DISGRACELAND

U2: Death Threats, a Song that Inspired a Killer, and the Murder of Rebecca Schaeffer

Mar 14, 2025

44:05

Years before a free album made them the most unpopular popular band on the planet, U2 ran into the arms of America. In 1987, touring behind their blockbuster album The Joshua Tree, their songs became lightning rods for violence. They received death threats in the States and became targets of terrorists back in their native Ireland. But it was the song “Exit,” written from the POV of a killer, that was linked with pure evil. That song allegedly inspired a man to hop an overnight bus to Los Angeles, carrying a loaded .357 Magnum and a copy of The Joshua Tree, ready to do whatever it took to meet the women he was obsessed with.

This episode contains themes that may be disturbing to some listeners, including descriptions of stalking.

This episode was originally published on November 14, 2023.

To see the full list of contributors, see the show notes at www.disgracelandpod.com.

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