“What is the 27 Club?” Many people ask after the deaths of so many celebrities at the young age of 27. The 27 Club is an exclusive club that can only be joined by celebrities when they die at the age of 27. Several well-known celebrities have passed away at this specific age from various causes: suicide, homicide, overdose, or freak accidents. The first mention of the club was after the passing of Kurt Cobain when fans connected his age to Jim Morrison, Janis Joplin, Brian Jones, and Jimi Hendrix, who all happened to die at the age of 27 as well. 

    In 2019, rapper Juice Wrld passed away at the age of 21, but in a song he released earlier that year, he mentions the 27 Club in his song “Legends,” saying “What’s the 27 Club? We ain’t making it past 21.” Referring to the 27 Club in his song made the club more popular among the younger generations, causing them to do more research. 

     There are a few theories behind the 27 Club and why the age of 27 is so significant. It is thought that these celebrities who became a part of the 27 Club had sold their souls to the devil to obtain fame and talent, and in exchange, their debt would be paid at the age of 27. Musical artist Robert Johnson was thought to have sold his soul for his talent and was poisoned at 27, which is why many believe this theory.

    Astrologists say that the effects of the planet  Saturn can be felt more heavily at the age of 27 which causes you to live more recklessly, increasing the chances of death. The Saturn Return is a theory saying that when the planet Saturn reaches the same place in the sky as someone’s birth that they will die. Typically this would happen after around 29-30 years, but in some cases it would happen after only 27. In most cases, becoming a part of the 27 Club is seen as a curse, but in this theory, it is seen as an unfortunate and rare combination of planets on your birthday. This theory makes sense, yet is still not proven. 

    When asked if he knew about the 27 Club, sophomore Josh Horwitz said, “It is kinda odd how all these great actors and artists die at the same age.” Agreeing with the confusion behind it all, he continued, “I mean it could be on purpose.” All people who know about the 27 Club still wonder why 27 seems to be such a significant age in pop culture, both recently and historically. So now there is one question left; do you believe these deaths have a purposeful connection, or is it all just a coincidence?