In the world of psychological warfare, sound has long been weaponised. But in the 21st century, the U.S. military took this to a controversial new level, using popular music as a form of psychological pressure, some would say torture, during interrogations and detentions. From heavy metal to children’s songs to pop-punk, a surprising array of artists found their music repurposed in ways far removed from concert halls and radio waves.
The Tactic: Music as a Psychological Weapon
The use of music in military settings dates back decades, but after the September 11 attacks, it took on a more sinister role in the U.S.-led War on Terror. At detention facilities like Guantanamo Bay, Bagram Air Base, and Iraq’s Abu Ghraib prison, loud music was blasted at detainees, often for hours or days on end, to break down resistance, disrupt sleep, and disorient captives.
The CIA and military forces used this technique as part of what was euphemistically called “enhanced interrogation.” Music was chosen not necessarily for its lyrical content, but for its cultural irrelevance or abrasive qualities when repeated at high volumes.
Public Backlash and Legal Debates Around Music as Torture
The use of music as a psychological weapon sparked outrage among human rights groups and musicians alike. Organisations like the United Nations and Amnesty International have argued that such use can constitute torture under international law.
In 2008, a coalition of artists, including Tom Morello, Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails), R.E.M., and Pearl Jam, signed an open letter demanding that the Department of Defence disclose all songs used in interrogations and allow artists to opt out of such use. This initiative, known as the Zero dB campaign, was organised by the National Campaign to Close Guantanamo.
Artists and Songs Reportedly Used
Here are some of the notable musicians and bands whose songs were allegedly used by the U.S. military during interrogations:
Metallica – “Enter Sandman”
Metallica’s hard-hitting track was reportedly used to wear down detainees. When the band found out, frontman James Hetfield had mixed feelings. “Part of me is proud is because they chose Metallica to pump our music into somebody’s head. But then part of me is kind of bummed about it,” he said in a 2008 interview with The Guardian.
Rage Against the Machine
Rage Against the Machine’s radical, anti-authoritarian music being used in torture chambers is perhaps the most ironic of all. Guitarist Tom Morello responded fiercely: “The fact that music I helped create was used in crimes against humanity sickens me.” He joined the Zero dB campaign to demand an end to the practice and full transparency from the government.
AC/DC – “Shoot to Thrill,” “Hells Bells”
Several AC/DC songs were reportedly used to intimidate Iraqi prisoners or flush out insurgents. Though the band never publicly commented on these reports, soldiers claimed songs like “Hells Bells” were blasted from loudspeakers during raids. (The Guardian, 2003)
Barney the Dinosaur – “I Love You”
Among the more surreal entries, the theme song from Barney & Friends was played on repeat as a form of psychological stress. The jingle’s cheerful repetition reportedly drove detainees to desperation. One former Guantanamo guard said, “You can’t stand it after about 10 minutes.”
Britney Spears – “Oops!… I Did It Again”
While not confirmed by the U.S. government, British naval officers claimed to use Spears’ hits to deter Somali pirates. “Her songs were chosen by the security team because they thought the pirates would hate them most,” said one officer.
Drowning Pool – “Bodies”
The song “Bodies,” with its aggressive hook “Let the bodies hit the floor,” was reportedly used during interrogations. Drowning Pool initially embraced the association with military use, but later backed away, saying, “It’s disturbing to think that our music could be used in this way.” (Spin Magazine, 2009)
Blink-182 – Various Songs
Pop-punk band Blink-182 also appeared on reported playlists. While their fast tempos and adolescent lyrics seem benign, repeated exposure to tracks like “All the Small Things” at high volume became a grating tactic. In a 2016 Reddit AMA, bassist Mark Hoppus responded to a fan’s question about this use, saying: “That’s awful. If true, I’d be very against it. Music should never be used like that.” (Reddit AMA, 2016).
A Murky Legal and Ethical Landscape
From a legal standpoint, the U.S. government has defended the practice as a “non-lethal” method of interrogation. But critics argue that the technique falls squarely within the definition of torture outlined by the United Nations Convention Against Torture, especially when combined with sleep deprivation, stress positions, and isolation.
Furthermore, artists have pointed out the misuse of intellectual property. Although the military may purchase music like any civilian, its use in coercive settings arguably violates the spirit of copyright and moral rights.
The use of music as a tool of warfare reflects a deeply modern phenomenon: cultural products repurposed in conflict. For the musicians involved, it’s an unwelcome reminder that art, once released into the world, can be weaponised in ways the creator never imagined. As this debate continues, it raises profound questions about ethics, consent, and the unexpected power of sound.
