Blood on the Setlist – Host-Free Printable Game Night Mystery

Rex Griffin, the notorious frontman of legendary rock band The Screaming Phantoms, is dead—stabbed in his penthouse after years of scandals, betrayals, and burned bridges. What was supposed to be a tribute night has turned into something much darker, as eight people who knew Rex best gather to mourn... and to hide their secrets.

The police have found threatening notes. There are signs of a struggle. And everyone in the room had a reason to want Rex Griffin silenced forever.

The Suspects

You're not just investigating any murder—you're diving into the toxic world of The Screaming Phantoms, where fame, money, and ego created a perfect storm of deadly motives:

Vincent "Vinnie" Steele - The money-hungry manager who saw Rex as a cash cow. With Rex dead, is he losing millions... or making more?

Jett Wilder - Rex's childhood friend turned bitter rival. The lead guitarist who always wanted to be the frontman. Would he kill for the spotlight?

Zeke "Zephy" Cross - The superfan with a restraining order for stalking Rex. His obsession knew no bounds—but did it lead to murder?

Lola Monroe - Rex's glamorous widow, already shopping for a new yacht since his death. Did she plan to cash out early from their marriage?

Cassie Lane - The overworked publicist who covered up all of Rex's messes. But murder? That's one PR nightmare she can't fix.

Ricky Thunder - The wildest member of the band, famous for throwing hotel TVs into pools. But is murder just another level of rockstar rebellion?

DJ Smooth D - The rival rapper who never forgave Rex for a viral diss track. He claims he's here to make peace, but his glares say otherwise.

Ethan "Echo" Monroe - The mysterious bassist who knew Rex's darkest secrets—secrets that could ruin lives.

What Makes This Murder Mystery Different

No Host Stress: Unlike traditional murder mystery games, this one runs itself. The structure is so clear that you can dive right in without someone having to manage the experience. Perfect for when you want to be a player, not a referee.

Authentic Music Industry Drama: Every character feels real—from the struggling songwriter to the ambitious manager to the superfan who crossed every boundary. The setting isn't just window dressing; it's integral to the motives and relationships.

Flexible Gameplay: Whether you're hosting a dinner party or just want a compelling game night activity, this adapts to your setting. Play it over a meal, with drinks, or just gathered around the table with the evidence spread out between you.

Interactive Evidence: You're not just talking through the mystery—you're handling screenshots, documents, and clues that make the investigation feel tangible and real.

The Experience You'll Have

Picture this: You're assigned your character—maybe you're the bitter lead guitarist who always lived in Rex's shadow, or the obsessive fan whose devotion crossed dangerous lines. As the game progresses through five intense rounds, secrets emerge naturally through conversation.

Round 1 starts with surface-level grievances and reactions to Rex's death. By Round 2, past conflicts and hidden motives begin surfacing. Round 3 introduces crucial evidence—love letters and threatening notes that change everything. Round 4 becomes a pressure cooker of bold accusations and desperate defenses. Finally, Round 5 brings the dramatic revelation and confession.

The genius of this game is that only the murderer can lie—everyone else must tell the truth based on their character information. This creates authentic tension as players try to separate fact from fiction, truth from manipulation.

By the final round, accusations are flying and alliances are crumbling. The truth about who killed Rex Griffin comes out in a dramatic revelation that usually surprises everyone—including the killer.