands connected to him.
1. Led Zeppelin
Jimmy Page, Led Zeppelin’s legendary guitarist, was deeply fascinated by Crowley. He collected Crowley’s writings and even purchased Boleskine House, Crowley’s former home in Scotland. While Zeppelin’s music isn’t directly about Crowley, the band’s mystical vibe and symbolism owe a lot to Page’s occult interests.
2. David Bowie
David Bowie explored occult themes during the mid-1970s, a period when he openly read Crowley’s work. Songs like Station to Station
reflect ideas tied to mysticism and spiritual searching. Bowie later distanced himself from the darker side of the occult, but Crowley’s influence still lingers in his most experimental era.
3. The Beatles
Crowley appears on the cover of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, quietly standing among the famous faces. While he wasn’t a musical influence on the band, his inclusion shows how deeply Crowley had become embedded in counterculture by the late 1960s.
4. Black Sabbath / Ozzy Osbourne
Ozzy Osbourne made the connection explicit with the song Mr. Crowley
. Though Ozzy has said the song was more about Crowley’s reputation than his beliefs, it helped cement Crowley as a rock-and-roll symbol of mystery, rebellion, and darkness.
5. Coil
Experimental band Coil had one of the strongest and most direct links to Crowley. Members were openly inspired by Thelema and incorporated Crowley’s philosophy into their music, artwork, and themes. For Coil, Crowley wasn’t just an influence, he was part of their creative foundation.
Aleister Crowleys influence on music
Aleister Crowley’s connection to music isn’t about one sound or genre — it’s about attitude. His ideas of self-expression, spiritual exploration, and breaking rules resonated with artists looking to push boundaries. Whether used as serious inspiration or just provocative symbolism, Crowley’s presence in music proves that the occult and rock culture have been entwined for decades.
Photo Design: theBeat.ie
