When Did The Song Handlebars Come Out

So, you're curious about the birthdate of Handlebars, the song that's been making us bob our heads and sing along since forever, right? Let's dive into the time machine and find out when this musical gem first saw the light of day.

Back to the '90s

Alright, buckle up, 'cause we're heading back to the groovy '90s. That's right, folks! Handlebars was born in the decade of grunge, boy bands, and... well, let's not forget the fashion. The song is the brainchild of The Flaming Lips, an American rock band from Oklahoma.

Meet the Band

Now, you might be thinking, "Who are these The Flaming Lips guys?" Well, they're a quirky bunch, known for their eccentric live performances and unique music. They've been around since the '80s, but it was in the '90s that they really started to make some noise.

Fun fact: The band's name was inspired by a dream frontman Wayne Coyne had about a person on fire. Talk about a fiery start!

Enter Zaireeka

So, when was Handlebars actually born? The song first appeared on the band's 1997 album, Zaireeka. Now, that's not just any album, folks. It's a four-CD set designed to be played simultaneously on four different stereos. Talk about a multi-tasking musical experience!

Here's where it gets even more interesting. The album was meant to be played in a specific order, with Handlebars being the first song. So, the first time most people heard the song was when they popped in that first CD and pressed play.

A Song is Born

But when exactly did Handlebars come into existence? Well, the song was written and recorded sometime before the album's release in 1997. But here's the thing: the band's not exactly sure when they wrote it.

Coyne once said in an interview, "We don't really know when we wrote Handlebars. It could have been in the '80s for all we know." Isn't that just the most rock 'n' roll thing you've ever heard?

JENNIE - Handlebars (Official Live Performance Video l NPOP LIMITED

From Obscurity to Fame

Now, you might be wondering how a song from a four-CD set became a hit. Well, it wasn't an overnight sensation. Handlebars spent a few years flying under the radar before it started to gain traction.

It was in 2000 that the song really started to catch on. The band released a live version of the song on their album Finally the Punk Rockers Are Taking Acid, and it started to get some serious airplay. The rest, as they say, is history.

A Song for the Ages

Today, Handlebars is a staple at concerts, weddings, and even funerals (yes, you read that right!). It's a song that brings people together, makes them sing along, and reminds them that life's too short not to have a little fun.

So, the next time you're belting out the lyrics, "I'm singing in the rain, just singing in the rain," remember that this song has been around for over two decades, bringing joy to millions of people around the world.

And there you have it, folks! The story of how Handlebars came to be. Isn't it amazing how a song can start as a simple tune in a rehearsal room and end up becoming a global phenomenon?