Morbid Episode 650: Plagues of Hysteria with Andrew McMahon
Mar 3, 2025
Andrew McMahon, a dynamic musician known for his work in Something Corporate and Jack's Mannequin, shares his emotional musical journey and personal growth. The conversation takes a fascinating dive into bizarre historical phenomena like dancing plagues, revealing how medieval societies interpreted mass hysteria. They explore the cultural and psychological factors behind these episodes, adding humor and intrigue. McMahon reflects on the profound connection between music and healing, making for an engaging blend of history and artistry.
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Creation of "Me and the Moon"
- Andrew McMahon wrote "Me and the Moon" during a psychedelic journey living away from home.
- The song evolved from courtroom drama themes to haunting reflections inspired by personal experiences.
1374 Dancing Plague Outbreak
- The 1374 dancing plague in Aachen escalated from a small group to hundreds dancing nonstop in a frenzied state.
- Dancers lost control, ignored pain, and danced until collapse, reflecting mass hysteria behavior.
Avoid Dangerous Dancing Gatherings
- Avoid dancing plagues by steering clear of gatherings that turn into uncontrollable dancing.
- Especially do not dance on unstable structures like bridges to prevent deadly accidents.