Kip Winger not too long ago talked about substance abuse in rock music on the Scars and Guitars podcast. He recalled his experiences with Jani Lane, the late singer of Warrant. “Jani was the nicest man ever when he wasn’t drunk,” Winger stated. “I don’t know why, however some individuals wrestle with ingesting. It’s a tricky factor.”
Winger additionally talked about Vince Neil from Mötley Crüe. “He’s the nicest man when he’s sober, however when he’s drunk, he’s the worst individual you’ll ever meet.”
Reflecting on the Nineteen Eighties rock scene, Winger criticized the celebration way of life that many musicians adopted. “Bands like Weapons N’ Roses made ingesting appear cool, and lots of people copied that. However that was by no means my factor—I simply needed to be a greater musician.”
He additionally dismissed the concept that overdosing was glamorous, saying, “Some musicians brag of their books about almost dying from medication. However truthfully, for those who OD’d, it’s since you made a silly selection.”
Substance abuse was a significant situation in Nineteen Eighties rock music, however some artists have overcome their struggles. Slash from Weapons N’ Roses and Randy Blythe from Lamb of God are examples of musicians who turned their lives round via sobriety.
Many artists have additionally used their music to specific their struggles. Songs like Alcohol by The Kinks and Residing Life by the Drop by Stevie Ray Vaughan spotlight the darkish facet of dependancy.
Winger’s concentrate on musicianship over partying reveals a change within the rock world. Extra musicians at present see sobriety as the important thing to long-term success.