Night Prowler (song)

"Night Prowler" is the final track on AC/DC's album Highway to Hell. It is known among other AC/DC songs for its slow blues rhythm, ominous lyrics, as well as its controversy stemming from its association with the Richard Ramirez serial killings in 1985.

"Night Stalker" controversy

In June 1985, a highly publicized murder case began revolving around Richard Ramírez, who was responsible for more than 15 brutal murders as well as attempted murders and rapes in Los Angeles. Nicknamed the "Night Stalker," Ramírez was a fan of AC/DC, particularly the song "Night Prowler". Police also claimed that Ramírez was wearing an AC/DC shirt and left an AC/DC hat at one of his crime scenes. During the trial, Ramírez shouted "Hail Satan!" and showed off the pentagram carved into his palm. The incident brought extremely bad publicity to the band, whose concerts and albums were suddenly campaigned against by parents in Los Angeles County.^[1] On VH1's Behind the Music on AC/DC, the band claimed that while the song had taken on a murderous connotation by Ramírez, it is actually about a boy sneaking into his girlfriend's bedroom at night. However, the song lyrics contain lines that seem to contradict the band's explanation, such as: "You don't feel the steel/Till it's hanging out your back... as you lie there naked, like a body in a tomb".^[2]

Personnel

• Bon Scott: lead vocals
• Angus Young: lead guitar
• Malcolm Young: rhythm guitar, backing vocals
• Cliff Williams: bass guitar, backing vocals
• Phil Rudd: drums

References