The Secret History of Rock

You Have to Take Care of Yourself

If musicians are to have a long career, they have to take care of themselves. Sadly, they often don’t.

Liam Gallagher sings with his throat instead of his diaphragm, which has caused him all kinds of voice and throat problems.

Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers once came down with a nasty case of chronic fatigue syndrome which kept him out of action for nearly a year in the middle 90s. And then there’s the dread carpal tunnel syndrome.

Jonny Greenwood, guitarist for Radiohead, often has to wear a brace on his arm because of a repetitive strain injury.

And Mike Dirnt, bass player for Green Day, has a major carpal tunnel problem with his left wrist. He had to have surgery to correct the damage cause by years of running his hand up and down the fret board.

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

Alan Cross has 39544 posts and counting. See all posts by Alan Cross

One thought on “You Have to Take Care of Yourself

  • truly.. Flea’s chronic fatigue was due to a underlying health condition and he now lives a healthier lifestyle, both
    physically and mentally, and even wrote a newspaper article about the dangers of pharmaceuticals

    Liam finally took vocal lessons and is singing better in his late 40s.. than a period of time in the early 2000s

    Jonny after the late 90s stopped wearing the arm brace..

    and Mike is still playing..

    at least they all took some sort of action to change : )

    Reply

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