I think so often we see the sign and think "Hail Satan," as I'm sure that's where the sign originally began in meaning - as it did begin from a darker, edgier type of music. However,I found an interesting article on premierguitar.com where the author John Bohlinger found an interview with Black Sabbath's Ronnie James Dio (who contributed to an increase in popularity with this gesture) who reported that the way he used the sign. He said, "It’s not the devil’s sign like we’re here with the devil. It’s an Italian thing I got from my grandmother called the 'Malocchio.' It’s to ward off the Evil Eye or to give the Evil Eye ("What Does the Horn Hand Mean")." If that's true, then one of the most popular bands could have actually been using this sign to get rid of the evil eye...or give it. But this sign isn't just used in music anymore. Think about going to a University of Texas game, as this is their "hook 'em horns." Certainly in this situation the stadium is referencing bull horns, not the Devil's horns. Either way, this signal, even with a dark beginning, has morphed into a symbol of pop culture in general. At any concert I have ever been to, whether it be a country concert, pop concert, or rock concert - I have seen this signal be given. I think it is more to say "Keep playing, you're going great" rather than the edgier idea of summoning the Devil to the convert (of course).
One thing I really found interesting during my research on this topic was the transformation of this gesture in pop culture. Of course it may have started with darker bands trying to sign they were "worshiping the Devil," but it has really transformed into being something much less. It is a signal that all people connect with in all types of music, because it simply translates now into "rock on" - with all signs of the Devil left behind.
What Does The Horn Hand Mean?
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