Enter Spiritmen

"Hey ever heard of Metelica? No not the band but what came before? What started as a freedom from the overbearing world became multiple successful business's over time. This is a cult with a surprising happy ending. Join us as we discuss the Renaissance Community, formerly known as the Brotherhood of the Spirit."

Presented by: Chelsea
Category: Cult

One of the many cults of the 1960s and the 1970s, Brotherhood of the Spirt (later the Renaissance Community) managed to avoid some of the pitfalls of other cults of the time. Founded by Michael Metallica, it started out as a group of hippies living on a commune in New England. It was centered around Metallica's band while living "off the grid" and living off the land.

As the band grew popular, the cult abuses began. Metallica demanded every penny earned and went on expensive shopping trips, including purchasing a plane. His behavior became erratic.

Which is not to say they never accomplished anything good. The cult got themselves hired at a special needs school and helped make the conditions in the school more humane than they had been.

In the late 80s, the cult began rebelling against Metallica's rule. They ultimately offered him $10,000 to leave and never come. He took the deal and lived out the rest of his life without them.