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

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. To see the full list of contributors, see the show notes at www.disgracelandpod.com. Sign up for our newsletter and get the inside dirt on events, merch and other awesomeness - GET THE NEWSLETTER Support our Advertising Partners: Factor: factormeals.com/disgraceland50 Code: DISGRACELAND50 Fum: tryfum.com DISGRACELAND Liquid IV: liquid-iv.com/disgraceland Code: DISGRACELAND NextEvo Naturals: nextevo.com Code: DISGRACELAND Prize Picks: prizepicks.com/DISGRACELAND Code: DISGRACELAND Uncommon Goods: uncommongoods.com/disgraceland ZBiotics: ZBiotics.com/DISGRACELAND  Code: DISGRACELAND Follow Jake and DISGRACELAND: Instagram YouTube X (formerly Twitter)  Facebook Fan Group TikTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices