February 28th is Hangover Day
Alcohol and Rock N' Roll have always been closely linked, whether in upbeat lyrics about drunkenness or in stories of excess experienced by musicians.
Today, on Hangover Day, we bring you some examples of bands that sing about alcohol, bands that have released their own drinks, and also musicians who have struggled with alcoholism.
Tankard
Tankard's songs are basically about one thing: Beer.
The German Thrash Metal band, which emerged in the 80s, is known for playing "Alcoholic Metal ," and their discography includes songs that have become classics such as "Empty Tankard," "Kings Of Beer," "Die With a Beer In Your Hands," "Need Money For Beer," "Stay Thirsty," and "A Girl Called Cerveza .
Tankard – Empty Tankard
Alestorm
Alestorm is a band from Scotland that focuses its lyrics on pirate themes. Besides their famous song "Drink ," the band also did a cover of the song "Hangover" by the singer Taio Cruz.
Alestorm – Drink
Korpiklaani
It's impossible to talk about alcoholic music without mentioning the Finnish band Korpklaani. Besides having our caipirinha mentioned in the song "Tequila ," the band also has other hits like "Beer Beer" and "Vodka .
Korpiklaani – Tequila
Hellyeah
Hellyeah is an American band that many know for having in its lineup the former Pantera drummer and brother of Dimebag Darrell, Vinnie Paul.
The band came to Brazil in 2016, at the Maximus Festival.
Hellyeah – Drink, Drink, Drunk
Several other bands have composed songs about alcohol, such as Ozzy Osbourne with "Demon Alcohol" and "Suicide Solution ," the Australian band AC/DC with "Have a Drink On Me" and "Shot Of Love ," "Stoned and Drunk" by Black Label Society, "Beber Até Morrer" by Ratos de Porão, "Alcohol and Beer" by the Greek band Flames, "Pool Of Booze, Booze, Booze" by Volbeat, "Battered" by Annihilator, "Cold Gin" by Kiss, and "Whiskey In The Jar" by Thin Lizzy, which was covered by Metallica.
Bands that released alcoholic beverages
Iron Maiden, Megadeth, Motörhead, Ac/Dc, Opeth, Megadeth, Volbeat, Ghost, Kataklysm
Iron Maiden's The Trooper beer is now also sold in a 5-liter keg. Read more here.
Brazilians weren't left behind. Bands like Sepultura, Angra, Krisiun, Korzus, Claustrofobia, Torture Squad, Nervochaos, Unearthly, True, and Eminence also launched their own beers.
The world of wine also gained labels from Whitesnake, Slayer, Motörhead, AC/DC, Iron Maiden, Blind Guardian, Accept, Doro Pesch, Amon Amarth, and Kreator.
The German band Rammstein, icons of Industrial Metal, launched their own drinks, but opted for Vodka and Tequila. Volbeat launched their own Rum-flavored bottle, Marilyn Manson launched Absinthe, and bands like the Dutch band Delain and the Swedish band Hammerfall chose Whisky.
Alcohol and excesses
Excessive alcohol and other drug use has also brought problems to many musicians and bands, resulting in dismissals, bands announcing their breakup, and even deaths.
Bon Scott (AC/DC):
The vocalist passed away in 1980, and despite conflicting information, what is known for certain is that Scott was extremely drunk and never woke up.
Keith Moon (The Who):
The drummer died in 1978 after consuming more than 30 pills of a medication he used to combat alcoholism.
John Bonham (Led Zeppelin):
John choked on his own vomit while sleeping, after drinking about 40 shots of vodka, in 1980.
Jeff Hanneman (Slayer):
The guitarist died in 2013 due to cirrhosis of the liver.
Warrel Dane (Nevermore/Sanctuary):
“Nevermore…the greatest band that alcohol ever ruined,” said the singer about the band's hiatus. Warrel passed away in December 2017, and still had problems with alcohol.
Corey Taylor (Slipknot):
The Slipknot and Stone Sour vocalist also faced problems and says, "I used to fool myself by saying I couldn't go on stage without drinking, like 'it's for good luck.' A lie from an addict."
Reed Mullin (Corrosion Of Conformity):
In 2016, the drummer for Corrosion Of Conformity was suspended from the band to seek treatment for his addiction.
Ozzy Osbourne (Black Sabbath):
“I’m approaching my third year of sobriety. I’ve reached a very strange stage. I’m not happy sober, but I don’t want to get drunk. Someone told me that the third year is just like that (…). To be honest, sometimes I think, ‘What the hell was wrong with me when I thought a good night was getting drunk and high? You’re sitting in a hotel room, crazy, and the sun is rising and you have to do a show that day. It’s terrifying. I have absolutely no desire to do that.’”
