Utah’s cowbell connection to the Paris Olympics

At the time of this writing, the US has won 31 medals in the 2024 Paris Olympics. And with every US win, cowbells are rung! 

The ‘Bell Barn’, nestled in Sanpete County, Utah, stands as a testament to the enduring cowbell tradition. It’s the very place where the cowbells that mesmerized the 2002 Winter Olympics audience were created. Even today, these cowbells are used in the Olympics, with 300 of them dispatched to the Utah delegation in Paris to herald the announcement of the 2034 Olympic Games. 

The bells originated from a Norwegian tradition that developed because it was difficult to create sound by clapping with your hands while wearing gloves. To honor the culture they came from, the team dips the cowbells in recycled bullet casings from the Norwegian military. 

While some athletes from other countries have complained about the cowbells, they continue to delight US audiences who strike them whenever the US team wins to cheer on the athletes.  

But cowbells aren’t only popular during the Olympics. The instrument has also seen many a cameo in classic rock songs. 

Classic rock songs featuring cowbells

To celebrate more cowbell, here are 14 classic rock songs that feature the instrument. 

1. Mountain – Mississippi Queen

2. Credence Clearwater Revival – Born on the Bayou

3. War – Low Rider

4. James Gang – Funk #49

5. Santana – Oye Como Va

6. Blue Oyster Cult – (Don’t Fear) The Reaper

7. Queens of the Stone Age – Little Sister

8. Def Leppard – Rock of Ages

9. Wild Cherry – Play That Funky Music

10. Rolling Stones – Honky Tonk Woman

11. The Beatles – Drive My Car

12. Talking Heads – Crosseyed and Painless

13. Guns N’ Roses – Nightrain

14. Bachman-Turner Overdrive – You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet

Bonus clip

We would be remiss if we didn’t wax nostalgic over the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City. Watch KISS rock and roll all night at the closing ceremony with ice skaters, dancers, and special performances.

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