10 Covers Versions Of Charles Manson Songs
The evil cult leader was also a cult musician.
The history of music is filled with musicians who are affectionately referred to as cult artists. These are individuals who may have never achieved commercial success, but they have a loyal following. Charles Manson is the rare example of a cult artist who was a literal cult leader.
Despite the acts of evil carried out by the "Manson Family", there continues to be a perverse fascination with the notorious criminal. Part of what added to the curiosity was his musical output. On March 6, 1970 he released his debut album Lie: The Love and Terror Cult while being held on first degree murder charges.
Even though mainstream success alluded him, several musicians cited themselves as fans of his music. In his biography Waging Heavy Peace, Neil Young made the following statement about when he first met Manson at the home of The Beach Boys’ Dennis Wilson: “His songs were off-the-cuff things he made up as he went along, and they were never the same twice in a row. Kind of like Dylan, but different because it was hard to glimpse a true message in them, but the songs were fascinating. He was quite good.”
Several artists recorded tunes composed by Manson. Who knows, maybe if Manson never listened to The Beatles’ White Album his music career would have been different.
10. Look At Your Game Girl – Guns N’ Roses
This psychedelic folk tune about an insane woman originally appeared on Manson's 1970 album, Lie: The Love and Terror Cult. Guns N’ Roses version was a hidden track off their 1993 cover album, "The Spaghetti Incident?".
Despite being unlisted on the album credits, the cover generated considerable controversy. One of the criticisms involved Manson profiting from the tune. Fortunately, the royalties went to Bartek Frykowski, the son of Manson victim Voytek Frykowski. The album went on to sell over 6 million worldwide, so it doesn't appear that the controversy hurt.