Rock music has been the principal outlet of youth rebellion for more than half a century, and though rock rebels have been idolized and profiled extensively, their humor has not been at the center of attention. In Rebels Wit Attitude, music writer Iain Ellis throws a spotlight on the history of humor in rock music, and its use as a weapon of anti-establishment rebellion. The performers who are the subjects of Ellis' study are not merely musicians or comedians--they are artists whose works exude defiance and resistance. Discussing the work of iconic figures as diverse as Chuck Berry,...

In examining the major critical humorists that have clashed with religion, this book investigates the dynamics at the heart of this long-standing cultural antagonism. The dramatic skirmishes recounted here revolve around various facets of religion, including its policies and edicts, its political manifestations, and the nature of faith itself.