Disturbed Drummers: From Inner Demons to Bad Luck

Jim Gordon Chooses to Stay in Prison

Gordon developed schizophrenia in adulthood and started hearing voices, including those of his mother. The voices told him to starve himself and not to sleep, relax, or play the drums. In 1983, it came to a fatal blow when he attacked his mother.

A photo of Jim Gordon.

Photo by Jim McCrary/Redferns/Getty Images

Despite his acute schizophrenia, he wasn’t allowed to use the insanity plea (due to some change in California law). Gordon was sentenced to 16 years to life. He was recently entitled to a parole hearing but didn’t show up for it. Reportedly, he has said he is “institutionalized” and has no desire to get out.