The Rolling Stones Song That Helped Steven Tyler Overcome Addiction
Steven Tyler, the iconic frontman of Aerosmith, has openly shared his battle with addiction and the pivotal role music played in his recovery. Unique among his inspirations was a Rolling Stones song that provided him solace during his journey to sobriety.
The Impact of Addiction on Steven Tyler
Tyler’s struggles with substance abuse are well-documented. In his memoir, *Does the Noise in My Head Bother You?*, he reflects on the challenges artists face with addiction. He recalls the tempting allure of drugs, including cocaine, which he notes was once falsely deemed non-addictive by doctors. For Tyler, cocaine turned from a party enhancer to a source of paranoia and deception.
A Moment of Reckoning
After years of chaos fueled by drugs, Tyler reached a breaking point. Aware that his lifestyle was unsustainable, he committed to rehab. He checked into Hazelden, a renowned recovery center, determined to confront his demons.
The Role of Music in Recovery
To find comfort during his rehabilitation, Tyler turned to his musical roots. He brought the Rolling Stones album *Exile on Main St.* with him, a record that had resonated with him since his youth. One particular track stood out: “Rip This Joint.”
Finding Hope in ‘Rip This Joint’
- Toddler described *Rip This Joint* as an electrifying jam.
- Listening to it gave him renewed inspiration and motivation.
- He realized his creative spark had always existed, even without substances.
Tyler’s awakening occurred one morning in rehab when he acknowledged he hadn’t been sober for over a decade. The song encouraged him to embrace sobriety and see past his fears about losing his creativity. As he expressed, all the magic of his artistry remained intact without drugs.
Emotional Breakthrough
On his path to sobriety, Tyler experienced a profound emotional release. He recalls a moment on the beach when he dropped to his knees, overwhelmed with the realization that he had finally achieved sobriety. This breakthrough was a pivotal step in his journey back to himself.
Other Rolling Stones Favorites
While “Rip This Joint” holds a special place in Tyler’s heart, he has also shared a list of other Rolling Stones songs that he adores:
- I’m a King Bee
- Brown Sugar
- Get Off Of My Cloud
- Something Happened To Me Yesterday
- Hot Stuff
- Memory Motel
- The Spider And The Fly
- She Said Yeah
These tracks reflect the significant influence the Rolling Stones had on Tyler’s life and career. They continue to inspire him even as he navigates the challenges of sobriety.
