Famous musicians with drug problems

Tom Petty

Drug Addiction In the late 1990s, Petty struggled with heroin addiction, which he overcame after seeking treatment. He openly discussed this period in later interviews, emphasizing the importance of recovery.

Michael McDonald

Gossip Some drug problems but known for his down-to-earth personality, McDonald has largely avoided major controversies, focusing instead on his music, charity work, and collaborations.

James Brown

James Brown had numerous legal and personal issues throughout his life, including arrests and charges related to drug use and domestic violence.

Wu Tang Clan

Ol' Dirty Bastard tragically passed away due to a drug overdose, deeply impacting the group.

Mick Jagger

Drug Use Jagger's early career was marked by drug use and several high-profile arrests, which contributed to his rebellious image.

Nelly

In 2015, Nelly was arrested for felony possession of drugs, simple possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He later reached a plea deal, and some charges were dropped.

Whitney Houston

Marriage to Bobby Brown Whitney's tumultuous marriage to singer Bobby Brown was highly publicized and marred by allegations of drug use and domestic disputes.

Drug Addiction Whitney struggled with drug addiction for many years, which significantly impacted her career and public image.

Ozzy Osbourne

Drug and Alcohol Issues Osbourne has been open about his struggles with substance abuse, which led to multiple legal and health issues over the years.

Black Sabbath

Substance Abuse The band members, particularly Osbourne, were known for their heavy drug and alcohol use, which often led to internal conflicts.

Elton John

Substance Abuse Elton John struggled with addiction to drugs and alcohol during the 1980s but has been sober since 1990.

Biggie Smalls

Legal Troubles Throughout his career, Biggie faced several legal issues, including arrests for weapons and drug charges.

Johnny Cash

Addiction Struggles Cash struggled with drug and alcohol addiction for much of his early career, which led to numerous legal troubles and health issues.

Huey Lewis

1983 Achieve major success with the album "Sports” which includes hits like "Heart and Soul" and "I Want a New Drug."

Lawsuit with Ray Parker Jr. Huey Lewis and the News were involved in a legal dispute with Ray Parker Jr. over the similarities between "Ghostbusters" and "I Want a New Drug”. The case was settled out of court.

Red Hot Chili Peppers

Drug Problems The band has had its share of struggles with drug addiction, particularly Kiedis and Slovak. Slovak's death was a turning point for the band.

Ray Charles

Drug Addiction Ray Charles struggled with heroin addiction for many years, which led to several arrests in the 1950s and 1960s. He eventually overcame his addiction in the mid-1960s.

Legal Issues He faced multiple arrests related to drug possession, but after overcoming his addiction, he became an advocate against drug use.

David Bowie

Drug Use In the 1970s, Bowie struggled with addiction, particularly to cocaine, which influenced his work and public persona.

Eminem

Controversial Lyrics Eminem has faced criticism and legal issues due to his provocative and often explicit lyrics, which address themes of violence, drug use, and personal struggles.

Sex Pistols

Infamous US Tour Their 1978 US tour was marked by violence, drug abuse, and disastrous performances, ultimately leading to the band's breakup.

Snoop Dogg

Legal Troubles Snoop Dogg has faced multiple legal issues, including drug possession charges and a 1993 charge for being an accomplice to murder, from which he was acquitted.

Free

Paul Kossoff's Struggles Guitarist Paul Kossoff struggled with drug addiction, which affected his health and contributed to the band's internal tensions. He tragically died of a drug-related heart attack in 1976 at the age of 25.

Elvis Presley

Struggled with prescription drug addiction, which ultimately contributed to his untimely death at the age of 42.

Keith Richards

Often called the human cockroach for his impressive survival of a lifetime of hard drug taking Keith is the archetypal Rock 'n' Roll star.

'I've never had a problem with drugs. I've had problems with the police.

Cream

Drug Use The band's history is marred by heavy drug use, particularly heroin, which affected their music and personal lives.

Miles Davis

Drug Addiction Davis struggled with heroin addiction in the early 1950s, which temporarily derailed his career.

Def Leppard

Steve Clark's Death Guitarist Steve Clark struggled with alcoholism and died in 1991 due to alcohol poisoning and drug overdose.

Aerosmith

1980 Band experiences turmoil due to drug addiction, leading to Perry and Whitford leaving the band.

Drug Addiction The band's struggles with drug addiction in the 1970s and early 1980s are well-documented, leading to multiple breakups and reunions.

Paul Kossoff

He died at 25 of a drug overdose whilst on an aeroplane.

Jimi Hendrix

Drug Use Hendrix's struggles with drug use contributed to his untimely death at the age of 27, joining the "27 Club" of musicians who died at that age (Jim Morrison, Kurt Cobain, Amy Winehouse.

AC-DC

Legal Troubles Drummer Phil Rudd has faced various legal issues, including charges related to drug possession and threats to kill, leading to his temporary departure from the band.

David Gilmour

The Floyd began as a psychedelic band in the hazy 1960’s. Fully immersed in druggy culture. David has only ever commented…

‘You know, once you've had that guitar up so loud on the stage, where you can lean back and volume will stop you from falling backward, that's a hard drug to kick.

The Rolling Stones

1969 on 6 December, a free rock concert headlined by The Rolling Stones at the Altamont Speedway outside San Francisco devolved into a disaster of violence that instantly took on mythical status. Hells Angels – who were loosely hired to police the event – committed a gruesome murder right in front of the stage, stabbing a drugged-out youth. It was a low point in the band’s career.

1977 Richards had a drug bust in Canada

1967 Redlands drug bust involving Jagger, Richards, and Jones.

Eric Clapton

Drug Addiction Clapton struggled with heroin addiction in the early 1970s, but eventually overcame it and later battled alcoholism.