Dave McGowan – Music, Serial Killers and Psychological Warfare | Our Interesting Times
Programmed to Kill
Dave McGowan – Music, Serial Killers and Psychological Warfare – 28 April 2015 | Our Interesting Times
Author and independent journalist Dave McGowan discusses his books Programmed to Kill and Weird Scenes Inside the Canyon.
Dave McGowan was an American author and independent journalist known for his deep investigations into controversial and often conspiratorial topics. Born and raised in Torrance, California, McGowan graduated from UCLA with a degree in psychology. He managed a small business in the Los Angeles area from 1990 until his death in 2015 at age 55. McGowan was recognised for his skeptical and probing approach to deep politics and deep events, delving into subjects long before “conspiracy theory” became a mainstream term.
He published extensively on a wide range of topics, including the Apollo moon landings, MK-ULTRA, the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, the Boston Marathon bombings, and, notably, the Laurel Canyon music scene. He was also among the earliest public skeptics of the official account of the September 11, 2001, attacks, publishing a critical analysis less than 24 hours after the events.
Key Works
Programmed to Kill: The Politics of Serial Murder
In “Programmed to Kill,” McGowan explores the possibility that many infamous serial killers were not simply isolated “lone gunmen,” but may have had connections to covert government programs, such as MK-ULTRA, and were possibly manipulated for broader political or social purposes. The book challenges the popular narrative that serial killers are always independent actors, suggesting instead that some may have been used to create a new genre of entertainment and to serve hidden agendas. McGowan examines links between serial killers, intelligence agencies, and Hollywood, questioning the origins of the “lone sicko” trope and the media’s role in shaping public perception of these crimes.
Weird Scenes Inside the Canyon: Laurel Canyon, Covert Ops & The Dark Heart of the Hippie Dream
“Weird Scenes Inside the Canyon” investigates the 1960s and early 1970s Laurel Canyon music scene in Los Angeles, home to legendary musicians like Jim Morrison, Frank Zappa, and members of The Byrds, Buffalo Springfield, and The Monkees. McGowan uncovers a web of connections between these artists, their families (many of whom had military or intelligence backgrounds), and a series of mysterious deaths and unexplained events. He questions why so many prominent figures in the counterculture movement came from privileged or military-linked backgrounds, why apparent murders were often ruled as suicides, and how the “hippie dream” was promoted in tightly controlled media environments. The book suggests that the counterculture movement may have been influenced or even steered by covert operations, casting a shadow over the idyllic image of Laurel Canyon.
Dave McGowan‘s Legacy
McGowan’s writing is noted for its engaging, sometimes humorous style, and for his relentless digging into the “coincidences” and overlooked connections in American history and culture. While some readers appreciate his ability to weave together complex and provocative narratives, others criticise his reliance on speculative sources and the accusatory tone that often stops short of drawing definitive conclusions.
Dave McGowan left a significant mark on the world of independent journalism and conspiracy research. His work continues to be discussed and republished by his family and followers. He is remembered as a pioneering sceptic and investigator who challenged official narratives and encouraged readers to question the stories presented by authorities and the media.
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