Hello from the Gutter

Album: Under the Influence (1988)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • One of Overkill's most popular songs, "Hello from the Gutter" is about the serial killer David Berkowitz, the "Son of Sam."

    Beginning in 1976, Berkowitz began killing young people - mostly women - in New York City. By 1977, police had linked the crimes and dubbed him "The .44 Killer" for his choice of weapon. Jimmy Breslin was the reporter who covered the story for the New York Daily News, and on July 2, 1977 he received a chilling letter - supposedly sent by the killer - that began, "Hello from the gutters of N.Y.C., which are filled with dog manure, vomit, stale wine, urine, and blood."

    The letter went on to taunt Breslin and threaten to kill again. Three days later, the paper ran the letter as part of Breslin's story, which was headlined "Breslin to .44 Killer: Give Up Now!"

    Berkowitz was captured in August after a parking ticket led to his arrest - he had parked illegally during one of his murders, and police placed him at the scene.

    The members of Overkill grew up in New Jersey and spent a lot of time in New York City, where the crimes took place. With vivid memories of the story, guitarist Bobby Gustafson, bass player D.D. Verni and lead singer Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth wrote this song. "Lyrically, I took some of that pomp and circumstance and sensationalism that was going on around that time," Ellsworth told us.

Comments: 2

  • Chicowdy from NjThis is completely off base. It has ZERO to do with the Son of Sam. It’s about NYC in the mid 80s and the reaction of tourists coming out of Port Authority and thinking, “Holy s--t.”
  • Ray V from UsaNot sure if this is true, I never hear Bobby Blitz or DD mention it.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Ed Roland of Collective Soul

Ed Roland of Collective SoulSongwriter Interviews

The stories behind "Shine," "December," "The World I Know" and other Collective Soul hits.

Dexys (Kevin Rowland and Jim Paterson)

Dexys (Kevin Rowland and Jim Paterson)Songwriter Interviews

"Come On Eileen" was a colossal '80s hit, but the band - far more appreciated in their native UK than stateside - released just three albums before their split. Now, Dexys is back.

Kelly Keagy of Night Ranger

Kelly Keagy of Night RangerSongwriter Interviews

Kelly Keagy of Night Ranger tells the "Sister Christian" story and explains why he started sweating when he saw it in Boogie Nights.

Donny Osmond

Donny OsmondSongwriter Interviews

Donny Osmond talks about his biggest hits, his Vegas show, and the fan who taught him to take "Puppy Love" seriously.

They Might Be Giants

They Might Be GiantsSongwriter Interviews

Who writes a song about a name they found in a phone book? That's just one of the everyday things these guys find to sing about. Anything in their field of vision or general scope of knowledge is fair game. If you cross paths with them, so are you.

Kiss

KissFact or Fiction

Kiss is the subject of many outlandish rumors - some of which happen to be true. See if you can spot the fakes.