Courtesy ClassicRockHistory.com

Our 10 Best Rock Songs About Being Bad article presents a variety of rock songs ranging from lighthearted fun to far more serious and dangerous behavior. The concept of “bad” in rock music has been explored in countless ways, and it’s this variety that makes it such a rich subject. Whether it’s the playful defiance of societal norms or a descent into darker, more menacing territory, rock and roll has long been a vehicle for expressing every shade of rebellion, recklessness, and immorality.

In this article, we’ve selected ten songs that showcase the wide spectrum of what it means to be “bad” in rock music. From tongue-in-cheek bravado to tales of crime and moral ambiguity, these songs tell unique stories that explore different facets of the idea. Starting with George Thorogood’s iconic “Bad to the Bone,” we find a swaggering anthem of pure, rebellious energy, celebrating defiance in a way that’s both humorous and full of attitude. Bruce Springsteen’s “Nebraska” takes us in a completely different direction, telling a chilling story of a real-life killer with a sense of fatalistic inevitability. Meanwhile, ZZ Top’s “I’m Bad, I’m Nationwide” captures the essence of rock-star cool, with its bluesy tale of a man too slick and tough for anyone to mess with.

Warren Zevon’s “Mr. Bad Example” approaches the theme with wit and dark humor, spinning a tale of a conman’s global misadventures. In contrast, Ted Nugent’s “Stranglehold” is a guitar-driven, eight-minute powerhouse that thrives on raw aggression and a sense of unstoppable force. The classic blues standard “Born Under a Bad Sign,” performed by Albert King and Stevie Ray Vaughan, leans into a narrative of bad luck and the inevitability of hardship, while Deep Purple’s “Bad Attitude” channels frustration and rebellion through heavy riffs and powerful vocals.

Tom Petty’s “Yer So Bad” offers a more playful, sarcastic take on the idea, poking fun at relationships gone wrong and the absurdity of life. Linda Ronstadt’s “You’re No Good” brings an emotional punch, with its tale of betrayal and personal empowerment, and finally, Bad Company’s self-titled track closes the list with its brooding, hard rock reflection on a life of rebellion and trouble.

Each song on this list showcases a different dimension of “bad,” whether it’s about enjoying the thrill of breaking the rules or facing the darker consequences of living outside society’s expectations. These tracks remind us that rock music, in all its forms, is uniquely suited to explore the complexity and allure of being “bad.”

# 10 – Bad Company – Bad Company

# 9 – Born Under A Bad Sign – Albert King & Stevie Ray Vaughan 

# 8 – You’re No Good – Linda Ronstadt

# 7 – Mr Bad Example – Warren Zevon

# 6 – Stranglehold – Ted Nugent

# 5 – Nebraska – Bruce Springsteen

# 4 – Bad Attitude – Deep Purple 

# 3 – Yer So Bad – Tom Petty

# 2 – I’m Bad I’m Nationwide – ZZ Top

# 1 – Bad To The Bone – George Thorogood

“Bad to the Bone” is the ultimate anthem of being unapologetically rebellious, making it a fitting conclusion to our list of the 10 Best Rock Songs About Being Bad. Released in 1982 as the title track on George Thorogood and the Destroyers’ album Bad to the Bone, the song quickly became a staple of blues rock and a defining track of Thorogood’s career. While its initial release as a single didn’t make a huge impact on the charts, the song found a lasting legacy through licensing in film, television, and commercials, particularly after being featured in Terminator 2: Judgment Day and Christine. The song’s infectious guitar riff and swagger-filled lyrics epitomize the “bad boy” persona that Thorogood embraced in both his music and live performances.

The track was recorded in April 1982 at a studio in Jamaica Plains, Boston, and features a stellar lineup, including George Thorogood on vocals and guitar, Ian Stewart from The Rolling Stones on piano, Hank Carter on saxophone, Billy Blough on bass, and Jeff Simon on drums. The song’s blues-rock structure is heavily influenced by Muddy Waters’ “Mannish Boy,” echoing the same rebellious energy and attitude. In fact, Thorogood admitted that if he didn’t write “Bad to the Bone,” someone else would have. While Muddy Waters and Bo Diddley were initially considered to record the track, Thorogood and his band ultimately took on the task, creating one of the most iconic rock songs of the 1980s.

Lyrically, “Bad to the Bone” exudes confidence and bravado. From the moment the singer is born, it’s clear that he’s destined to break hearts and live by his own rules. The opening lines, “On the day I was born, the nurses all gathered ’round / And they gazed in wide wonder at the joy they had found,” set the tone for a man who leaves a lasting impression wherever he goes. The chorus, with its repeated “B-B-B-B-Bad” phrasing, hammers home the idea that this character is unrepentantly bad, and the verses reinforce this through images of seduction and rebellion. Thorogood’s gravelly voice and gritty guitar work, combined with Stewart’s rollicking piano, give the song its unstoppable momentum and make it an undeniable anthem for those who embrace the darker side of rock ‘n’ roll.

As the closing song on this list, “Bad to the Bone” not only encapsulates the theme of “being bad” but also solidifies its place in rock history as one of the most enduring and beloved tracks in the genre. Its timeless appeal, powerful riff, and larger-than-life attitude make it the perfect way to round out this collection of rock’s most rebellious songs.

For the complete listing visit https://www.classicrockhistory.com/10-best-rock-songs-about-being-bad/

Congratulations to the Boogie People Fan of the Month for October 2024, Dolores H! Learn more about Dolores below!

Where are you from?: Tekoa, Washington

How many years have you been a fan?: 20 Years

What is your favorite George Thorogood song: "I Drink Alone"

How many times have you seen George Thorogood live? What was your favorite show? 3 times. Favorite: All of them!

What’s one thing that sets you apart from other George Thorogood fans?: I have no idea?? I'm just in love with the music 💜

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Courtesy: MixOnline.com

 — Monitor engineer Colten Hyten uses the innovative dB Check Pro to easily display the band’s real-time in-ear SPL listening levels and the relative safe exposure times, allowing him to work with the band members to adapt mixes and reduce levels to protect and preserve the musician’s hearing —

Legendary blues rocker George Thorogood is hitting the road once again with his iconic band, The Destroyers. Renowned for classic hits such as “Bad to the Bone,” “Who Do You Love,” and “Move It on Over,” Thorogood and The Destroyers have consistently delivered high-volume, electrifying shows worldwide for the past five decades, cementing their legacy in the music industry. Monitor engineer Colten Hyten cares about sound, most importantly the mixes that Thorogood and his band are listening to on stage and the levels reaching their ears during a typical 90-minute set.

“We were trying out some of the Sensaphonics in-ear options and they made us aware of the new dB Check Pro – I tried it out and it’s been a really magnificent tool in my work box,” stated Hyten. The Sensaphonics dB Check Pro sound level analyzer is designed specifically to show real-time in-ear SPL and safe exposure times for professional IEM and headphone models from 12 major brands making it an essential tool for any audio professional who cares about hearing health.

Colten Hyten began his career mixing monitors for Tim Rushlow and his Big Band. When not on the road, Hyten resides in Nashville and has had the opportunity to work around town, mixing and teching for various country music artists, including Riley Green, John Rich, and Lee Greenwood.

“I had each of the members of The Destroyers wear dB Check Pro throughout an hour and a half show,” commented Hyten. “Those guys have been doing it for so long that the sound checks are basically, ‘Let’s get together to maybe play a song.’ It’s not really going to be anywhere close to the dB levels during a show. So sound checks don’t really appeal to me other than to just maybe explain what’s going on and get them used to having an extra product there in line. Wearing the dB Check Pro through a show has proved beneficial.”

After running the band through a series of tests during shows while using the dB Check Pro, Hyten was totally surprised about a few things, including the variance in monitor levels. “I was really amazed how different the levels are that I set to monitor mixes, versus what the musicians choose – I thought I was at a pretty-conservative level and the reality was I was not. It was quite shocking how loud everything was, but I mainly used db Check Pro to find out how loud my band is listening in their in-ears on the stage, and then I can use the db Check to match up on the console to where I’m monitoring at the same level the band is. I wanted to make sure I was matching those levels that so I could give them the best possible experience.”

Until around 15 years ago, stages were typically filled with numerous side fills, wedges, and amp cabinets, resulting in very loud environments for performers. It is widely known that this contributed to some degree of hearing loss among anyone using monitors at high-volume levels including The Destroyers. “Working with Sensaphonics, who truly cares about hearing health, our goal is to protect the remaining hearing of these performers and ensure it endures for the duration of their careers. Being able to review the numbers and making the band aware of where each member is at has allowed me to start backing those levels back while also getting the instrumentation in the mixes so that they can still hear what they need along with helping to preserve their hearing,” commented Hyten.

He concluded, “The Sensaphonics approach, pushing for being able to clearly hear and isolate, is all about preserving your hearing and protecting your hearing based on Dr. Santucci’s viewpoint as an audiologist. dB Check Pro is an innovative device that helps audio engineers keep their clients in check and helps artists save their hearing so that they can continue their careers and do what they love to do.”

dB Check Pro arises from audiologist and President of Sensaphonics Dr. Michael Santucci’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding hearing in music. It offers immediate feedback on the volume levels of in-ear monitors (IEMs) or headphones when both are worn. The patented device shows the average sound pressure levels (SPL) at the user’s ears and recommends safe listening durations. Additionally, it monitors ambient noise using its built-in microphone. As the sole device of its kind, dB Check Pro empowers music professionals with crucial insights into safe listening levels and durations during live performances, rehearsals, and studio sessions.

The Sensaphonics dB Check Pro is priced at $500 and is now available for purchase online. More information and ordering info can be found at www.sensaphonics.com/products/db-check-pro for individual customers, while interested dealers, distributors, reps and production companies can contact Evan MacKenzie. email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Congratulations to the Boogie People Fan of the Month for September 2024, John D! Learn more about John below!

Where are you from?: London

How many years have you been a fan?: 25 Years

What is your favorite George Thorogood song: "Gearjammer"

How many times have you seen George Thorogood live? What was your favorite show? 15 times. Favourite: Hampton Beach Casino.

What’s one thing that sets you apart from other George Thorogood fans?: I commissioned a large painting of George's Gibson guitar.

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