❝ 𝑻𝒉𝒆 Ch͟r͟i͟s͟t͟m͟as 𝒦𝒾𝒹𝓈 ❞ ꒰ TRUE crime/story ꒱

the story of Ronnie and Phil Spector

The Christmas kids by roar, when you listen to the lyrics you can tell they are deep. But maybe they are deeper than you thought

In 2010 roar debuted an EP, with their title song 'i can't handle change' and 'christmas kids' Their song 'Chritsmas Kids' is about an abusive relationship, between Ronnie Spector and Phil Spector. Here is the story from the beginning.

Born Veronica Bennett, Ronnie Spector along with her sister and cousin, Estelle and Nedra formed a girl group known as ' The Ronettes' in the early 1960's. For quite a while they were signed with a label and performed gigs, however, they did not receive the success that they were looking for; not until they auditioned for Phil Spector.

Phil Spector: Phil Spector was quite a good producer, he was a producer for very big names, such as: Tina Turner and The beatles. In Phil's eyes, Ronnie said she stood out the most, in her words: "i had a perfect voice. it wasn't a black voice, it wasn't white voice. It was just a great voice. his whole life has just been me."

After that, they were signed and their fame increased by a lot. They had all sorts of hits such as: 'Be My Baby', 'Baby, I Love You' and 'Do I Love You?' and around this time Ronnie and Phil had started to date; despite Phil already being married. However, Ronnie was not aware of the whole marriage situation and she was also a minor meanwhile, Phil was 24. Because of their popularity, The Ronettes got to collaborate with many other popular bands; The Rolling Stone and The Beatles.

The chaos of the Limelight settled when 1966 came around, Phil was in his flopping era. He couldn't stop his failures, so after he failed so many times he decided to retire, meaning, The Ronettes had to as well.

Whilst working together, Ronnie and Phil got married in 1968. Which was apparently 2 years after Phil's retirement and Ronnie's Disbandment. Shortly after they decided to adopt a son, however, during this time, Phil's mental health declined rapidly , and he was showing symptoms of bipolar disorder and depression, due to the fact he had to retire forcefully. As soon as these two got hitched, was when Ronnie sadly lost her freedom. She was forbidden to continue performing and her music career; by her own husband, Phil. As a way to prevent Ronnie from cheating on Phil, he decided it was best to cut all communication with The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. (not that she was ever planning to, i believe these rules were set by Phil out of fear and worry however, that does not give an excuse to take away another's freedom.) She was also a victim of physiological abuse. Their Beverly Hills Mansion was surrounded by barbed wire along with guard dogs. Phil was so paranoid that he confiscated Ronnie's shoes in the hope that she would not be able to leave the house or escape without them.

2 years after adopting their first child, Phil surprised Ronnie on Christmas with more adoptive kids; specifically twins. On that Christmas day Ronnie said to the daily news, "No one wants live children as a surprise" apparently the twins were supposed to be Phils way of bringing them closer in their relationship since it had fallen apart after these past events had taken place. Hence the name of Roar's song 'Christmas kids' in this song Roar sings, "The Christmas kids were nothing but a gift, and love is a tower where all of us can live."

Here's where it gets darker. In Ronnie's memoir she states that Phil had a gold coffin with a glass lid, that he would threaten to murder and display Ronnie's corpse if she ever tried to escape, the house or the relationship. When she was permitted to go out by Phil; which was very rare in her case. She had to drive with a life-sized doll that looked identical to Phil. Just like Phil, Ronnie drank all her problems away, and was able to use her AA (alcohol anonymous support group meetings.) meetings as a get-away. Unfortunately their children were also tormented and weren't free; as you are supposed to be at that age. Their children would be locked in their room for long periods of time, with buckets in the corner of their rooms to dispose of human waste. They all seem to be alive today and are in their 50's.

It's 1972 and Ronnie has a tiny window for her escape. She had to crawl out of a broken window with the help of her mother, and she has narrowly managed to be free. The divorce left her with nothing other than her life being in jeopardy. Phil allegedly threatened to hire a hitman if Ronnie did not forfeit any future record earnings as well as, pulling out a gun on her multiple times if she did not give Phil full custody of their children.

Ronnie ended up re-marrying and having kids, and releasing her memoir but not until after her death; lung cancer, (may Ronnie rest in peace 2022).

In 2003 Phil killed a woman of name of: Lana Clarkson, who was an actress at the time. Phil clocked it up to be an "accidental suicide" even though his driver ended up calling 911 after Phill had stated "i think i have killed someone."

The murder trial began in 2007, had a mistrial and then re-trialed in 2008 and then he was charged with second degree murder. Although, what was shocking was that Ronnie was surprised at the time of her death, despite the death-threats she had been given by her own husband (now ex). After 18 appalling days, Phil Spector had been found guilty with all charges, and was sentenced to 19 years to life in prison.

Phil eventually died in 2021, due to a virus. Ronnie actually made a tribute post when the news came out of his passing. She recognised that he was a lousy husband, but couldn't help but smile at the music they created together.

And that is the story of Ronnie and Phil Spector and what the song 'Christmas Kids' by Roar was about.

I hope you enjoyed please comment on what other songs or true crime i should write about. Until next time, bye!

Sending love n light.

(R.I.P Ronnie Spector )