Richard Jupp on leaving Elbow and his recovery from addiction
Former Elbow drummer Richard Jupp discusses his decision to leave the band after nearly 30 years to prioritize his recovery from addiction. He is now using his musical background to support others struggling with similar issues.
Why it matters
The story provides a humanizing look at the pressures of fame and the importance of mental health and sobriety in the music industry.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Georgie Docker North West Richard Jupp Elbow's drummer Richard Jupp said he had to walk away to prioritise his recovery Richard Jupp spent nearly 30 years of his life in Elbow.
From gigging in the pubs of Bury and Manchester to sell-out tours and winning international accolades, the drummer seemed to have everything a musician could ever want.
But underneath the surface the "myth of rock'n'roll" was not what it seemed.
"From the outside, I had everything you're supposed to want," he explaned.
"I was travelling the world, making records and living a life I'd dreamed about since I was a kid. We were at an extraordinary point in the band's career.
"But I asked myself 'What is any of that worth if I'm heading in a direction that was no longer working for me'?"
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