Can I Sue for Cello Scrotum Hoax?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers around the debunking of the "cello scrotum" ailment, originally reported by Elaine Murphy in the British Medical Journal in 1974, which has now been admitted as a hoax. Participants express their frustrations over how this misinformation impacted their musical choices and careers, with one user humorously lamenting that they could have been a rock star if not for the fear of such ailments. The conversation also touches on other humorous musical anecdotes and the absurdity of certain musician-related maladies.

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  • Understanding of music-related health myths
  • Familiarity with the British Medical Journal and its historical reports
  • Knowledge of common musical instruments and their cultural perceptions
  • Awareness of the psychological impact of societal beliefs on personal choices
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  • Research the history of musician-related health myths and their origins
  • Explore the psychological effects of societal pressures on musicians
  • Investigate the impact of misinformation in medical literature
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Musicians, music educators, health professionals, and anyone interested in the intersection of music and health myths.

BobG
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Back in grade school, I had to choose an instrument to play. My favorite instrument was the cello until I read this report: http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Maladies+in+musicians.+(Review+Article)-a089830777

Who wants to get "cello scrotum"? I had to settle for accordion, as I found no maladies associated with that. People hate accordion players. I became introverted and developed antisocial behaviors and even quit playing accordion.

Now, 35 years later, Elaine Murphy admits the ailment she reported in the British Medical Journal in 1974 was nothing more than a hoax.

35 years later?! My whole career is gone already! :mad:

And now I hear "guitar nipple" might not even be a real ailment. I could have been a rock star!
 
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BobG said:
And now I hear "guitar nipple" might not even be a real ailment. I could have been a rock star!

If you live in US of A, I would say yes.
 
When i played drums, well dustbin lids, i suffered a variety of pains.
 
wolram said:
When i played drums, well dustbin lids, i suffered a variety of pains.

Is it true you can tell whether a drummer has good rhythm or not by how many kids he has?

Or is having kids even an issue for drummers?
 
Last edited:
Ahem.. by the way, that advice was not free. You can transfer me $10 or someone capable of paying in nature.
 
Old roadie tip: How can you tell when the riser is level? Drool is coming out of both sides of the drummer's mouth.
 
BobG said:
Is it true you can tell whether a drummer has good rhythm or not by how many kids he has?

Or is having kids even an issue for drummers?

That is a hard question to answer, i can only say personally i suffered to much pain while
practising the bin lids to even think about kids, mind you i was only eight.
 
BobG said:
Who wants to get "cello scrotum"? I had to settle for accordion, as I found no maladies associated with that. People hate accordion players. I became introverted and developed antisocial behaviors and even quit playing accordion.
I guess you've never been to a Polka dance. The people who love Polka, love accordian players!
 
turbo-1 said:
Old roadie tip: How can you tell when the riser is level? Drool is coming out of both sides of the drummer's mouth.

Drummer went into the music shop, picked some stuff up, and said "please can I have this trombone and this accordion?". The salesman says "fine, take the fire extinguisher, but the radiator is staying here!"
 
  • #10
Astronuc said:
I guess you've never been to a Polka dance. The people who love Polka, love accordian players!

I did know a female accordion player that was pretty popular. She played topless and called herself, "Lady in Pain".
 
  • #11
I also had to pack in playing a certain string instrument due to a similar although non-fictional reason:

Harp Helmet
 
  • #12
The 1974 B.M.J. report was not referring to cello scrotum it was referring to jello scrotum and it relates to the severe wobbles certain parts of the anatomy suffer from when subjected to certain musical frequencies.It concluded that if affected one should go to the seaside with a can of fosters and a packet of ritz.
 
  • #13
Can I sue my parents for that crap about Santa too? If it wasn't for that I'd probably be a high earner by now, or in MI6 or an astronaut or somit.
 

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