Nominated BEST TRUE-CRIME PODCAST at British Podcast Awards 2018, The Telegraph's Top Five True-Crime Podcasts, The Guardian's Podcast of the Week and iTunes Top 25. Subscribe via iTunes, Spotify, Acast, Stitcher and all podcast platforms.
Right! Let’s learn more about some infamous murderers, dspots and serial killers on a more social level. This week: music, what are their musical tastes?
So what’s so fascinating about the musical tastes of murderers? Surely, they all listen to either thrash metal (the choice of every angry, sweaty, smelly basement-dwelling leather-clad fan of tinned hotdogs and tinnitus), classical (the choice of uptight, sad, single, tweed-wearing, sacked Geography teachers who stink of bleach, Bovril and BO) and opera (the choice of all arseholes called Hubert). I’m guessing. Oh relax, the first album I ever owned was Touch Me! By ex-Page Three Girl Sam Fox. Go figure. (sing). Well, unlike in interviews where most murderers pretend to be candid but have actually pre-prepared their answers to make themselves seem deeper, smarter or nuttier, learning what they listened to can give you a better insight into their true-selves. Although, what their choice means, is up to you. So… Rose West of the infamous 25 Crowell Street murders, who is currently serving a life sentence at Low Newton Prison in Durham, having sadistically tortured and murdered ten young girls with her husband, including her own step-daughter, was raised listening to her dad’s personal favourites of Elvis Presly and Bill Haley, but she adored 1950’s crooner and later the BBC disc jockey Jimmy Young (whose had top ten hits with love songs like Chain Gang, Someone on your Mind and Too Young). Okay, I may have accidentally cherry-picked these song-titles. Fred West, her husband, who hung himself in prison before he could be found guilty of (at least) twelve murders with his wife, was a huge fan of black American country music star Charley Pride, who sang such heartfelt emotional ballads as “kiss an angel good morning”, “I’m so afraid of losing you again” and “I can’t believe you stopped loving me”. Dennis Nilsen dubbed “the kindly killer”; prior to strangling each of his young slim victims, and later fondling and defiling their slowly cooling corpses, used to get himself “in the mood” by listening to Tommy by The Who (which is oddly a rock opera about a sexually abused boy), Journey to the Centre of the Earth by prog-rock legend Rick Wakeman, Royal Philharmonic’s bastardisation of Bach called Hooked on Classics, and – his personal favourite - Frankenstein by The Edgar Winter Group. Many of these hits Nilsen would play on his own personal keyboard in HMP Full Sutton prison. Peter Sutcliffe, known as the “Yorkshire Ripper”, who murdered 13 women and attempted to kill seven others, loved a truly eclectic mix of music; as seen on the C90 cassettes he kept, many of which have since been sold to morbid collectors. Predictably he liked Mozart’s Requiem, he was a fan of Hot Chocolate, Bee Gees. The Eurythmics and Earth Wind and Fire; he loved reggae, with his favourites being “the first time I ever saw your face” by Marcia Griffiths, “please don’t make me cry” by UB40 and “wonderful world, beautiful people” by Jimmy Cliff and – strangely for a man with a real hatred for women – he loved Joan Baez (rhymes with wise) especially songs like “don’t think twice, it’s alright”, “all my trials” and “Joe Hill” (which he lists as “Joe you’re ten years dead”). Oddly, very little is known about Myra Hindley’s musical tastes prior to meeting Ian Brady, but upon dating him, she developed a shared love of Wagner (Hitler’s favourite), as well as a series of popular songs which Hindley & Brady used as a secret reference to their victims, such as; “Girl Don’t Come” by Sandie Shaw, “It’s All Over Now” by Joan Baez, “Legion’s Last Patrol” by Ken Thorne, “24 From Tulsa” by Gene Pitney and “It’s Over” by Roy Orbison. And yet, sadly for murderer Robert Maudsley (correct spelling is Mawdsley, for reference, don't worry everyone gets it wrong), who was horrifically abused as a child, went on to kill a child rapist and having murdered a fellow inmate – in a story which tabloid hacks cruelly dubbed him ‘Hannibal the Cannibal’ as they claimed he ate the prisoner’s brain, which was complete an utter bullshit (amongst anyone with an IQ above 6, the nickname stuck), sadly Robert Maudsley has spent 23 hours a day, every day, for the last 40 years in solitary confinement in a five metre by four metre bullet-proof cell in Wakefield Prison with a table and chair made from cardboard. And even though he loves classical music? He has never been allowed a radio, and hasn’t heard music since 1983. For our friends overseas, here’s a few for you; John Wayne Gacy, dubbed the “killer clown” loved Keep On Loving You and Take It On The Run by REO Speedwagon. Jeffrey Dahmer, the “Milwaukie cannibal” loved Black Sabbath’s Paranoid, The Wizard and Iron Man, and Charles Manson, the supremely dull news-whore and the former cult leader of Helter Skelter, claimed The Beatles’ White Album was a message to his followers about the upcoming race wars… and yaddy yaddy yah, etc, but he was a big fan of The Beach Boys, the Mammas & The Pappas and Neil Young. And, finally, what about military despots and dictators (and, before you ask, no a “dictator” is not a military maniac whose penis resembles a King Edward potato, although that could explain a lot) Adolf Hitler, we call know that the “Nazi Nutjob” was a huge fan of Wagner and apparently carried around a copy of Tristan und Isolde (Ih-solder) in his knapsack, but former Libyan dictator Colonel Gaddafi reportedly paid out millions of dollars for Nelly Furtado, Maria Carey, 50 Cent, Lionel Richie, Usher, Kanye West and Beyonce to personally perform for him and his family. Environmentally-friendly frontman and political flag-waver Sting was paid £1million to perform for the daughter of Uzbek president – Islam Karimov – who has been denounced for serious human rights violations, the massacre of protestors and – ironically – has a dreadful environmental record. Having has his ITunes account hacked, it was revealed that the favourite songs of Syria’s Bashar Al-Assad are I’m Sexy & I know It by the gold jock-strapped prancers LMFAO, I’m Too Sexy and Don’t Talk Just Kiss by the notoriously camp and openly homosexual songsters Right Said Fred, as well as Hurt by Leona Lewis, Look at Me Now by Chris Brown and A Tribute to Cliff Richard.
If you found this interesting? Check out the Mini Mile episodes of the Murder Mile UK True-Crime Podcast, or click on the link below to listen to an episode.
Michael J Buchanan-Dunne is a writer, crime historian, podcaster and tour-guide who runs Murder Mile Walks, a guided tour of Soho’s most notorious murder cases, hailed as “one of the top ten curious, quirky, unusual and different things to do in London”, nominated "one of the best true-crime podcasts at the British Podcast Awards 2018", and featuring 12 murderers, including 3 serial killers, across 15 locations, totaling 50 deaths, over just a one mile walk
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Nominated BEST TRUE-CRIME PODCAST at British Podcast Awards 2018, The Telegraph's Top Five True-Crime Podcasts, The Guardian's Podcast of the Week and iTunes Top 25. Subscribe via iTunes, Spotify, Acast, Stitcher and all podcast platforms.
This week is the turn of William George Bonin, one of several US serial murderers who were known as the Freeway Killer. Between 1979 and 1980, Bonin raped, tortured and murdered at least 21 boys and young men whose bodies he dumped along the freeway in southern California. He was convicted of 14 murders and after 14 years on Death Row, he was executed by lethal injection at San Quentin State Prison in 1996.
This letter was written to an unidentified friend, on 9th February 1994, 12 years after his trial and two years before his death, in which he whinges about his injured shoulder, his art work, his money, and (on the second page, which I don’t have) possibly a rant about how huge mobile phones in the 1990’s are, how the one he has is the size of a breeze block, how he can no longer sit down, how his liver hits redial any time he sneezes and how he hates the way he has to spend nine hours a day standing by a power socket with the charger cord sticking out of his arse... I’m guessing. “Dear (REDACTED) I received your letter dated January 31st this evening. Yes, I was wondering why I hadn't heard from you. I was beginning to think that you hadn't received my last letter and was about to write again. I'm relieved to hear that you did indeed receive my last letter. (Wow! This is gripping stuff, isn’t it? Someone call Mr Spielberg, I think we’ve found his next movie) I've had to cut down on the weight lifting. For some reason my arm and shoulder wasn't getting any better, in fact, (this is nothing to do with the fact that he’s single, feeling a bit lonely and has forearms like Popeye the Sailor, but anyway) I was about to see the doctor a week ago last Monday and he told by to give-up weight lifting all together. He told me that I had tendinitis and that it would clear up after a while and that it took different lengths of time for each individual. I received an order from a guy for my second book of short stories (here he’s making reference to his book - Doing Time: Stories from the Mind of a Death Row Prisoner, available via Amazon) and got it out to him last week. (Hopefully he sent the book by post and not ass-mail). That's the only thing I had to do recently (apart from disinfect anything anyone else in the prison has touched). I haven't any orders for Art except one from Baton Rouge. It was a 10" x 5” drawing (again, let’s hoping he’s sending that by regular post, cos if it’s in a wooden frame, that would bring tears to the eyes). I never do a book or drawing before I’ve receive the money. I've had some problems in the past where someone told me they wanted a drawing or a book and then changed their mind only to leave me holding onto it. It took me over 1 1/2 years to get the three drawings back, and then I had to take then to Small Claims Court before they complied. (You see William, the legal system has its benefits). So I made it a policy to receive order and the money before doing a specific item. Once I receive the money for an item I do up the project as quickly as possible, usually that means immediately. (That’s if his fingers aren’t smelly, brown and gloopy). . Regards. Bill”.
If you found this interesting? Check out the Mini Mile episodes of the Murder Mile UK True-Crime Podcast, or click on the link below to listen to an episode.
Michael J Buchanan-Dunne is a writer, crime historian, podcaster and tour-guide who runs Murder Mile Walks, a guided tour of Soho’s most notorious murder cases, hailed as “one of the top ten curious, quirky, unusual and different things to do in London”, nominated "one of the best true-crime podcasts at the British Podcast Awards 2018", and featuring 12 murderers, including 3 serial killers, across 15 locations, totaling 50 deaths, over just a one mile walk
Nominated BEST TRUE-CRIME PODCAST at British Podcast Awards 2018, The Telegraph's Top Five True-Crime Podcasts, The Guardian's Podcast of the Week and iTunes Top 25. Subscribe via iTunes, Spotify, Acast, Stitcher and all podcast platforms.
Ever wanted to read a rather mundane letter written by an infamous serial killer to get a great insight into who they really were? Well, you're in luck. This week, it’s the turn of Myra Hindley, one half of the infamous Moors Murderers with Ian Brady, who raped, tortured and murdered five children, and buried their bodies in shallow graves, denying their grieving parents any peace, resolution, answers or even a proper burial. Having shown no regret nor remorse, The Moors Murderers have since the early 1960’s been regarded as two of the vilest and most hated people in Britain… and they remain so, for good reason.
So, it seems almost ironic that we read a card, with a very twee William Morris design featuring a lovely landscape of flowers and mosses, sent by Myra Hindley from HMP Highpoint Prison to an unidentified friend called Mark, on 15th February 1999, where she laments the Christmas’ of the past. If you own an incredibly small violin, be prepared to play it. “Dear Mark. I did hope to write to you now before to thank you for your kind card and thoughtful gift sent just before Christmas. Unfortunately I had a prolonged bout of gastro-enteritus (also known as “the squits, the plops and the shits”) which left me feeling tired and lethargic, and I’m now attempting to catch up with neglected correspondence. (Hopefully, she remembered to wash her hands). Christmas seems like a century ago, but it wasn’t bad, three of us spent it together – with very little worth watching on TV but we watched a few videos and the food was nicer than usual. (Ah that’s nice) I remember years and years ago in Holloway Prison, how we were half-starved for about three months before Christmas whilst the kitchen officer saved up for Christmas meals – which were lavish (ooh), and thus so much was wasted and thrown away – we could have fed the pensioners for miles around – and we were half-starved for weeks afterwards because he over spent his budget! (Or, maybe they could have sent it to… oh I dunno, an orphanage? You know? As a nice gesture). I hope Rachel yourself are both as well as you can be. I always remember you and your family in my prayers, and asked to be remembered in yours. (Yup, I’m sure it’s number one on God’s to do list – pray for Myra Hindley). My former priest – Bert White – is due to return from a visit to India. I had a postcard from his last week, telling me that because of the recent spate of extremists (oh, you know, those bad people who kill the innocent) he’s taken to wearing a turban. Once again, thank you for your gift, which was much appreciated (hopefully it was a detailed map of Saddleworth Moor, a marker pen and five self-addressed envelopes addressed to her victim’s families, but I doubt it). When you feel like it, drop me a line and tell me how you are doing, and meanwhile I send you my best wishes as always. Myra”. Ah, poor Myra, she’s had so many awful Christmas in prison. I hope you remember that when you’re next tucking into your turkey, scoffing down spuds and pilling into the Christmas pud’? And before you ask, yes, that was sarcasm. A lot of it.
If you found this interesting? Check out the Mini Mile episodes of the Murder Mile UK True-Crime Podcast, or click on the link below to listen to an episode.
Michael J Buchanan-Dunne is a writer, crime historian, podcaster and tour-guide who runs Murder Mile Walks, a guided tour of Soho’s most notorious murder cases, hailed as “one of the top ten curious, quirky, unusual and different things to do in London”, nominated "one of the best true-crime podcasts at the British Podcast Awards 2018", and featuring 12 murderers, including 3 serial killers, across 15 locations, totaling 50 deaths, over just a one mile walk
Nominated BEST TRUE-CRIME PODCAST at British Podcast Awards 2018, The Telegraph's Top Five True-Crime Podcasts, The Guardian's Podcast of the Week and iTunes Top 25. Subscribe via iTunes, Spotify, Acast, Stitcher and all podcast platforms.
Sutcliffe & Jimmy Savill (which was worst?)
How'd do you fancy reading a rather mundane letter written by Peter Sutcliffe, also known as The Yorkshire Ripper? Well, you;re in luck.
Peter Sutcliffe was convicted of brutally murdering thirteen women and attempting to murder seven others in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s in Leeds and Bradford in the North of England, and so horrific were their injuries that he was dubbed the “Yorkshire Ripper”. Being declared insane, Sutcliffe was (and currently still is) housed at Broadmoor Psychiatric Prison on an indeterminate sentence, and this letter was written by Sutcliffe to Sandra Lester, a friend, model, escort girl, part-time stripper and a supposed confidante, who later sold his story to the papers. They started writing in 1993, but the love letters stopped when he asked her to marry him and she said no. The letter is dated 9th June 1998, it is handwritten with very curly handwriting, and with a sticker of a palm tree on the top of letter. Sutcliffe loves using excessive grammar. “Dear Sandy. Hi!! How are you today? I hope this letter finds you happy and in the best of health (small kiss). I received your nice wee letter okay “with the butterfly stickers”, it’s such a bright and cheery letter so thanks for that. I hope you’re right about what you said about something changing for the better (as there’s something in the air, etc). …. (pages missing)… pleased its happened at long last. As you say, dad will be in touch when he’s got himself sorted out! Did I mention that I’d had a nice visit from Maria last Saturday? She was telling me all about her holiday! She really enjoyed herself and brought me loads of postcards back etc!! (smiley face) She said the weather was very hot all the time and she’d obviously caught the sun so she was looking very well. She said she’d been staying in London for a few days before making her way back home! Anyway take care 4 now cos you’re in my thoughts. I send you all my love and GR8 big caring HUGS!!!. Love Pete. X x x x x x x x Next up is an interesting letter written by Sutcliffe to his friend Chris on 2015, again pages missing, but it ends like this… “Yes! I have heard of (Ian) Brady’s book - The Gates of Janus - and I’d been told ages ago that there’s a bit about me in it, but I’m not interested in reading it myself Chris? Ha! No I didn’t know they sent Keith Richards to The Scrubbs. Yeah, Charles Bronson also spent time here at Broadmoor, until he caused a lot of damage to the roof. His previous name was Mickey Peterson by the way! There’s a DVD out called Bronson and it’s been on telly over here a few times! He was known for taking hostages etc! He’s a pretty good artist thought, I’ve seen quite a few of his sketches!! (smiley face) Well it’s almost time for my usual 9:30pm phone-call Chris, so I’ll try to finish off this letter and get it into the post-box ready for the early morning collection tomorrow. Well my good and dear friend, take care of yourself for now you hear!! (smiley face) Best wishes and regards as always. Your pal Pete. X Oddly, in a later letter, it’s clear that Chris recounted the entire contents of a phone conversation between himself and Peter Sutcliffe to tabloid newspaper the News of the World, including a crappy joke Sutcliffe had made, which he was most displeased about (sad face) five exclamation marks.
If you found this interesting? Check out the Mini Mile episodes of the Murder Mile UK True-Crime Podcast, or click on the link below to listen to an episode.
Michael J Buchanan-Dunne is a writer, crime historian, podcaster and tour-guide who runs Murder Mile Walks, a guided tour of Soho’s most notorious murder cases, hailed as “one of the top ten curious, quirky, unusual and different things to do in London”, nominated "one of the best true-crime podcasts at the British Podcast Awards 2018", and featuring 12 murderers, including 3 serial killers, across 15 locations, totaling 50 deaths, over just a one mile walk
Nominated BEST TRUE-CRIME PODCAST at British Podcast Awards 2018, The Telegraph's Top Five True-Crime Podcasts, The Guardian's Podcast of the Week and iTunes Top 25. Subscribe via iTunes, Spotify, Acast, Stitcher and all podcast platforms.
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Credits: The Murder Mile UK True-Crime Podcast was researched, written and recorded by Michael J Buchanan-Dunne, with the music written and performed by Erik Stein & Jon Boux of Cult With No Name. Additional music was used under the Creative Common Agreement 4.0. The music featured in this episode includes:
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Michael J Buchanan-Dunne is a writer, crime historian, podcaster and tour-guide who runs Murder Mile Walks, a guided tour of Soho’s most notorious murder cases, hailed as “one of the top ten curious, quirky, unusual and different things to do in London”, nominated "one of the best true-crime podcasts at the British Podcast Awards 2018", and featuring 12 murderers, including 3 serial killers, across 15 locations, totaling 50 deaths, over just a one mile walk |
AuthorMichael J Buchanan-Dunne is a crime writer, podcaster & tour guide of Murder Mile Walks, hailed as one of the best "quirky curious & unusual things to do in London". 
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