Floyd track is best for surgery

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Comfortably Numb recommended listening for operating theatre - while Queen, Dylan and REM songs are to be avoided

Pink Floyd classic Comfortably Numb is one of a handful of songs recommended for surgeons as they lead medical operations.

But a study by Cardiff University Hospital says Queen’s Another One Bites The Dust, Bob Dylan’s Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door and REM’s Everybody Hurts should be avoided.

While the suggestions are light-hearted, they’re backed up by a serious study that’s found four out of five operations are carried out while staff listen to music.

The report in the British Medical Journal says it “improves communication between staff, reduces anxiety and improves efficiency.”

And surgeons who listen regularly say it helps them increase performance and helps them focus.

Pink Floyd: Comfortably Numb

Bee Gees: Stayin’ Alive

Sade: Smooth Operator

Wham: Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go

Coldplay: Fix You

What not to play

Queen: Another One Bites The Dust

Bob Dylan: Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door

REM: Everybody Hurts

Red Hot Chili Peppers: Scar Tissue

Radiohead: Knives Out

Martin Kielty
Freelance Online News Contributor

Not only is one-time online news editor Martin an established rock journalist and drummer, but he’s also penned several books on music history, including SAHB Story: The Tale of the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, a band he once managed, and the best-selling Apollo Memories about the history of the legendary and infamous Glasgow Apollo. Martin has written for Classic Rock and Prog and at one time had written more articles for Louder than anyone else (we think he's second now). He’s appeared on TV and when not delving intro all things music, can be found travelling along the UK’s vast canal network.