Amy Winehouse: 1983 - 2011

My first thoughts when I learned of, Amy Winehouse’s death on Saturday whilst sitting on a beach in Long Island, NY were utter sadness, but not shock. Having unfortunately watched the disturbing videos of what turned out to be her last live show in Serbia, it was clear that despite still having an amazing voice, she was at the lowest ebb of her various addictions. It begs the question - Why didn’t her corner throw in the white towel on that occasion and countless others prior? If that Serbian show was a boxing match, the towel would have been thrown in before the first round was over. Stars and celebs are often used and abused by their ‘friends’, ‘family’ and ‘management’ (see Hendrix, Pressley and countless others as evidence). The only element of shock that I had was that this tragedy hadn’t happened sooner…there was a sense of inevitability that, Winehouse would meet her end in tragic circumstances sometime soon. Indeed, a good friend of mine who previously worked with ‘Blender’ magazine once told me the story of an interview/photo shoot that he and some other colleagues conducted in 2007. On that occasion, she turned up with her entourage several hours late and out of her mind on a cocktail of substances. She was constantly falling asleep throughout before she perked up every twenty minutes or so (having taken a hit of something in the bathroom). The writers and photographers had three or four minutes of questions/shooting before the next obvious crash and revisit to the bathroom to whereby she could ‘fix herself up’. Following this incident, my friend suggested that she would be dead in 12 months. Thankfully he was wrong, Winehouse extended her life a little longer than that, but sadly not too much longer.   

I am generally not a fan of female vocalists, but, Winehouse soon joined the exclusive list (Tracy Chapman, Janis Joplin, Stevie Nicks, Adele, Aretha Franklin) when I heard her second album, released in 2006, ‘Back to Black’ for the first time. This diminutive, sleek singer from the north of London was soulful, sexy, sultry and strong and the sound absolutely blew me away.   

Winehouse found success and fame at the tender age of 20 with her debut album 'Frank' in 2003. This was nominated for the Mercury Prize and went on to go triple platinum in the UK. It was however, 'Back To Black' which elevated, Winehouse to global success. This in all truth was the first I had heard of the north London artist and singles such as 'Rehab', 'You Know I'm No Good' and 'Love Is A Losing Game' made, Winehouse an instant hit across the world. 'Back To Black' became an eight times platinum hit in the UK and double platinum in the US. Not to mention a meager five Grammy's that were awarded the following year. The, Mark Ronson produced, 'Zutons' song, 'Valerie' is also more than a notable mention.

Winehouse's battle with substance abuse were, as expected, very well documented. From self-harm and depression to eating disorders and hard drug abuse...they were part of the package. She had several spells in rehabilitation as she tried to kick the habits. The British tabloids led their merry dance (as they usually do). Her friendship with, 'Libertines' front man and heroine addict, Pete Doherty made the front pages when they filmed themselves playing with a litter of baby mice.

Last month, Winehouse cancelled her European tour after a hard to watch gig in Belgrade, Serbia where she appeared too drug and intoxicated to perform.  For those who booed her at this performance, I find it hard to comprehend. When you buy tickets to the circus, you expect a clown. The photos and performances of early, Winehouse on, 'Frank' and, 'Back to Black' portray a serene, settled and full of vitality, Winehouse. Sadly her success was ultimately her peril and the talented young lady with a world in front of her joined what the American press call the '27 club'.

I was touched by the words of Winehouse’s father, Mitch at her funeral when he said that his daughter had overcome her addition to drugs and was "trying hard" to conquer her problems with alcohol, saying that she had "just completed three weeks of abstinence" and that she was keen to get sober, telling him: "Dad I've had enough, I can't stand the look on your and the family's faces any more." She won't have to face those she loves with shame any more. One can only hope that she died peacefully and with a smile on her face. The music she left behind will certainly live for a very long time and put smiles on the faces of millions across the globe.

 (I have been completely turned off and critical of NME's writing and musical stance over the past few years, but it has to be said, this is a superb cover)

 

Some tributes on Amy:

 

Lady Gaga: 'Amy changed pop music forever, I remember knowing there was hope, and feeling not alone because of her. She lived jazz, she lived the blues.'
Sir Elton John: called her ‘a seminal artist’, adding: ‘She was one of the greatest artists this country has ever produced.’

Lily Allen: ‘It’s just beyond sad, there’s nothing else to say. She was such a lost soul, may she rest in peace.’

Kelly Osbourne: ‘I can’t even breath right now I’m crying so hard I just lost one of my best friends. I love you for ever Amy and will never forget the real you!’

Baby Spice, Emma Bunton: ‘Such sad news about Amy Winehouse. My thoughts are with her family.’

Radio DJ Fearne Cotton: ‘Amy was a special girl. The saddest news.’

Billy Bragg: 'It's not the age that Hendrix, Jones, Joplin, Cobain and Amy have in common - it's drug abuse, sadly #27club.'
 

Sara Cox: ‘Oh no. Was hoping it wasn’t true. RIP Amy. Just such a massive waste. Our thoughts are with her family.’