THE ACID KING - RICKY KASSO T-SHIRT

A True Crime t-shirt available in black cotton.

Dark legends, teenage rebellion, and the chilling true story that inspired a generation of urban myths—this is the legacy of Ricky Kasso, The Acid King.

In the summer of 1984, the quiet suburb of Northport, Long Island, became infamous for one of the most shocking and brutal crimes in American history. At the center of the storm was Ricky Kasso, a troubled teenager entrenched in the underground world of heavy metal, hallucinogenic drugs, and occult symbolism. Known as The Acid King for his love of LSD, Kasso was no ordinary suburban misfit—his involvement in a loosely organized group called "The Knights of the Black Circle" fueled rumors of Satanic rituals, black magic, and devil worship.

“Heavy metal, drugs, and the devil—it was the perfect recipe for a media nightmare.” – True Crime Historian

But it was the murder of Gary Lauwers, allegedly carried out as part of a ritual sacrifice, that cemented Kasso’s infamy. The details were gruesome, the media frenzy unstoppable, and the hysteria surrounding "Satanic Panic" exploded across 1980s America. Tabloids ran wild with speculation, and the case inspired books, documentaries, and even horror movies, cementing Ricky Kasso as one of the most infamous figures of true crime folklore.

This Acid King T-Shirt is a tribute to the dark cultural phenomenon that emerged from Kasso’s crime—a chilling reminder of how urban legends, teenage angst, and moral panic collided in the 1980s. Whether you're fascinated by true crime, Satanic Panic, or the darker side of counterculture history, this shirt offers a nod to one of the most disturbing tales of the decade.

Includes optional backprint.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Who was Ricky Kasso, and why is he called The Acid King?

Ricky Kasso was a troubled teenager from Long Island, NY, notorious for his heavy LSD use, which earned him the nickname The Acid King. His brutal murder of Gary Lauwers in 1984 fueled the era’s Satanic Panic hysteria.

2. What was the Knights of the Black Circle?

The Knights of the Black Circle was a loose group of teens fascinated by heavy metal, occult symbolism, and drug culture. While often portrayed as a full-fledged Satanic cult, most members were rebellious misfits rather than true occultists.

3. How did Ricky Kasso’s case contribute to the Satanic Panic?

The gruesome nature of the crime, combined with media sensationalism, linked Kasso’s actions to Satanism and ritualistic murder, despite little evidence. His case became a cautionary tale during the 1980s Satanic Panic, with parents fearing their children would fall into cult-like activities.