THE CANNED HEAT SUICIDE HOUSELocation: Topanga, CA
Accessibility: Easy Created: 1990s |
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An urban legend is defined as: “A story that appears mysteriously and spreads spontaneously in various forms and is usually false.” The definition of abandoned reads: “Having been deserted or cast off”. In the hills of Topanga Canyon resides a place that embodies both terms. Originally constructed to be a private home, the building accessible by a private bridge was doomed from the start. 701 North Topanga Canyon Blvd is among beautiful scenery and serenity but on the pathway of flooding and landslides which prevents any chance at completion of a home on the property. Because the area is so picturesque, several residents have built and made their home in the hills, especially celebrities. Such celebrities have included, Jim Morrison, Sissy Spacek, Bob Denver, Viggo Mortensen and more.
Another celebrity that owned a home in Topanga Canyon hills was Bob Hite, lead singer of American blue-rock band, Canned Heat. Canned Heat was formed in 1965 and band members adorned themselves with fun nicknames including: Larry “The Mole” Taylor, Bob “The Bear” Hite and Alan “Blind Owl” WIlson. Alan Wilson burst at the seams with talent and not only composed songs for Canned Heat but played harmonica and guitar and sang for the band as well. It was stated by those who knew him that he was a passionate and free spirit who earned his nickname “Blind Owl” from his extreme nearsightedness.
On September 3rd 1970, Alan Wilson was found dead in his sleeping bag on a hillside by a home in Topanga Canyon. Wilson was 27-years-old which meant his death put him into the tragic “27 Club”. The “27 club” is a term used to classify the most tragic coincidences in rock and roll history. Musicians who have passed away at the young age of 27 have included: Kurt Cobain, Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix. An autopsy stated Wilson’s death was the result of barbiturates overdose. It was never confirmed nor denied if the death was an accident or intentional. It has been rumored Alan Wilson went to sleep under the stars, a practice he loved and did often. Thus the area in which he was found forever asleep by fellow band member Skip Taylor, was permanently marked as the Canned Heat Suicide House.
Some say the ghost of Alan “Blind Owl” Wilson haunts the house and while the structure has been doomed from the start and left in ruins of lost potentials, it is still a beautiful spot to see the stars.
Another celebrity that owned a home in Topanga Canyon hills was Bob Hite, lead singer of American blue-rock band, Canned Heat. Canned Heat was formed in 1965 and band members adorned themselves with fun nicknames including: Larry “The Mole” Taylor, Bob “The Bear” Hite and Alan “Blind Owl” WIlson. Alan Wilson burst at the seams with talent and not only composed songs for Canned Heat but played harmonica and guitar and sang for the band as well. It was stated by those who knew him that he was a passionate and free spirit who earned his nickname “Blind Owl” from his extreme nearsightedness.
On September 3rd 1970, Alan Wilson was found dead in his sleeping bag on a hillside by a home in Topanga Canyon. Wilson was 27-years-old which meant his death put him into the tragic “27 Club”. The “27 club” is a term used to classify the most tragic coincidences in rock and roll history. Musicians who have passed away at the young age of 27 have included: Kurt Cobain, Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix. An autopsy stated Wilson’s death was the result of barbiturates overdose. It was never confirmed nor denied if the death was an accident or intentional. It has been rumored Alan Wilson went to sleep under the stars, a practice he loved and did often. Thus the area in which he was found forever asleep by fellow band member Skip Taylor, was permanently marked as the Canned Heat Suicide House.
Some say the ghost of Alan “Blind Owl” Wilson haunts the house and while the structure has been doomed from the start and left in ruins of lost potentials, it is still a beautiful spot to see the stars.