The morbid curiosity surrounding the lives of infamous serial killers extends beyond their heinous crimes to the unexpected realm of music. Surprisingly, some of history’s most notorious criminals had a taste for certain bands and genres. In this article, we delve into the chilling musical preferences of 10 infamous serial killers, exploring the dark connection between their crimes and the tunes they favored.
Before we dive in, a content warning is essential. The nature of the crimes committed by these individuals is disturbing and graphic. Reader discretion is advised.
Peter Sutcliffe, “The Yorkshire Ripper”
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Known for brutally murdering 13 women, Sutcliffe’s musical taste was diverse. According to MurderMileTours.com, he enjoyed Mozart’s “Requiem,” The Eurythmics’ “I Can’t Stand It,” reggae, and folk hero Joan Baez’s album “Feminine Touch.”
Jeffrey Dahmer, the “Milwaukee Cannibal”
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Infamous for the murder and dismemberment of 17 men and boys, Dahmer’s sinister acts were accompanied by the sounds of Black Sabbath. Ultimate Guitar reports that Dahmer would listen to Black Sabbath while committing heinous crimes, favoring songs like “Paranoid,” “The Wizard,” and “Iron Man.”
John Wayne Gacy, “The Killer Clown”
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A clown-for-hire who raped and murdered at least 33 young men and boys, Gacy revealed a surprising musical preference. In an interview before his execution, he admitted that REO Speedwagon was his favorite band. Vocal.media also reports his appreciation for Neil Diamond and Bob Dylan.
Lawrence Bittaker, one of the “Toolbox Killers”
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Bittaker, along with his partner Roy Norris, committed heinous acts of kidnapping, rape, torture, and murder. In an interview, Bittaker mentioned his solitary cassette tape, featuring Iron Butterfly’s 18-minute classic “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida.” Norris, on the other hand, enjoyed the Bee Gees and Mariah Carey.
Richard Ramirez, “The Night Stalker”
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Known for breaking into homes and murdering in the mid-’80s, Ramirez, a Satanist, had a penchant for heavy metal. TopPublicEnemies blog states that he listened to AC/DC, Judas Priest, and Black Sabbath, with speculation that the AC/DC song “Night Prowler” may have inspired some of his methods.
Charles Manson
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The cult leader behind the Manson Family murders, Manson had a deep connection to music. Obsessed with The Beatles’ White Album, “Helter Skelter” became an anthem for his followers. Manson also admired the Beach Boys, especially since they recorded a song he wrote, “Cease to Exist.”
Dennis Nilsen, the “Muswell Hill Murderer”
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This Scottish serial killer’s ritualistic killings were accompanied by music. Nilsen pumped himself up by listening to The Who’s “Tommy,” Yes keyboardist Rick Wakeman, the Royal Philharmonic, and “Frankenstein” by the Edgar Winter Group.
Aileen Wuornos, “Damsel of Death”
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Wuornos, a sex worker turned serial killer, had an unexpected favorite band: 10,000 Maniacs. She was a huge fan of Natalie Merchant, even requesting the song “Carnival” to be played at her wake.
David Berkowitz, the “Son of Sam”
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Berkowitz, known as the “.44 Caliber Killer,” attributed his motivation to commit murder to Hall & Oates’ hit song “Rich Girl.” Despite chronological discrepancies, Berkowitz claimed the song inspired his actions.
Arthur Shawcross, the “Genesee River Killer”
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After killing children in 1972 and later murdering again in 1987, Shawcross was a fan of punk rocker G.G. Allin, known for extreme stage antics. Shawcross admired Allin’s chaotic performances, including self-harm and defecating onstage.