7 Classic Rockers Too Wasted to Perform
Silver Screen Nostalgia / YouTube
Alcohol and drugs have long been part of the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle. Occasionally, however, these vices have led to some infamous on-stage blunders. Here are the stories of seven iconic musicians who, due to heavy intoxication, found themselves too wasted to perform live.
Grace Slick (1978 European Tour)
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During a 1978 European tour, the former Jefferson Airplane frontwoman, Grace Slick, succumbed to excessive alcohol consumption. On this ill-fated night, her inebriation soured her performance, leading to her dismissal from the band. Slick’s incoherent behavior, punctuated by offensive remarks directed at the audience, marred the show and left a lasting stain on her rock legacy.
Keith Moon (San Francisco 1973)
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Legendary drummer Keith Moon, known for his wild antics, faced a moment of overwhelming intoxication during a San Francisco gig in 1973. In a bizarre turn of events, he faltered on stage, eventually collapsing and requiring urgent medical attention. This incident marked a rare and troubling low for the drummer who, more often than not, dominated the stage with his electrifying performances.
David Lee Roth (U.S. Festival 1983)
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At the 1983 U.S. Festival, Van Halen’s frontman, David Lee Roth, took the stage in an incoherent state, leading to a shambolic performance that saw him stumbling through lyrics and causing discord between the band and their audience. Roth’s public struggles with intoxication painted a stark contrast to his typically charismatic on-stage persona, tarnishing the band’s reputation.
Eddie Van Halen (Reunion Tour 2004)
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Following a tumultuous period, Van Halen’s reunion tour in 2004 proved challenging for guitarist Eddie Van Halen. Struggling with his own intoxication, he delivered a lackluster performance, culminating in a moment of sheer frustration where he smashed his guitar on stage. This disastrous ending marked the definitive breakdown of the tour and led to strained relationships within the band.
Jim Morrison (New Orleans 1970)
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The Doors’ enigmatic frontman, Jim Morrison, was no stranger to alcohol-fueled spectacles. During a 1968 European tour, Morrison’s excessive intoxication led to a catastrophic performance in Amsterdam, overshadowing the talents of his bandmates. In a separate incident in New Orleans in 1970, Morrison’s erratic behavior and slurred delivery marred what would become the final live performance by The Doors.
Billy Joel (Soviet Union 1987)
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Renowned musician Billy Joel experienced his own brush with onstage intoxication, notably during a Soviet Union concert in 1987. His intoxication led to an uncharacteristically unrefined musical display, tarnishing his reputation as a consummate performer. This misstep served as a blemish on Joel’s otherwise distinguished career, demonstrating the pitfalls of succumbing to substance abuse.
Vince Neil
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During a concert in Knoxville in 1995, Mötley Crüe’s frontman Vince Neil’s intoxication resulted in a subpar performance, causing disappointment among both band members and concert-goers. Neil’s struggle with substance abuse served as a recurring theme throughout his career, culminating in this regrettable display that left a lasting mark on the band’s live reputation.
