Just about everyone knows “Under the Bridge” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. A lot of people know, too, that the song does in fact pertain to drug addiction. Many alt-rock/indie-rock bands from the early ’90s were experiencing major woes when it came to the various members engaging in illicit drug use. Obviously, partying is one thing, and I am not saying I condone it. But, with the great deal of “yes people” around (enablers), along with barrels of cascading champagne and seemingly endless supplies of cash, there were various musicians and singers, especially out of Seattle & LA that ended up clenched within the terrifying grips of heroin addiction. I’m a musician, myself, and I actually do remember feeling somewhat reassured about abusing drugs, particularly dope, since I felt like I was emulating the “rock star” lifestyle. There was a brief span of time where I was even compelled to oversee my own death as a result of an accidental overdose.
Writing this just now, I realize that what I’ve admitted to may sound disturbing. However, I don’t think it is, particularly since I no longer feel that way. Although, it’s not just that. I genuinely believe that addicts will amass a sense of temerity as a way to cope in a severely misguided attempt to face all of the shit that gets lobbed our way…hey, don’t forget though, this is of course very normal and totally okay. I get it.
Here’s a beautiful acoustic version of Under the Bridge:
Calling All Addicts 