While music may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you of April Fools’ Day, there have been plenty of musicians and bands over the years who have used the holiday as inspiration for their own pranks.
April Fools’ Day is a holiday that is celebrated in many countries around the world on April 1st.
The exact origins of the holiday are unclear, but it is believed to have started in France in the 16th century.
Aprils Fools in music
Today, April Fools’ Day is celebrated with pranks, hoaxes, and practical jokes, and has become a day for lighthearted fun and mischief.
Much has changed since those time, the idea remains the same however, and nobody wants to be caught out as a fool.
While music may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of April Fools’ Day, there have been plenty of musicians and bands over the years who have used the holiday as inspiration for their own pranks.
David Bowie
In 1998, David Bowie pulled off one of the most elaborate April Fools’ Day pranks in the art world when he hosted a launch party for a new book called “Nat Tate: An American Artist 1928-1960.”
The book was supposedly a biography of an unknown American artist who had committed suicide in 1960 but was discovered to be a hoax when it was revealed that Nat Tate never actually existed.
Bowie had created the entire story, complete with fake paintings, a fake publisher, and fake quotes from real art critics.
The prank was so convincing that many art experts were fooled, and it wasn’t until after the launch party that Bowie revealed the truth.
Karen Wright, one of Bowie’s co-directorsPart of it was, we were very amused that people kept saying ‘Yes, I’ve heard of him.’ There is a willingness not to appear foolish. Critics are too proud for that. 🐣
The Nat Tate hoax was a clever and creative way for Bowie to poke fun at the art world, and it remains one of the most famous April Fools’ Day pranks of all time.
Bjork
In 2013, Icelandic musician Bjork took to her official Facebook page to share an April Fools’ Day prank that had fans of Led Zeppelin buzzing.
In the post, Bjork claimed that she had been asked to join the legendary rock band as their new lead singer.
She even went as far as to post a photoshopped image of herself with the members of Led Zeppelin, complete with a caption that read, “it’s true! I will join Led Zeppelin for their upcoming shows in London.”
The post quickly went viral, with fans and media outlets alike speculating on whether or not Bjork was actually going to replace Robert Plant as the band’s lead singer.
However, it was soon revealed to be an elaborate April Fools’ Day prank, and Bjork had just been having some fun with her fans.
The prank was a lighthearted and playful way for Bjork to celebrate the holiday, and it was certainly one that had music fans talking for days.
The Royal Albert Hall
In 1967, the prestigious venue played an April Fools’ Day prank on the press by claiming that they had written a letter from the management of the Royal Albert Hall objecting to the mention of the venue in their song “A Day in the Life.”
The letter supposedly stated that the Royal Albert Hall did not want to be associated with the song’s drug references and psychedelic sound.
The then chief executive, Mr Ernest O’Follipar had wanted to protect the venue’s image.
They supposedly even went to the lengths of sharing a letter from John Lennon, refusing to change the lyrics.
Won’t get fooled again
Whilst there aren’t many examples of songs written specifically about April Fools’ Day, there are certainly plenty of songs that touch on themes of mischief, trickery, and humor, which are all associated with the holiday.
We’ve specially curated a short playlist of songs related to fools and pranks.
So why not put on some fun and lighthearted tunes to celebrate this April Fools’ Day, and don’t forget to keep your guard up for any pranks that might be coming your way!
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Author – Matthew Luker