10 Rock and Roll Legends Who Nearly Died
via Waterstones / YouTube
Rock and roll, while thrilling and electrifying, often walks hand in hand with danger. The adrenaline-fueled lifestyle of touring, coupled with the temptations of drugs and alcohol, can lead some musicians perilously close to the edge of life itself. These legendary figures of rock and roll have faced harrowing experiences that nearly cost them their lives, each tale a testament to the fragility of existence in the world of music.
These rock and roll legends, though they may have brushed shoulders with death, emerged stronger and more resilient than ever. Their tales serve as cautionary reminders of the perils of fame and excess, yet also inspire awe at the indomitable spirit of rock and roll.
Brian Johnson
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AC/DC frontman Brian Johnson, known for his passion for cars and amateur racing, encountered a spine-chilling moment on the track in 2011. Racing at a blistering speed of 150 miles per hour, Johnson faced a heart-stopping situation when the steering wheel detached while hurtling towards a right-hand turn.
Describing the nerve-wracking ordeal, Johnson recalled, “I was doing about a buck and a half down the straightaway, just shaking it down coming to the right-hand turn, and the steering wheel came away. The whole steering column, everything.” With split-second reflexes, Johnson managed to avert disaster, bringing the vehicle to a halt mere inches from the unforgiving cement barrier.
Reflecting on the intensity of the moment, Johnson humorously remarked, “Let me tell ya, my sphincter was going like a rabbit’s nose.
Alice Cooper
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Alice Cooper, the pioneer of shock rock, narrowly evaded death on stage when a safety precaution malfunctioned during a rehearsal. In a harrowing moment, Cooper narrowly escaped being hanged during a live performance, highlighting the perilous nature of his theatrical performances.
This brush with disaster serves as a chilling reminder of the inherent risks involved in Cooper’s electrifying stage antics. Despite the close call, Cooper’s indomitable spirit and unwavering dedication to his craft endured.
Mick Jagger
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Mick Jagger, the legendary frontman of The Rolling Stones, encountered a menacing threat offstage when the Hell’s Angels, hired as security for a concert, set their sights on him for retaliation. Plotting an ambush at his home, the bikers sought revenge, posing a grave danger to Jagger’s life.
However, fortune intervened with a stroke of luck, thwarting the bikers’ plans and sparing Jagger from a potentially fatal encounter. Despite the ominous specter of danger looming, Jagger emerged unscathed, his resilience and fortitude prevailing against the odds.
James Hetfield
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James Hetfield, the frontman of Metallica, faced a harrowing ordeal during a concert in Montreal when a pyrotechnic mishap engulfed him in flames. Despite sustaining severe burns, Hetfield’s indomitable spirit prevailed as he demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of adversity.
Refusing to let the incident extinguish his passion for music, Hetfield bravely returned to the stage, his determination undiminished by the brush with death. His courageous comeback serves as a powerful testament to the unwavering commitment and perseverance of a true rock icon.
Paul McCartney
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Paul McCartney, a living legend in the world of music, faced a brush with mortality in 2012 that sent shockwaves through his legions of fans. While conspiracy theorists may debate the existence of the “real” McCartney, there’s no denying the heart-stopping moment he experienced aboard a helicopter with his wife Nancy Shevell.
As they approached a landing spot at McCartney’s East Sussex estate, the pilot encountered disorientation, likely exacerbated by adverse weather conditions. The Daily Mail recounted the harrowing incident, noting that the helicopter narrowly averted disaster as it veered away from rain-lashed treetops in a split-second decision.
Slash
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Slash, the iconic guitarist of Guns N’ Roses, found himself on the brink of death during the tumultuous excesses of a world tour. Pushed to the edge by the ravages of substance abuse, his body succumbed to a life-threatening overdose. In a moment of peril, Slash’s mortality hung in the balance.
However, against all odds, he was revived from the brink of death, a testament to his inner strength and resilience. This brush with mortality served as a stark reminder that even rock gods are mortal, susceptible to the perils of excess and indulgence. Slash’s journey underscores the fragility of life and the importance of confronting one’s demons in order to emerge stronger on the other side.
Steven Tyler
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Steven Tyler, the legendary frontman of Aerosmith, confronted the specter of mortality in a chilling moment on stage. Enveloped in a drug-induced stupor, Tyler teetered on the precipice of life and death before a swift intervention intervened. Saved from the brink by quick-thinking individuals, Tyler’s brush with death served as a sobering wake-up call amidst the whirlwind of excess that often accompanies the rock and roll lifestyle.
Emerging from this perilous encounter, Tyler emerged with a newfound clarity and appreciation for the fragility of life. His resilience in the face of adversity stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of rock and roll, reminding us all of the importance of cherishing each moment and embracing the gift of existence.
Nikki Sixx
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Nikki Sixx, the bassist of Motley Crue, confronted mortality head-on during a harrowing encounter with a heroin overdose. In a moment of darkness, Sixx found himself lifeless, teetering on the edge of the abyss. However, fate intervened, and paramedics arrived in the nick of time, administering life-saving measures that pulled him back from the brink of death.
Confronted with the fragility of life, Sixx emerged from this near-death experience with a profound appreciation for the precious gift of existence. His journey serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of overcoming adversity.
Elton John
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Elton John, an iconic figure in the music industry, has faced harrowing challenges throughout his life, including moments of profound despair and brushes with death. In 1975, amidst personal struggles, he made a desperate attempt on his own life by consuming a staggering 85 Valium pills and throwing himself into his own pool.
In a more recent and equally frightening ordeal, Elton confronted a life-threatening situation in 2017 following surgery for prostate cancer in South Africa. The typically resilient star experienced unexpected complications from the procedure, leading to excruciating pain and discomfort. Recounting the ordeal to Today, he revealed, “I had complications as a result of that, which is very unlucky, and I was in great pain.” Upon returning to England, Elton’s health deteriorated further as he battled a severe virus acquired during his time in South Africa, which brought him to the brink of death.
The gravity of the infection necessitated extensive medical intervention, with John confined under doctors’ care for a grueling 11 days.
Ozzy Osbourne
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Ozzy Osbourne, known as the Prince of Darkness, faced a life-altering ATV accident that nearly cost him his life. In a terrifying turn of events, Osbourne found himself in a coma for a staggering eight days following the catastrophic incident. However, fate intervened, and he was miraculously revived by a vigilant assistant who acted swiftly in a critical moment.
Despite overcoming this initial brush with death, Osbourne’s resilience was put to the test once again when he encountered medical complications in the years that followed. The enduring rock icon’s journey is a testament to his indomitable spirit and unwavering determination to defy the odds, emerging stronger with each trial he faces.
