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Music Behind the Madness: What Bands Do Serial Killers Like Most?

By Don Chase
It takes a twisted mind to be a serial killer, but what do the music tastes of these people say about them?

Let me say right from the start, I am not psychic. But, I am willing to bet that my wife Debbie will demand that I find time this weekend to watch the Netflix series on serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer.

Since we are on the topic of serial killers, Loudwire.com put together a list of famous serial killers along with their favorite singers and/or bands.

Check this list below and see if your favorite band or group made the list.

  • 1-Jeffrey Dahmer

    Let’s begin with The Milwaukee Cannibal better known as Jeffrey Dahmer. Dahmer killed 17 men and boys and after their death, dismembered their bodies and stored them in his freezer. Police report that Dahmer liked to listen to his favorite band , Black Sabbath while he committed his killings.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bhdb9BxARqR/

  • 2-Charles Manson

    Next on my list is a serial madman that happened to be a friend of a member of Southern California’s Beach Boys. Charles Manson and his cult were responsible for killing 7 people. One of those that died happened to be Sharon Tate, a popular model and up and coming movie star at the time. History records that Manson and Beach Boy Dennis Wilson knew each other well. One of the many songs recorded by the Beach Boys was “Cease To Exist.” The writer of the song was none other than Charles Manson. Manson was also a fan of Neil Young and the Mamas and the Papas.

  • 3-The Nightstalker

    Similar to the Sunshine State’s Charles Manson, Richard “The Nightstalker” Ramirez terrorized Californians in 1984-1985. Authorities eventually caught up with The Nightstalker. A jury found him guilty of breaking into homes and murdering 13. During Ramirez’s trial, it was revealed that he loved Satan. He also loved the music of Black Sabbath, Judas Priest and AC/DC. Ramirez was on Death Row awaiting execution when he died in 2013.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4aOYvplvKX/

  • 4-The Killer Clown

    For those that hate clowns, up next is the man called “the killer clown,” John Wayne Gacy. Authorities know that Gacy killed 33 people and possibly more. In Gacy’s hometown of Northridge, Illinois, 26 of the bodies were found in the crawl space of his home. Reports say that Gacy was a fan of Neil Diamond, Bob Dylan and REO Speedwagon.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CI4seoFFSGg/

  • 5-The Muswell Hill Murderer

    Between 1978 and 1983, those living in North London feared Dennis Nilsen, the “Muswell Hill Murderer.” Nilsen convinced his victims to go to his home. Not only did Nilsen strangle at least 12 young men and boys, but after they died, he washed and put clothing on each of the bodies. To finish his plan, he then cut up the bodies and disposed of their remains. Nilson was a big fan of Pete Townshend, Roger Daltrey and their super band The Who.

  • 6-Arthur Shawcross

    If you look up the word maniac in the dictionary, you might find the name Arthur Shawcross. In 1972, Shawcross was arrested in the deaths of 2 children. Attorneys filed a plea bargain on his behalf and in a shock to the community, the court allowed Shawcross to plead guilty to manslaughter. In 1987, the “Genesee River Killer” was back on the streets. It didn’t take long for him to pick up where he left off. In less than a three year span, Shawcross was able to murder 11 more people before being arrested. If you’re into punk rock and a fan of G.G. Alin, you and Arthur Shawcross have something in common.

  • 7-The Yorkshire Ripper

    How do you get revenge for the death of a loved one? You go out and kill. Dubbed “The Yorkshire Ripper” by the British press, Peter Sutcliffe got revenge for the murder of his mother by doing the same to 13 innocent women. During his trial, it was also revealed that Sutcliffe tried to murder 7 more. He died in prison in 2020 after a bout with COVID. Because Sutcliffe mutilated those ke killed, he picked up the title of “The Yorkshire Ripper.” In Sutcliffe’s music collection, favorites include Joan Baez, The Eurythmics and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

  • 8-The Toolbox Killers

    In 1979, Lawrence Bittaker and Roy Lewis Norris were found guilty of killing five innocent teenage girls. The two picked up the nickname “Toolbox Killers” based on how they tortured and killed their victims. Items used included vise grip pliers, an ice pick and a wire coat hanger. During an interview, Bittaker revealed that he listened to Mariah Carey and the Bee Gees. He also said that the 18 minute rock classic “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida” by Iron Butterfly was a favorite.

    https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/thetoolboxkillers/

  • 9-The Damsel of Death

    Aileen Wuornos is the first woman to make the list. Wuornos, a Florida prostitute nicknamed the “Damsel of Death” would have sex with her victims and then shoot them multiple times. The body of one of the men she killed was never found. If you saw the movie “Monster,” actress Charlize Theron portrayed Wuornos. Theron won an Oscar for her performance. Aileen Wuornos was a fan of Natalie Merchant and her band 10,000 Maniacs. I even read where she wanted the song “Carnival” to be played at her wake.

  • 10-The .44 Caliber Killer

    The last entry on the list is the man known as the .44 Caliber Killer. Within a short 2 year time period, David Berkowicz used his .44 Special revolver shooting 8 people. His murders took place in New York City. While the murders were taking place, the Big Apple launched the largest manhunt in the city’s history. Also during this time, Berkowicz wrote and sent letters to local newspapers. In each letter, he referred to himself as the “Son of Sam.” Authorities later learned that Sam was Sam Carr who lived next door to Berkowicz. Berkowicz claimed that the demon that had possessed Sam Carr’s dog was instructing him to kill. Also, authorities discovered Berkowicz’s diary and learned that he was the one who started approximately 1500 fires in the area. When it came to music, the Son of Sam enjoyed the music of hitmakers Hall & Oates.

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