10 Most Shocking Moments In Rock Music History

The idea of rock musicians calling out organized religion seems to go hand in hand these days. Whereas you do find acts like Creed openly professing their faith in song, there's always artists like Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson willing to do everything they can to shock the faithful out of their beliefs. Then again, it's funny that the first sign of such controversy actually came from one of the most beloved bands in the world.

During the start of the Beatles' introspective period, things took a turn for the worse when John Lennon made the remark of the Fabs being more popular than Jesus. Though the remark wasn't too controversial when it went to print, the effect it had on the American market was absolutely damning, with church institutions around the country calling out Lennon for being blasphemous. While Lennon later apologized for what he said, that didn't stop the group's tour from being bombarded with terrorist threats and demands that Lennon be brought to task for what he said.

This combined with the rapturous sound of screaming girls is what ultimately led to the Beatles quitting the touring life, spending the rest of their days making incredible music in Abbey Road Studios. Even though the Vatican eventually forgave Lennon for what he said, the backlash was the stuff of musical legend.