The Boomtown Rats’ “I Don’t Like Mondays” was inspired by the real-life school shooting that took place in San Diego on January 29, 1979, when 16-year-old Brenda Ann Spencer, who lived across the street from Grover Cleveland Elementary School, opened fire from her home and targeted students with the rifle her father got for her the previous Christmas. During the attack, Spencer fatally shot two people — principal Burton Wagg and custodian Mike Suchar — and injured eight children and one police officer.
As quoted by Ultimate Classic Rock, it was Spencer’s remarks to a San Diego Tribune reporter that specifically inspired Bob Geldof to name his band’s most famous — and controversial — song. “I just did it for the fun of it,” said Spencer, who allegedly told classmates that she “wanted to do something big to get on TV” about a week before the shooting. “I don’t like Mondays. This livens up the day. I have to go now. I shot a pig, I think, and I want to shoot more. I’m having too much fun.” She later claimed she had no recollection of ever making those comments, according to Murderpedia.
Spencer was tried as an adult for the shooting and pleaded guilty to two counts of murder and assault with a deadly weapon. She was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison and has been denied parole multiple times since she first became eligible in 1993.
