On this day (July 16) in 1990, a trial in which the plaintiffs claimed that Judas Priest caused the suicide of two fans began. The families of the two young men in question alleged that the band laced their song “Better by You, Better than Me” from Stained Class contained subliminal messages that urged listeners to take their lives.

On This Day in 1990, a Trial Claiming Judas Priest Caused the Death of Two Fans with Subliminal Messages Began

On this day in 1990, a landmark legal case captured widespread attention as two fans of the heavy metal band Judas Priest filed a lawsuit claiming that subliminal messages in the band’s music had contributed to their suicide attempts. The plaintiffs argued that hidden messages embedded within the band’s album “Stained Class” had influenced their mental state and led them to take drastic actions, including multiple suicide attempts. This case marked one of the most notable legal challenges against a musical act concerning alleged subliminal messaging and its potential impact on listeners.

 

The plaintiffs, James Vance and Raymond Belknap, alleged that Judas Priest had intentionally embedded messages such as “Do it” and “Stay” within the tracks, which they claimed were designed to influence vulnerable individuals negatively. The case gained significant media coverage, igniting debates about the power of subliminal messages in music and whether artists could be held responsible for the actions of their fans.

 

During the trial, experts testified about the existence and influence of subliminal messages, while others dismissed the claims as unfounded. Ultimately, the jury found in favor of Judas Priest, ruling that the band was not responsible for the plaintiffs’ actions and that the alleged subliminal messages were not proven to have caused the suicides. The case was dismissed, but it set a legal precedent regarding the limits of artist responsibility and the influence of subliminal content.

 

The lawsuit also sparked broader discussions about censorship, artistic expression, and the psychological effects of media. While the allegations against Judas Priest were unfounded, the case remains a significant moment in music history, illustrating the societal fears about subliminal messaging and the potential influence of popular culture on vulnerable individuals. It underscored the importance of critical listening and the need for ongoing research into the effects of media on mental health.