Drugs, music, and ideology: a social pharmacological interpretation of the Acid House Movement.

In the summer of 1988, Acid House music concerts emerged in British cities, triggering a media frenzy of misinformation about a supposed drug craze. The music was banned from pop charts, radio, television, and retail outlets. While some psychoactive substances were bought, sold, and consumed at these events, drug use does not appear to have been extensive. The drumming aspect of Acid House music seems instrumental in producing altered states of consciousness at a physiological level. The social setting of events further enhances these responses. Acceptance by subcultural groups may depend on media exposure and societal reactions, especially if authoritarian suppression amplifies the music's political or ideological aspects.

Study at a glance

Abstract

During the summer of 1988, a musical concert experience called Acid House arrived on the cultural scene in many British cities. The media created a frenzy of misinformation in reporting about the latest drug craze. Acid House music was then banned from the pop music charts, radio and television, and retail outlets. Some psychoactive substances have been bought, sold, and consumed at Acid House events, but drug use does not appear to be extensive. At the physiological level, the nature of Acid House music, especially the drumming aspect, seems instrumental in providing altered states of consciousness. At the interpersonal and social level, the set and setting of Acid House events further enhances and reinforces the specific physiological and psychological responses. The degree of acceptance by various subcultural groups may depend greatly on the amount of media and societal exposure given to it, particularly if authoritarian attempts to suppress it enhance its political or ideological aspects.