From Elvis to Sinead O'Connor: 50 years of drugs, rock and roll and premature death.

The article focuses on the intersection of drug-related harms, musical celebrity, and public health, highlighting the persistent issue of drug-related deaths in Scotland and among musicians. It discusses a study quantifying excess mortality among European and North American pop stars following fame, showing significantly higher death rates compared to matched populations, often linked to substance use and lifestyle factors. The piece emphasizes the cultural and social challenges faced by young people, especially at large music festivals, where drug use is prevalent and harm reduction measures remain limited. It calls for stronger public health leadership and coordinated interventions at festivals to address drug-related risks alongside broader health concerns, particularly in the context of evolving substance use patterns and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on youth socialization.