Keane frontman Tom Chaplin has spoken exclusively to Q about the drug problems that forced him to cancel a world tour and enter The Priory last August.
In a startlingly candid interview, he explains how a friend he made while undergoing treatment was recently found dead: "That scared the shit out of me. One drink is all it takes. That opens the gates to the other stuff... a place I don't want to go."
The "other stuff" Chaplin refers to was cocaine, and lots of it. His lowest ebb was during the recording of second album Under The Iron Sea, when his addiction made him a prisoner in his own home.
"Tim [Rice-Oxley] would come to my house and I'd refuse to answer the door. I was spending a lot of time crying in front of Cash In The Attic. I felt really depressed. I was taking a lot of drugs, and drinking to alleviate the anxiety of the drugs. It was miserable. I was ruined."
Now on the road to recovery, despite having "fucked up a couple of times" since leaving The Priory, Chaplin admits he misses the "roller-coaster days" which addiction gave him.
"My life has no colour. It feels really flat." But, he says, he's still determined to "leave the dark days behind."
Read the full story in the new issue of Q, on sale now.
10:27 AM | 30/04/2007
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we have overcome our coke addiction and are very proud of ourselves. We entered the Priory about 2 months ago and are fresh and ready to start again.I cant wait Love You x
Posted by bekatt at 12:07 PM | 01/05/2007 | Report Abuse
Tom - my love and lots of others is with you and not only do I love you for you but I also love you for the talent you bring to your fabulous band - too much to loose! I wish I could hold you tight and let you feel my love but believe me it is there for you 24/7 just call on i whenever you need it - all of you are welcome anytime.
John xx
Posted by John Stephenson at 9:19 AM | 05/05/2007 | Report Abuse
TOM: we are not perfect! is so easy to make mistakes everyone can do it , the dificult part is to face them and you are in that process now! so i wish you the best always , please don´t stop singing for us cause your voice with the sounds of rich and tim are the perfect combination!! we love you guys here in mexico you will always have the doors open!!! my best wiches...
Posted by leslie rivera at 9:24 PM | 26/05/2007 | Report Abuse
tom, was at 02 last night fantastic! I may be a lot older but I too was a singer with a band and I also released a single but I never had your success as I drank it all away!you are at the top you can stay there a day ..at a time! have been sober now for 21 years it really is the better way.I love the music keane play .Keep on rockiing luv susanx
Posted by susan at 7:07 PM | 22/07/2007 | Report Abuse
tom, was at 02 last night fantastic! I may be a lot older but I too was a singer with a band and I also released a single but I never had your success as I drank it all away!you are at the top you can stay there a day ..at a time! have been sober now for 21 years it really is the better way.I love the music keane play .Keep on rockiing luv susanx
Posted by susan at 7:07 PM | 22/07/2007 | Report Abuse
Well, I really hope everything turns out ok for Tom. He has such a beautiful voice! It would be a shame if he quitted the band because of his addiction. I hope he finds the strength and courage to overcome his problem. We, the fans, are right behind him all the way! All the best dear Tom Chaplin!!!!
Posted by Carla Ferreira at 4:18 PM | 15/08/2007 | Report Abuse
hey tom love ya loads saw ur concert in dublin hope everyting turns out de best xxx
Posted by miriam o sullivan at 9:01 PM | 02/01/2008 | Report Abuse
tom:People make mistakes,but they will leave it to the past,just forget what u've done,your music give's all us PEACE...Continue what you are doing..and don't let go..There's NOTHING IN YOUR WAY,and we all know that Everybody's CHANGING..u've taken drugs but if u'r sorry for that CONTINUE YOUR MUSIC so that GOD can FORGIVE YOU..Whit LOve from MikeFromROmania..
Posted by mikefo at 8:25 AM | 24/01/2008 | Report Abuse
Tom: My daughter and I enjoy the sounds of Keane. Your voice is truly heaven's gift, and we hope you can relax and find new hope in life and enjoy yourself other ways. Is it possible for a music star as yourself to take time to get enough rest inbetween gigs. Listeners are benefactors, but you are the creator, and it should be for your enjoyment. Come to California and soak up some rays, chill. Love, Mother and Child
Posted by M. Kerby at 1:05 AM | 22/02/2008 | Report Abuse
Tom, you are brave, but with depression it doesn't matter how many folks love you, it matters if you can get out of the gray zone! I love the melancholic feelings you express in your singing, you are so expressive. I truly wish and hope you can get treated for depression in a way that helps you. It's hard but there are great docs who know how to pinpoint what parts of the brain chemistry to boost, etc. My friend is so much better after three years of a really good shrink who has been adjusting her meds carefully. Don't feel you have to do what people expect of you, either!!
Posted by CindyLouWho at 6:18 AM | 07/05/2008 | Report Abuse
Hi Tom I Love your song This Is The Last Time it is the best and i hope u r ok u have a great singing voice Luv Ya Luv Kayleigh xx
Posted by Kayleigh at 7:47 PM | 17/05/2008 | Report Abuse
God Bless You Tom! Life can be difficult for all of us, and you know the saying about those who live in glass houses. I don't know much about your personal struggle with drug addiction, although I imagine it might be due to the pressures of the music industry (?). You don't have to be perfect Tom - none of us are. The important thing is that you do your best to take care of yourself and that you do it for YOU first and foremost. I know about the misery of Depression, as this is something I've had to deal with my entire life (i.e. an abusive childhood will do that to a person). Just take it one day at a time Tom - that's the only way I know how to deal with it. You are truly gifted as a singer and I wish you and Tim and Richard continued success because it's well-deserved. Hang in there friend....you are not alone.
Posted by Koala Syd at 1:30 PM | 18/05/2008 | Report Abuse
I feel so bad for him, because I've been there. I remeber for so long I would spend my time crying in frony of my laptop. I know Tom isn't proud of this, and hes done everything in his power to fix all his mistakes. I'm proud of him
Posted by Nicole at 2:43 AM | 30/05/2009 | Report Abuse
Nobody is perfect and your fans love you! God Bless you Dear Tom!
Posted by Cle at 3:17 PM | 06/08/2009 | Report Abuse
Congrats, Tom! Some years after your darkest days you look quite happy and relaxed. Hope you'll never felt so depressed again, cause you're not only one of the best musicians I've ever heard but also a great guy. Your awesome talent is a gift for many people worldwide. Your warm, sweet and powerful voice touches our hearts. Hope you get all the love you deserve. Thanks to go ahead and to let us enjoy your magic. Best wishes, hugs and kisses from Spain.
Posted by Belen at 3:23 PM | 12/10/2009 | Report Abuse
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