Which Rock Band Did the Most Drugs in the 1960s and 1970s?
When discussing the most intoxicated rock bands during the 1960s and 1970s, the conversation often leads to iconic names such as Black Sabbath, Motley Crue, and the Grateful Dead. However, the question of which band indulged in the most unlawful substances remains a subject of great debate. This article delves into the drug habits of some of the most famous rock bands and individual members, exploring the extent to which rock legends embraced a lifestyle of substance abuse.
Black Sabbath: The Sound of Dope?
Black Sabbath is a legendary band whose music often speaks of darker themes, but it’s the band’s hidden history of drug use that may have contributed to their unique sound and possibly their longevity. While many would argue that Black Sabbath was not the most heavily involved in drug use, their reputation for heavy metal music and their rise in the 1970s coincided with a time when drug culture was prevalent.
Motley Crue: The Poisons of Glam Rock
Motley Crue, on the other hand, is often regarded as one of the most drug-addled bands of the era. Stories about their substance abuse are almost as legendary as their music. During their initial rise in the 1980s, band members like Tommy Lee and Vince Neil were not only reported to have used a multitude of drugs, but they were also known to maintain a constant stream of illegal substances on tour and in their home.
Grateful Dead: The Kings of Casual Use
The Grateful Dead, with their constant touring and expanding fan base, created a culture that was deeply intertwined with drug use. Jerry Garcia, in particular, once remarked on Aerosmith's drug usage, highlighting the shocking amount of substances used by band members. This laid bare the casual nature of drug use in the rock scene, making the Grateful Dead one of the bands most associated with pervasive drug culture.
The Rolling Stones: Partiers Extraordinaire
Although the Rolling Stones are often not first thought of as a "druggie" group, several band members have been involved in heavy drug use. Keith Richards, for instance, was famously known as "Mr. Dope" and battled heroin addiction for a decade. Mick Taylor, Charlie Watts, and Brian Jones also had their battles with substances, though Brian arguably held back from using one specific drug. Cocaine was always present, and cigarettes and marijuana were common as well.
Metallica: James Hetfield's Struggle
When it comes to Metallica, the lead singer James Hetfield has admitted to the severe extent of his drug problem. His fight with drugs came to a head, nearly leading to his death. There are stories of him stealing the band's equipment to fund his drug habit, and Alice Cooper famously advised him to slow down and cut back on his substance use.
Other Notable Bands and Members
Other bands and members who are often mentioned in the context of heavy drug use include Ozzy Osbourne, Steven Tyler from Aerosmith, and Joe Perry, as well as Keith Richards. Ozzy's personal struggles are well documented, and Steven Tyler and Joe Perry are not strangers to controversial behavior, often revealing their own battles with substance abuse. Keith Richards, as mentioned earlier, was also known to battle a long-term addiction to heroin.
In conclusion, while the answer to which rock band did the most drugs is complex and open to debate, several bands, including Grateful Dead, Motley Crue, and the Rolling Stones, particularly stand out. These bands not only shaped the sound of rock music but also their chaotic and often perilous lifestyles are integral to their cultural legacy.