The Annoying Songs That Can Transform Your Bar Jukebox

Choosing an obnoxious song for a bar jukebox can be a delicate balance between maintaining an entertaining atmosphere and avoiding public outcry. Some songs can quickly become a thorn in everyone's side, especially when played repeatedly. Let's explore some of the classics that might just drive your patrons to the point of annoyance.

Classic Contenders for Annoyance

This Kids Song

This catchy tune is perfect for a party but can quickly become annoying when played repeatedly. Its simplicity and repetitiveness can lead to groans and eye rolls among the crowd.

More Dance Songs

While these songs might get people dancing initially, their repetitive nature can wear thin after a few plays. The catchy beats and simple lyrics can turn from a fun rhythm into a grating experience.

Silly Lyrics and Sounds

Songs with silly lyrics and sounds can be amusing at first but can quickly become irritating. The humor they bring can be lost quickly, replaced by frustration and irritation.

The Classic Rickroll

The Rickroll is a classic internet prank and can be fun when played on a loop or at unexpected intervals. However, overplaying it can turn the joke into pure annoyance, even among those who recognize the trick.

The Drummer's Favorite: YYZ by Rush

As a drummer, my personal favorite is the 7:45 version of YYZ from Exit…Stage Left. Seeing everyone looking around, trying to figure out who played it, is a rush. It's also a struggle for me not to start air-drumming along, but that’s part of the fun!

Puff the Magic Dragon: An Insistent Regret

Playing Puff the Magic Dragon more than seven times in a row in any bar can now be considered an instant grounds for removal. The crowd's annoyance is palpable and often renders the song unbearable.

Def Leppard’s Terrible Cover: Stompus Maximus

Def Leppard did an absolutely terrible cover of Please Release Me under the pseudonym “Stompus Maximus.” While it starts off fine, it rapidly degenerates into a screeching mess of a cover tune. We were known to put a couple of dollars in and queue it up three or four times just to irritate others.

The Dark Side of Yoko Ono

Lastly, any song by Yoko Ono can be a minefield. Her music often defies easy categorization, and what might be irritating to one person could be astounding to another. However, for the sake of herd mentality, it’s best to avoid these tunes altogether.

If you're aiming to play songs that will drive your patrons up the wall, consider these options for maximum annoyance! Playing one of these songs on a loop or at unexpected intervals can easily turn your bar into a land of frustration and hilarity.