Fame is definitely not for everyone. In fact, I’d say it’s not for most people. Fame often comes with copious amounts of money, attention, responsibilities, and less-than-healthy positions on pedestals that most famous musicians never expected. Sadly, the following four musicians suffered, in part, because of the fame they received. Let’s explore their stories and let them serve as cautionary tales. Fame really isn’t everything.
Kurt Cobain
Any recovering addict knows that a sudden influx of fame and money when someone is deep in active addiction can lead to almost certain death. Sadly, that was likely what contributed to the death of Nirvana’s famed vocalist, Kurt Cobain.
Cobain struggled with substance abuse, which was made even worse by the explosive fame of Nirvana. Cobain, who was content to be an underground artist, wasn’t thrilled about the band becoming the next big thing in rock. And even the “love” of countless fans often won’t get through to someone who struggles with depression. Cobain’s death was a tragedy, and one can’t help but wonder if he would have survived had he not been tossed into the world of sudden fame.
Amy Winehouse
Amy Winehouse might be one of the most famous examples of why fame can be damaging. The talented crooner shot to stardom in a very short amount of time. She was constantly interrogated by the press about her personal life, relationships, and struggles with substance abuse.
Winehouse spiraled, which only gave the press more to cover. The pressure would become too much, and Winehouse would pass away at only 27 years old from what her family described as a combination of alcohol poisoning and the effects of an eating disorder. She deserved so much better.
Brian Wilson
Brian Wilson was an incomparable talent. He deserved to be famous, considering how talented a songwriter and musician he was as part of The Beach Boys. And it didn’t seem like he cared about fame all that much; he just wanted to share music with the world.
Sadly, the fame became too much for him. Infamously, Wilson suffered from a nervous breakdown between two scheduled concerts decades ago. He would take some time off, which turned into an almost indefinite hiatus. However, and thankfully, Wilson never stopped exploring and experimenting with music.
Syd Barrett
Syd Barrett is probably the most famous of all musicians out there who suffered as a result of their fame. Though, Barrett’s struggles went beyond the enormous fame Pink Floyd earned. He struggled with his mental health, which was made worse by his use of psychedelic substances.
He’s one of the most well-known casualties of his era. And while he deserves to be recognized as a legend, one can’t help but think his spiral could have been avoided if the rock star lifestyle had never happened to him.
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