It feels like the days of sex, drugs and rock and roll are long gone, and while that might not be as interesting to fans in the stories that follow the music industry around – after all, when was the last time we saw a Rolls Royce driven into a swimming pool? – it is good for the health of the stars we love, the performances they give, and reducing the number of heroes that enter that unfortunate 27 club!
Yes, rock and roll has gotten a little more healthy these days, whether that be new bands coming through and ensuring they’re fit and healthy for shows or those that have been around the scene for some time and have sought out alcohol or drug rehab to get sober and live their life in a more health conscious manner.
However, we do also live in a time where there are more people struggling with alcohol and drug addiction and, actually, looking to our favourite musicians and rock stars can these days be a powerful source of inspiration.
So if you are, or you know someone who is, struggling, it could well be worth reading the stories of the following music legends to see how it is possible to come back from challenges and embrace a healthier, sober life…
Elton John
Elton John recently celebrated retirement after a long and established career that could well have been cut short had he not tackled his addictions in the late 80s and early 1990s. He’s been sober since 1990 after well documented struggles with drugs and alcohol and has long since spoken candidly about them.
His commitment to sobriety has been transformational for him, being one of the most sought after tickets for decades before finally going out with a bang at Glastonbury last year. Had he not given up drugs, it’s likely he wouldn’t be enjoying retirement with his family today.
Eric Clapton
Renowned as one of the greatest guitarists of all time, Eric Clapton has been sober since 1987 after going through heroin rehab to tackle his problems with drugs. It was believed at one stage he’d spend £8,000 per week on heroin, completely withdrawing from the music industry.
However, he chose to seek help, which marked a real turning point in his life. Today, not only will you find him back on stage, but he’s also opened his own rehabilitation centre in Antigua, which helps others that have faced similar battles to him.
Florence Welch
Florence Welch is the phenomenal frontwoman of Florence + The Machine, but around a decade ago she believed that alcohol was truly going to kill her if she didn’t change. Much of her early career was blighted by heavy drinking in order to cope with fame, but there came a breaking point in 2014 where change was needed.
She’s spoken openly about her journey to sobriety, which is well worth exploring and is an inspirational story in committing to self-care and leading a more fulfilling life.
Eminem
Marshall Mathers, better known as Eminem, has been sober since 2008. His struggle with prescription drug addiction nearly cost him his life, as he battled an overdose in 2007. Eminem’s journey to sobriety is a compelling story of overcoming immense personal challenges to reclaim his health and career.
Since getting sober, Eminem has produced some of his most critically acclaimed work, demonstrating that it is possible to achieve professional success and personal well-being simultaneously. His story is an inspiration to many who face similar struggles, proving that recovery is possible even from the darkest places.
Lana Del Rey
Finally, the reemergence of Lana Del Rey over the last few years has been incredible to see, with a real return to form with album Did You Know That There’s A Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd.
However, she’s been sober for almost 20 years now and has been outspoken in her commitment to that when it comes to maintaining her mental health and artistic clarity. It’s an incredibly powerful message not only to younger musicians who may be facing the pressures of drugs and alcohol, but also to young people globally in doing what they want on their terms.
