The Story Behind - I Don't Like Mondays

About this episode

This episode explores the tragic events that inspired the Boomtown Rats' song 'I Don't Like Mondays' and the subsequent controversy surrounding it.

In this episode, we delve into the tragic and controversial story that inspired the Boomtown Rats’ haunting hit, "I Don't Like Mondays." We trace the origins of the song and how lead singer Bob Geldof and keyboardist Johnny Fingers came up with the idea, before taking listeners back to 1979 when 16-year-old Brenda Ann Spencer opened fire at a school in San Diego, California, killing two people and injuring nine. We also explore the events leading up to the shooting, Brenda’s background, possible motives, and what ultimately happened to her. We also examine the public's reaction to the song, the backlash it received, and the controversy that led to it being banned from radio play in San Diego. Join us as we explore how a tragic event inspired a hit song and the controversy that followed. *TRIGGER WARNING* This episode contains references to sexual abuse, suicide and school shootings. This episode was written, researched, narrated, edited and produced by Adam Hampton. If you enjoyed this episode feel free to click the free subscribe or follow button and leave the podcast a positive 5 star review on Itunes. You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter, Tik Tok, Instagram and our…

People in this episode

Host: Adam Hampton

Topics covered

• Boomtown Rats
• I Don't Like Mondays
• Brenda Ann Spencer
• school shooting
• controversy
• public reaction

Keywords

• music biography
• tragedy
• 1979
• San Diego
• Bob Geldof
• Johnny Fingers

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Tik Tok

Books & works: The Story Behind - I Don't Like Mondays, I Don't Like Mondays

Places: San Diego, California

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