Extraterrestrial connections: what is the first rock song aliens will hear?
It’s hard to break down everything that makes up human existence, and in that sense, it is hard to say what we would present to an alien to give them quick insight into what life on Earth is like. We could send them the internet; however, that’s a lot for them to sift through and giving them the dark web and videos of dogs wearing shoes in the same breath would probably be confusing. One part of human life that is universal in what it can offer is music, and as such, the human race has hurled records into orbit for alien life to wrap their earholes around. But what songs have we sent?
Are we alone in the universe? Who is to say? But if we aren’t, then when we eventually meet our alien counterparts, it’s essential that we all get along. There is far too much fighting here on Earth already for it to extend into the stars, so let’s put out a hand and hope whoever is on the receiving end is empathetic enough to shake it.
In an effort to connect with those off-world, the human race has previously sent two gold discs into the cosmos. On them, as well as a picture and the label “The Sounds of Earth”, there are a number of different noises that are supposed to represent life on Earth and the human race. Included was some classical music, ‘hello’ said in multiple languages, blues music and one rock and roll song, the first that will be heard by any aliens.
‘Johnny B Goode’ was released in 1958 and has since become a staple of rock music worldwide. The opening guitar part is probably some of the most memorable music ever written, and the song itself is considered by many to be a classic. It was considered classic enough to be sent into space to represent the human race should aliens exist.
The reasons why Chuck Berry’s ‘Johnny B Goode’ was chosen over every other rock song are unknown. On the one hand, it could be because the music is iconic and upbeat, not to mention, as far as rock goes, it is pretty inviting. Equally, due to the ups and downs in his career, one that, despite being filled with acclaim, was also full of controversy, he could be deemed a good representative of the complexities of the human race, both the good side and the bad. Who knows.
The discs were taken to orbit on the Pioneer 10 and Pioneer 11 spacecrafts launched in 1972 and 1973. When they were initially sent into space, they were done so with a note by then-president Jimmy Carter, who said, “A present from a small, distant world, a token of our sounds, our science, our images, our music, our thoughts and our feelings.”
There is no telling whether or not alien life is out there. There is also no telling what that life will be like if it does exist. One of two things can happen with our decision to send them rock music. They will be inspired by our creativity, want to form a good working relationship and collaborate with us, or they will have an excellent soundtrack to play when they wage intergalactic space war.
