Music has the power to touch people in ways that words alone cannot. It has the ability to lift our spirits and provide a form of escape, even if only for a moment. Some musicians have chosen to lead a sober lifestyle and have used their talent and platform to inspire others and raise awareness about the importance of sobriety.
Here is a list of 18 sober musicians who have made an impact in the music industry:
- Eminem – Known for his raw lyrics and powerful performances, Eminem has been sober for over a decade. He has been open about his struggles with addiction and how he was able to overcome it. Eminem Opens Up About Getting Sober Over a Decade After His Near-Fatal Drug Overdose | Vanity Fair
- Ed Sheeran – The singer-songwriter has been open about his decision to stop drinking and has spoken about how it has positively impacted his career and personal life. Ed Sheeran Opens Up About Struggles with Alcohol, Eating Disorder | Complex
- Pink – The pop singer has been sober for over a decade and has been open about her struggles with addiction and how she was able to overcome it. Pink: I thought I was an alcoholic | Metro News
- Elton John – The legendary singer-songwriter has been sober for over 20 years and is an advocate for addiction recovery. Elton John on Getting Sober and His Advice for Recovery – Variety
- Demi Lovato – The pop singer has been open about her struggles with addiction and has used her platform to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and addiction recovery. Demi Lavota Dancing with the Devil Docuseries (thesobercurator.com)
- Eric Clapton – The rock musician has been sober for over two decades and has been open about his struggles with addiction and how he was able to overcome it. The day Eric Clapton almost died (faroutmagazine.co.uk)
- Katy Perry – The pop singer has been sober for several years and has been open about her decision to stop drinking and how it has positively impacted her life.
- Kelly Clarkson – The pop singer is sober “sometimes” and has been open about her decision to stop drinking and has spoken about how it has positively impacted her life and career. Katy Perry Explained Why She Goes Through ‘Phases’ Without Drinking (shape.com)
- Sia – The singer-songwriter has been sober for several years and has been open about her struggles with addiction and how she was able to overcome it. Sia Says She Entered Rehab Following Relapse After Backlash to ‘Music’ Film | Entertainment Tonight (etonline.com)
- Ozzy Osbourne – The rock musician has been sober for over a decade and has been open about his struggles with addiction and how he was able to overcome it. Ozzy, Sharon and Jack Osbourne on Addiction and Recovery – Variety
- Keith Urban – Just months after their marriage, Urban relapsed with alcohol. Today, Urban is sober and enjoying country music success most only dream of. Keith Urban Opens Up About His Sobriety, Says He’s Thankful Alcoholism Didn’t Ruin His Music Career – Music Mayhem Magazine
- Steven Tyler – The Aerosmith lead singer has been sober for over a decade. In 1988, Tyler’s bandmates and management staged an intervention that led him to a period of abstinence. The singer stated that it took many years to get over the anger of being sent to rehab, but his anger has now turned to appreciation, and he owes a “thanks to them” for his sobriety. Everything Steven Tyler Has Said About Addiction and Sobriety (people.com)
- Mike McCready – This Pearl Jam Guitarist is in long-term recovery. Pearl Jam’s Mike McCready honored for recovery work — and rocks it | The Seattle Times
- Anthony Kiedis – The Red Hot Chili Peppers lead singer has been sober for over two decades and has been open about his struggles with addiction and how he was able to overcome it. Anthony Kiedis Describes ‘Dark Energy’ in RHCP Before Sobriety (newsweek.com)
- Darryl McDaniels – After getting sober in 2004, DMC wrote a book called Ten Ways Not To Commit Suicide, which has proved to be a beacon of hope for so many on a similar journey. Run-DMC Legend DMC Gets Candid About Addiction & Mental Health | HipHopDX
- Lily Allen – The singer-songwriter has been sober for several years and has been open about her struggles with addiction and how she was able to overcome it. Lily Allen Opens Up About Addiction, Sobriety (people.com)
- Paul McCartney – The former Beatle has openly struggled with addiction and mental health issues. Paul McCartney’s health at 80 – booze battle, depression and heart surgery rumours – Mirror Online
- Macklemore – Emerald City favorite has openly talked about his struggles with relapses over the years. Macklemore Opens Up About Sobriety and Relapsing During Pandemic (today.com)
Here’s a Video Playlist of 9 Songs Called ‘Sober’
10 Rock Stars Who Got Sober…and Stayed Sober
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Resources Are Available
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.
