Though The Beatles were primarily known for their considerable influence on the rock music era of the 50s and 60s, the band was also a considerable influence on Charles Manson, notorious murderer and cult leader.
Joseph Burns, professor of communication and rock music historian, presented “Helter Skelter,” a lecture detailing songs by The Beatles that fueled Manson’s delusions, on Wednesday, Oct. 9 in the Pottle Auditorium as a part of the Fanfare Then and Now Lecture Series.
According to the lecture, Charles Manson prophesized a revolt by the African American population against the Caucasian race. He believed that African Americans would rise as the new majority race in a bloody battle fueled by racial tension. Manson believed that, in the aftermath of the race war, he and his family would take over as the leaders of the African American population, leaving Manson to rule as Jesus Christ. Manson led nearly 30 people, known as the “Manson Family,” on the quest to instigate the race war and fulfill the prophecy.
“When I was doing radio full time, I read a story on the air about four guys who took off all their clothes and were jumping out at pizza delivery people and stealing their money,” said Burns. “What I commented was, ‘I can see one guy coming up with it, but then he’s got to pitch it to three other guys.’ What kills me is those other guys went ‘Yeah, that’s a good idea!’ Charles Manson is a delusional, racist, insane human being, but he took it to the point where he physically killed people to start a race war to become the Jesus Christ on Earth, and not only did he do it, but he got 30 people to follow him into Hell.”
When The Beatles released “The White Album” in 1968, Manson believed that the band was speaking to him through their songs, and he found validation in his cult by his interpretations of the lyrics. One of several songs on the album that influenced Manson was “Piggies.” The following lyrics became symbolic to the Manson Family:
“Everywhere there’s lots of piggies/Living piggy lives/ You can see them out for dinner/With their piggy wives/ Clutching forks and knives to eat their bacon.”
As members of the Manson family committed several gruesome murders, they wrote messages such as “pig,” “political piggy” and “death to pigs” on the walls of the scene of the crime in the blood of their victims. One victim was pierced with a fork and knife in reference to the song lyrics.
Burns was highly animated as he explained the gruesome results of Manson’s delusions, leaving a lasting impression upon members of the audience.
“I think Dr. Burns’ presentation, the way he presents it, is my favorite part,” said Jessie Craig, member of the audience and resident of Hammond. “He takes this gruesome time in history, and he really turns it into something that’s educational and entertaining.”
The only complaint from the audience was that the lecture was not advertised well enough. According to Shelby Bowman, junior biology major, she was only aware of the lecture because of her friends.