Have any other music groups ever used a theremin on any of their records?

Question

The Beach Boys used one on "Good Vibrations". You may remember that it was the instrument that produced the high-pitched wavering tone during the chorus.

And also: on the Del Shannon song "Runaway", the instrumental solo was provided by a musitron. Can anybody describe one?

Answer 1

A theremin solo was featured in live versions of the song Whole Lotta Love by Led Zeppelin.

Theremins have also been used in live concerts by artists such as Mark Lanegan Band, DeVotchKa, Fishbone, Jean-Michel Jarre, Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, Charlie Clouser (Nine Inch Nails), Natalie Naveira (Lendi Vexer), Bill Bailey, Gabby La La, Keller Williams, Wolf Parade, Mötley Crüe, Phish,John Otway and Russian duo Messer Chups.

The thermin is also found in movies, on movie soundtracks, and even television (in the Simpson's episode The Ziff Who Came To Dinner).

In Del Shannon's Runaway, they used the Clavioline, an early form of synthesizer played by Max Crook, who referred to his heavily-modified instrument as the "Musitron". A Clavioline consists of a keyboard and a separate amplifier and speaker unit.

Answer 2

My old band played a gig with Fishbone, (they were big in California in the 90's, played with the Chili Peppers etc). they had a theremin onstage, and more than likely used one in the later albums.

Bill Bailey loves theremins too.

Answer 3

I'm pretty sure that Juan Garcia Esquivel used a theremin in some of his recordings (1950s-60s).

Answer 4

The Manic Street Preachers indirectly used one - their single The Everlasting was remixed by the Stealth Sonic Orchestra and its fab!

Answer 5

I believe Duran Duran has used one. I remember seeing them live and seeing Nick Rhodes waving his hands around over it. I don't specifically remember the song, but I know it was on the Medazzaland CD.

Answer 6

Pere Ubu has used one onstage.