Rock Stars Are Nothin’ But A Bunch Of Drug Addicts And Alcoholics…
October 9, 2008 by Scott
I wrote up a quick bit this morning over at The Rock Dose on The Foo Fighters being upset over John McCain using their song "My Hero" in his campaign promotions without their permission. The point of this is not about the song or politics, but what one person at the original sour, "Popeater.com" commented. Obviously though from some of the comments, most of the people that visit that site are not on the same intelligence level as most anyway. Here is one of the comments that caught my eye and was the stem for this post.
(SIC)"StormeyWorld2: Who the hell are the Foo Fighters anyway? Probablay some drug addicted loser band. Who cares about their stupid music."
One person even said that they are "one hit wonders". I’m not a big Foo Fighters fan. They are a good rock band, but nothing I’m listening to on a regular basis and I would hardly call them "One hit wonders". But that’s not the point. There are countless foolish comments there, it’s worse than Blabbermouth.net.
The point is that people stereotype rock stars more often than not for being drug users when there is just as much, if not more drug use among the pop scene that’s not publicized.
Sure the rock and metal world has been littered with it’s share of users and addicts. It’s no secret that a lot of bands and band members have been involved with drugs, have addictions and have blown a lot of money on drugs, but they are not the only ones.
The entire music and entertainment industry for that matter has their share of users and addicts. Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan, Amy Winehouse, Snoop Dog, and Old Dirty Bastard just to name a few, have all been names that have been in the news over drugs. Hell, Willy Nelson, Johnny Cash, Ray Charles and lot more were all notorious for drug use. It’s not what made them famous, but it was there. Even Master P (if I’m not mistaken) used to talk about "Sippin’ on the sizurp" in his songs, referring to drinking liqueur mixed with cough syrup. If it’s not prescription drugs or illegal drugs, It’s over the counter stuff. I could name countless rock and metal stars that have had drug problems or still do, but I would probably be here all day. The only reason I don’t know more in other genres is because I don’t follow them, I just named the obvious ones that I knew of.
Alcohol is commonly abused by every music industry genre…even the Disney kids. The big difference is that more times than not, alcohol is overlooked because it’s expected from a musician. Some use it as night-caps to sleep better on the tour bus or vans and some just party it up to have fun. Some have serious drinking problems and other can stop whenever they feel like it. Some cause trouble when they drink and others don’t. Just about everyone is guilty.
All I’m saying is that people should look at their own little favorite genre of music and what kind of dirt it’s riddled with before accusing someone of being a drug addict just because they are in the rock genre. It’s that whole "people in glass houses…" thing. If you think that one of your favorite artists/celebrities/musicians has never done drugs or drank alcohol, then you are naive. Even orchestra musicians use beta-blockers to calm their nerves before playing.
When you make assumptions, as we all do, you tend to look twice as stupid as you already are. Don’t be a douche.
Image used with permission from Newscom.com
I feel your frustration. People just stereotype everything. We label everything. Labeling and creating false stereotypes is an excuse for something lacking inside. I could really feel your words. Poetic justice you might say.
These days bands have to work a bit harder to amintain their credibility and most know that to perform a good show and give the fans what they want, you have to be in good physical condition. Save the partying for after the show. Most bands do nothing much more than drink and smoke. I just hate that still after all these years and all the press on other genres that Rock and/or Metal still is stereotyped with drugs when the problem is all around. Everyone has their skeletons and vices. To think that the Pop or Country scene is innocent because they are more mainstream is not only ignorant but extremely stupid. Even christian bands (ex. Underoath) has had substance issues.
I agree – that’s why I have so much respect for Justin Hawkins who was the singer for The Darkness. He quit everything, including the band, in order to take care of himself. I don’t know how you go from doing 300,000 dollars worth of cocaine in a year to being straight, but he did – and my hat is off to him, because it also backs up what you were saying about how its everywhere. Granted that Hawkins was a rocker, but he also quit cold turkey. He did what most pop stars can’t do, and he was in a more fast paced scene.
Its sad that alot of ppl let drugs takeover there music. Ive seen alot of awesome players turn into junkies and theres nothing u can really do.
I don’t know what the f*** you were listening to…but the foo fighters are the best band in the world. dave grohl was in nirvana with the man himself! anyone who was in a band with him is the shit!!! Shut the f*** up!!!
Um…who you talkin’ to, dude?…and it’s cool to use the word FUCK in comments. Everyone else does. I won;t censor you, so don’t censor yourself.