Night Prowler (song)

"Night Prowler" is the final track on AC/DC's album Highway to Hell. The track has two breaths in quick succession at the start of the song, intended to create a tone of fear and loathing.[2] 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 Prowler"
Song by AC/DC
from the album Highway to Hell
Released27 July 1979
RecordedSpring 1979
GenreBlues rock, hard rock[1]
Length6:27
LabelAtlantic Records
Songwriter(s)Angus Young, Malcolm Young, Bon Scott
Producer(s)Robert "Mutt" Lange

At the end of the song, lead singer Bon Scott mutters, "Shazbot! Nanu nanu!", two phrases used by Robin Williams in his character of Mork on the popular sitcom Mork and Mindy[3].

"Night Stalker" controversy
Main article: Richard Ramirez

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 rapes and attempted murders 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. 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.

Personnel

References
  1. Marchese, David. "The Best Rolling Stones Song of All Time". Vulture. Retrieved 12 October 2019.
  2. Engleheart, Murray (18 November 1997). AC/DC – Bonfire.
  3. https://www.songfacts.com/facts/ac-dc/night-prowler
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