Monster Mash Song Had Initial Rejections and BBC Ban

The 'Monster Mash' Christmas Song You Probably Didn't Know Existed

Bobby "Boris Pickett is a name synonymous with the iconic Halloween song 'Monster Mash', which he released in 1962 along with other monster-themed tunes. However, this festive hit's story begins long before its initial release and has a surprising twist to it. What many people may not know is that several record labels rejected 'Monster Mash' when it was first submitted for consideration.

Despite the initial rejections, Pickett persevered and eventually found a label willing to take on his unique creation. However, even after its release, 'Monster Mash' faced another hurdle in the form of the BBC's ban, which lasted over a decade due to concerns that the song was too morbid for public consumption.

The public's reaction to 'Monster Mash' was quite different from the BBC's, as it quickly climbed to the top of the charts in October 1962. The song's catchy beat and memorable lyrics made it an instant hit among music lovers, who danced along to its tunes long after Halloween had passed.

As the holiday season approached, Pickett realized that one 'Monster Mash' just wasn't enough to keep the spirit alive. He decided to create another monster-themed tune, which would eventually become known as 'Monster's Holiday'.

While it may seem strange that a Christmas song with monsters is not more well-known, 'Monster's Holiday' has its own unique charm and has become a beloved holiday classic in its own right. The story of how this song came into existence is just one example of the many fascinating tales behind popular music.

Pickett and the Crypt-Kickers were back at it again just four months after the release of Monster Mash. This time, they decided to put a holiday twist on their monster mayhem, creating a new song called Monster's Holiday".

The story behind "Monster's Holiday is one of mischief and gift-giving. In this tale, the same monsters from Monster Mash are eager for Christmas gifts but take matters into their own hands by attempting to rob Santa's sleigh on Christmas Eve.

As they encounter Santa, he cleverly references 'Twas the Night Before Christmas' in a nod to the classic holiday poem. Despite the monsters' attempted thievery, Santa is more than happy to give them everything they've asked for. This act of kindness doesn't go unnoticed by the grateful creatures.

The experience leaves the monsters with a newfound appreciation for Santa's generosity and the realization that they never needed to resort to stealing in the first place. With their Christmas wishes fulfilled, they eagerly await Santa's return the following year.

Their actions are reminiscent of children who initially think they can get away with mischief but ultimately learn valuable lessons about the true spirit of giving. The monsters' transformation serves as a heartwarming reminder that kindness and generosity can bring people, or in this case, creatures, together.

In "Monster's Holiday, Pickett and the Crypt-Kickers continue to showcase their ability to craft catchy and engaging holiday tunes that tell unique stories of love, friendship, and giving.

The song's Christmas edition, Monster's Holiday, employs a familiar melody that will be instantly recognizable to fans of Monster Mash. This strategic decision is rooted in the old adage, 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it', as the same tune and melody are used to great effect. The soundscape of Monster's Holiday differs from its predecessor, with a range of festive elements incorporated into the mix.

The festive atmosphere is created through the use of sleigh bells ringing out in perfect harmony, while the sound of a coffin creaking adds a touch of macabre whimsy to proceedings. Both songs rely on the same cast of monsters, bringing a lighthearted twist to creatures that are typically feared and revered.

Pickett's creativity didn't stop at Christmas-themed tunes; he went on to create new versions of Monster Mash with different lyrics and settings. The result was a series of songs that mirrored their predecessor in style but offered fresh takes on the original concept.

These spin-offs included Monster Motion, which brought an updated twist to the classic song, as well as Monster Swim, both of which retained the catchy melody while introducing new characters and storylines. Each song managed to capture the essence of the original while offering something distinctively new.

As the years passed, Pickett continued to experiment with new ideas, releasing songs that tackled current events and social issues. In 1984, he dropped Monster Rap, a track that reflected the musical tastes of the time.

Bobby Pickett continued to experiment with the Monster Mash melody in the years following its initial release. In 1984, he released Monster Rap, a track that reflected the musical tastes of the time.

Pickett's creative endeavors didn't stop there. In 2004, he dropped Monster Slash", a political parody criticizing George W. Bush's environmental policies. This was followed by another song in 2005, "Climate Mash", which protested global warming and the government's failure to act on the issue.

The release of these songs marked a significant departure from the original "Monster Mash concept, but it demonstrated Pickett's willingness to adapt and comment on contemporary issues through his music. His work continued to showcase the enduring appeal of the Monster Mash melody.

Bobby Pickett passed away in 2007, leaving behind a legacy that includes the iconic Monster Mash".