Death by Misadventure

Album: Cat Scratch Fever (1977)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Nugent wrote this song about Rolling Stones founder Brian Jones, who in 1969 was found dead at the bottom of his swimming pool. The coroner's report listed "Death by Misadventure," but it was clear that drugs had a role in his demise, as he left the band a few weeks earlier because of his drug problems.

    Nugent is opposed to drugs and considers this an antidrug song. His all-time favorite musician is Jimi Hendrix, who Nugent says "implemented the ultimate f--k-up" by overdosing. Another musician who famously died from "Death by Misadventure" is Bon Scott of AC/DC, who was found dead after a night of heavy drinking.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Prince

PrinceFact or Fiction

Prince is shrouded in mystery, making him an excellent candidate for Fact or Fiction. Is he really a Scientologist? Does he own an exotic animal?

Alan Merrill of The Arrows

Alan Merrill of The ArrowsSongwriter Interviews

In her days with The Runaways, Joan Jett saw The Arrows perform "I Love Rock And Roll," which Alan Merrill co-wrote - that story and much more from this glam rock pioneer.

Van Dyke Parks

Van Dyke ParksSongwriter Interviews

U2, Carly Simon, Joanna Newsom, Brian Wilson and Fiona Apple have all gone to Van Dyke Parks to make their songs exceptional.

Jesus Christ Superstar: Ted Neeley Tells the Inside Story

Jesus Christ Superstar: Ted Neeley Tells the Inside StorySong Writing

The in-depth discussion about the making of Jesus Christ Superstar with Ted Neeley, who played Jesus in the 1973 film.

Amy Grant

Amy GrantSongwriter Interviews

The top Contemporary Christian artist of all time on song inspirations and what she learned from Johnny Carson.

Janis Ian: Married in London, but not in New York

Janis Ian: Married in London, but not in New YorkSong Writing

Can you be married in one country but not another? Only if you're part of a gay couple. One of the first famous singers to come out as a lesbian, Janis wrote a song about it.