Music History Events: Bans
April 19, 2019 The New York Yankees and Philadelphia Flyers pull Kate Smith's version of "God Bless America" when it is revealed that she sang racist songs in the 1930s, including "That's Why Darkies Were Born" and "Pickaninny Heaven."
May 10, 2018 Responding to the #MuteRKelly campaign, Spotify removes R. Kelly and XXXTentacion from playlists as part of a new policy against "hate content" and "hateful conduct." The capricious policy is rescinded two weeks later after an industry backlash.
July 23, 2001 Megadeth is banned from playing in Malaysia, where they have a concert scheduled in three weeks. They are forced to cancel, as authorities say their albums contain "unsuitable imagery."
October 2, 1992 Madonna's racy "Erotica" video, featuring footage from the making of her Sex book, debuts on MTV. The clip, which features the sultry singer guiding viewers through increasingly sexual scenarios, airs just three times before being banned.
December 3, 1981 At a show in Hartford, Connecticut, AC/DC is prohibited from firing their cannons during "For Those About To Rock (We Salute You)," as police enforce an ordinance banning stage weaponry.
August 11, 1952 Hank Williams' membership in the Grand Ole Opry is revoked because of his drinking problem and no-shows. He dies four months later.
May 2, 1943 "Roll Out The Barrel" is banned as a marching song for training American airmen, as it is deemed "too lusty."
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