Sex and drugs are largely associated with rock ’n’ roll, but murder? Well, very few are that hard core. Yet the fast-paced lifestyle, money, and fame have driven some to plot, kill, or hire assassins to take care of people who stand in their way. As the news that AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd has been charged with (and exonerated from) attempting to hire an assassin against two men, The Daily Beast has rounded up some infamous musicians who’ve murdered… or at least tried to.
AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd was recently charged with (and exonerated from) attempting to hire an assassin to kill two men, making threats to kill, and possession of methamphetamines and cannabis.
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The bass guitarist and vocalist for the legendary English punk band was the main suspect in the murder of his girlfriend and manager, Nancy Spungen, outside of the Hotel Chelsea in 1978.
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In 2009, Spector was convicted of second-degree murder for the shooting death of actress Lana Clarkson. She was found in the producer's California home in 2003.
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In 1969, Manson brutally murdered actress Sharon Tate and her unborn child in her rented home in LA.
The metal band lead singer was arrested in 2013 for attempting to have a police officer murder his wife. He pleaded guilty earlier this year.
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Due to a bout of undiagnosed schizophrenia, the famed drummer murdered his mother in 1983 with a hammer and knife.
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In 1990, the Grammy-nominated rapper shot his cousin (and former bodyguard) Mark Plummer, as well as a bystander, outside a club.
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This one had quite the reputation. Not only did Vikernes have a passion for arson, he was also charged with the murder of his band's guitarist, Oystein "Euronymous" Aaseth.
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Known as an early influencer of rock ’n’ roll, the blues and folk singer had quite a string of incidents throughout his life. He was imprisoned multiple times for the murder of a family member (over a woman) and numerous attempted homicide violations.
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