The 27 Club: Why Do Icons Keep Dying at 27?

The 27 Club: Why Do Icons Keep Dying at 27?

From The StickyBeak by Monika O'Hanlon

March 3, 2026 · 26 min · Season 2 · Episode 111

About this episode

This episode explores the phenomenon of the 27 Club and the various theories surrounding the deaths of iconic musicians at that age.

The 27 Club  has fascinated the world for decades. Why did icons like Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, Kurt Cobain, Amy Winehouse and Brian Jones all die at 27? Coincidence — or something more? In this episode, we unpack the origins of the 27 Club and separate fact from folklore. From the white lighter myth to Saturn return astrology, from crossroads legends to Illuminati and ritual sacrifice claims — where did these theories come from, and do they hold up? We also explore the role of fame, addiction, industry pressure and the psychology behind why we’re so drawn to this number. Is the 27 Club real — or is it a story we’ve built around tragedy? Listen now and decide for yourself. This episode was brought to you by Tüt , toilet lid stickers to zhuzh up your toot. Because every throne needs a crown. https://www.etsy.com/shop/tutdeco/ 🎉 Big news! The StickyBeak will be returning to two episodes a week! Wednesdays: Your regular deep dive into the weird, wonderful, and wonderfully strange stories from around the world. Mondays: A brand-new episode all about YOUR stories — the wild, funny, and outrageous confessions you send in. Got a story to…

People in this episode

Host: Monika O'Hanlon

Topics covered

  • 27 Club
  • fame
  • addiction
  • psychology
  • folklore
  • astrology

Keywords

  • 27 Club
  • Jimi Hendrix
  • Janis Joplin
  • fame
  • addiction
  • astrology
  • psychology
  • myths

Sponsors

Tüt

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