To raise awareness of World Mental Health Day, and demonstrate the complexity and misunderstood nature of this type of illness that will affect 1 in 4 of us throughout our lives, here is a collection of tunes from some of the most talented and creative minds in the music business. All of whom suffered from a mental health problem, but were not defined by it, and battled their problems to write some of the most best songs I know.
Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins has suffered with severe depression for much of his life – yet still managed to write the lyrics ‘Believe, believe in me, believe / That life can change, that you’re not stuck in vain.’
The late Ian Curtis sadly could not overcome his battles with depression, and committed suicide at a tender age. Under the name of Warsaw the Joy Division singer delivered moments of happiness – ‘Don’t call me no crud/I really think I’m good.’
As you melt into the gorgeous tapestry of Feel Flows pay homage to the genius of Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys, who also suffered from bipolar disorder.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gh1YKIZlXWs
Proving that behind bouyancy, blonde hair and boobs can lie some darker issues, country queen Dolly Parton has fought depression her entire life. But 31 years after its release, she is performing Jolene live at Glastonbury – what a fighter.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1plvBR02wDs
There is nothing better than a Sunny Afternoon, and the little things can brighten a mood, as The Kinks‘ Ray Davies who has experienced bipolar well knows.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLs09J_x6-c
