The Shocking Truth About the Musicians who Committed Suicide

Chris Cornell, the lead singer of the legendary Audioslave and Soundgarden, committed suicide by hanging at the age of 52. Chris’ wife and family were shocked, and even his representative said that the singer’s death is “sudden and unexpected.” His body was found in the bathroom of his room at the MGM Grand Detroit hotel.

If you don’t know Chris Cornell, here’s a video of him you might want to watch.

Just another name on the list

Now, Chris’ death is just one of the many instances when singers, musicians, and artists committed suicide. Some of them took their life after a long bout with depression. While others, just like Chris’, came as a shock.

If you recall, there are other famous singers who just ended their life sooner than when nature could have done it for them. Some of them include Kurt Cobain, the Nirvana frontman. He died at a young age of 27. We also remember Nick Drake, Ian Curtis, Michael Hutchence, Elliott Smith, Donny Hathaway, Wendy Williams, Butch Trucks, Cliff Davies, and the list just goes on and on.

Music influences your life

But why would musicians kill themselves? It is interesting to note an article posted by the Washington Post that those musicians who specialize in rock, funk, punk, metal, rap, and hip-hop have lower life expectancy compared to musicians who play blues, jazz, country, and gospel. Another article from The Telegraph mentioned, “Study finds musicians die 25 years younger than [the] average person.” From these reports, we can see that there’s a relation between what the type of music we listen to and our life expectancy.

Age of Death and Musical Genre (graph)

Now, we might wonder, could the profession of a musician contribute to their suicidal tendencies or does their suicidal tendencies led them to the profession? This is a good question, and it begs the right answer. Maybe, I can’t provide a straightforward answer, but it is safe to say that music indeed affects not only the listeners but also the one who composes it.

MUSIC IS POWERFUL. There’s no doubt about that. It can influence us in a good way or a bad way. In the Bible, we have seen how the people of God worship Him with beautiful and joyful music. Today, we also use music to praise God, express ourselves, and relax.

On the other hand, we have also seen how Satan use music to get into the mind of human beings as he is called the prince of the power of the air (Ephesians 2:2). He uses his power to broadcast his negativity, pessimism, distrust, and all other evil elements he can think of through radio, television, and the Internet.

Why do musicians kill themselves?

Nevertheless, we need to ask, “Why would accomplished, famous, and talented musicians come to the point of taking their own lives?” There are just so many answers to this, and the answer can differ from one person to another.

Quote about why people commit suicideHowever, I would say that popularity and success in the entertainment industry are intoxicating. Some musicians came to the stage as a way to assuage their cravings for acceptance and love from their audience. Since some performers already have episodes of depression, they need the affirmation from so many people to feel good. But flattery and happiness based on the affection of so many people they don’t even know are bound to lead to dissatisfaction, disappointments, and heartbreak. This feeling of disappointment intensifies as soon as the musician leaves the stage and go home to an empty house.

The expectation and demand for high achievers like famous musicians can be very stressful. They are expected to stay on top of their game and most often than not, they will fail sooner or later. No one can actually maintain a high status in the society without really sacrificing so much just to please the crowd. If you can’t give what people want, you will soon be replaced by others who can.

Go to God for comfort

So what’s the solution? Jesus Christ said, “COME TO ME, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I WILL GIVE YOU REST. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:29-30).

Your real worth is indeed not found in what other people think. Your worth is found in the eyes of God and Jesus.

Suicide is said to be a permanent solution to a temporary problem. Actually, it is never a solution. Instead of running away from God, it is time to run towards Him. As the Apostle Peter said, “cast all your care upon Him, for He CARES for you” (I Peter 5:7). May everyone who has a weary and heavy laden heart finds their rest in God.


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