Stephen King recently disclosed his music preferences, confirming he has never been a fan of Black Sabbath in a Reddit AMA session promoting the film adaptation of his novel The Long Walk. During the discussion, King provided insight into the playlists he would choose for the story’s characters, highlighting his evolving musical tastes from 1979 to the present.
Music Choices Reflect Past and Present Eras
In the AMA, King was asked about the playlist he would create for the fictional walking contest central to The Long Walk. For the period when the novel was first published, he selected a range of classic tracks including “Get Together” by the Youngbloods, “Eve of Destruction” by Barry McGuire, “Carol” by the Rolling Stones, “Subterranean Homesick Blues” by Bob Dylan, “Summertime Blues” by Eddie Cochran, and
“Rock and Roll is Here to Stay”
by Danny and the Juniors.
King then outlined his current music tastes, mentioning modern and classic rock bands such as AC/DC, Rancid, Metallica, the Rolling Stones, and Bruce Springsteen. He explicitly stated,
“Not Black Sabbath, I never liked them.”
Music’s Role in King’s Work and Influence on Artists
Music frequently plays a cultural role in Stephen King’s novels, often representing the era in which his stories take place. Additionally, King’s writing has inspired notable musicians; for example, Metallica’s album Ride The Lightning took its title from a phrase found in King’s novel The Stand, and the Ramones’ song “Pet Sematary” was named after King’s 1983 book.
Upcoming Adaptations and Recent Commentary
Several Stephen King adaptations are scheduled for release in 2025, including The Long Walk debuting in UK cinemas on September 12, followed by a new version of The Running Man in November. Meanwhile, The Life of Chuck, based on one of King’s short stories, is currently showing in theaters, with The Monkey having released earlier in February.
Beyond his artistic work, King recently expressed a somber view on President Donald Trump’s second term, calling it a “horror story” and advocating for impeachment.
Stephen King’s Playlist Reflects His Personality and Era
Stephen King’s disclosure about his music playlist preferences offers fans a glimpse into the personal tastes behind his storytelling. His comments underscore how music, whether from the 1970s or more contemporary bands, remains a significant influence on his work and public image. The exclusion of Black Sabbath from his favored list further clarifies the specificity of his tastes amid rock legends. With multiple film adaptations forthcoming, audiences will continue to experience King’s narratives in new formats, supported by the cultural textures he associates with his stories.
