Russell Brand Sparks Controversy, Saying Heroin Could Save Music Industry
April 2010
RUSSELL Brand thinks heroin would save the music industry.
The British comedy actor claims heavy drug use could help the world avoid the “awful music” teen stars such as Justin Bieber are releasing.
Brand – who has overcome heroin addiction and is the patron of a rehab centre in the UK - told Rolling Stone magazine: “The top of the hit parade would look very different if teenyboppers were exposed to heroin.
“It would weed a lot of them out. I don’t think Justin Bieber could handle Syd Barrett from Pink Floyd’s habit.
“A lot of people in their journey to rehab overdose, and then, perhaps, we could be spared their awful music. It’s Darwinian. It’s the law of natural selection.”
His comments have infuriated drug prevention groups in the UK. David Raynes of the Drug Prevention Alliance last night told the Daily Mail, "this is mindless idiocy."
His suggestion could upset fiancee Katy Perry, who has previously professed a love for 16-year-old Justin.
The I Kissed A Girl singer recently admitted she wanted to adopt the Baby hitmaker.
Writing to Brand on her Twitter page, Perry posted a picture of Bieber and said: “Hey... I know we’re getting hitched + all but I was wondering if u’d be open 2 the idea of adopting 1st? I have an idea… Whata bout this cute lil one? I’m sure he could use a great home!!! (sic)”
Brand also insisted that rock stars who penned top tracks while drugged should be the idols of today, rather than "transient pop stars".
He said, "The music I listen to is mostly by the dead and dying, which is how I want my rock stars: Syd Barrett, Jimi Hendrix and the Doors."
A link also appeared to the same article at news.com.au with the title, Bad Musos 'Should Take Heroin And Die'. Gawddd, what a title! And to top it off, a picture of teeny bopper, Justin Bieber appeared with the caption, Justin Bieber is one of the teeny boppers Russell Brand thinks would benefit from some drug use.
How could anyone believe that Russell Brand’s comments were serious? Only a crappy papers like The HeraldSun, Daily Mail etc. could come up with this shit. They even took a joke Twitter post from Brand’s fiancé and again tried to pass it off as another serious comment.
His suggestion could upset fiancee Katy Perry, who has previously professed a love for 16-year-old Justin.
Surely the authors can spot a joke when they see one? This is grade 5 journalism at best.
The I Kissed A Girl singer recently admitted she wanted to adopt the Baby hitmaker.
Writing to Brand on her Twitter page, Perry posted a picture of Bieber and said: “Hey... I know we’re getting hitched + all but I was wondering if u’d be open 2 the idea of adopting 1st? I have an idea… Whata bout this cute lil one? I’m sure he could use a great home!!! (sic)”
What an absolute cracker! The more I read Murdoch’s media, the more I am learning to appreciate it.
Overseas, Russell Brand has also upset anti-drug nutter and disgraced customs investigator, David Raynes. I wonder why Raynes was singled out? I dare say it’s because he is one of the silly few who would believe the comments would actually cause any harm. Apart from stuffing up a huge drug raid in the UK, Raynes is notorious for his links to Narconon and anti-drug comments that defy logic and science.
This is mindless idiocy. It smacks of a desperate attention seeking from Brand. It's just ridiculous. You despair of these people - why would anyone say that?
Brand is the patron of Focus 12, a charity which deals in drug and alcohol addiction and has donated more than $300,000 (Australian) dollars. The chief executive, Chip Somers defended Brand and dismissed any criticism that his comments were harmful.
Back to the article. Let’s not forget those who give Murdoch’s media much of it’s spunk ... those dedicated to the comments section.
Honestly anyone who wishes someone to die from drugs has the brain mass of an ant
Posted by Kelly of West Gippsland
A bit rich considering the number of readers who regularly tell us that those who overdose deserve it or that we should put poison in drugs to wipe out the drug user population.
And from the same reader:
Thanks for undoing all of the hard work parents around the world have been teaching their kids about staying away from drugs.
Posted by Kelly of West Gippsland
Yes, blame an interview in a music magazine that is supposed to be funny. How about blaming the writers or the media outlet that twisted the comments of a comedian and published them for millions of people to read.
I have compiled a brief ‘best of’ collection for your perusal. Enjoy.
But seriously, he has a point.
Posted by Craig
Russell brand has always been a complete moron. He thinks that by saying outlandish statements and getting a few laughs from the mindless fools that think what he says is funny, that makes him a comedian. Please......if there were less people in the world like russell brand, it would be a much better place.
Posted by Aaron of Melbourne
Aaron of Melbourne @ 12:41. Comment 6 of 8. I quote: "He thinks that by saying outlandish statements and getting a few laughs from the mindless fools that think what he says is funny, that makes him a comedian." Ummmm, that's EXACTLY what makes him a comedian!! Idiot!
Posted by Mr Damage of Cheltenham
Russell, you are an idiot. I am an ex heroin addict so I know how hard it is to stop using, and I would not wish that pain on my worst enemy. After 13 years of not using it, I dont even think about it. It was another lifetime. The fact that you still obsess over it tells me you are still using. Now I suggest you go have a big hit and crawl into some dirty alley and die, for that is what you wish for these kids. BTW, your not even funny so I dont know why I even know who you are.
Posted by Aaron
Russell Brand you are nothing but an A grade D-head. Honestly anyone who wishes someone to die from drugs has the brain mass of an ant. Thanks for undoing all of the hard work parents around the world have been teaching their kids about staying away from drugs. I will never watch anything with YOU in it again. Idiot!
Posted by Kelly of West Gippsland
Brand, you are far from funny and you are the one that needs the 'big H' to help you to even be mildly funny....go crawl under a rock and give yourself a nice little hot shot!
Posted by Kelly of Hoppers
Digga of Traralgon Posted at 1:25 PM Today
Heroin killed my nephew. If I met this Russel guy I would shove his comments up his arse with my foot. He is a dickhead.
Posted by Digga of Traralgon
PDZ of Melb Posted at 1:39 PM Today
What is it with HHS lately taking small grabs of what people say and adding the word "slammed" to them? More often than not, you read the article and it bears no relationship to the headline at all.
Posted by PDZ of Melb
Comment of the Day (runner up)
Duuude, heroin is a bit heavy man. Just get em on the ganja so the mellow out laugh, create and get the munchies.Maybe that will stop releasing all the crap and make the music more groovy!
Posted by Dude of Nimbin
Comment of the Day
(Can you understand it? At least the runner up has substance abuse as an excuse)
Its true,the whole scene is tied up in drugs all thos young punks will have 2 much cash and up on the drug that killed river phoenix,Russell will be a seagull pecking at how crass things are.The pompus harry high pants with the obesity plauged family will cry out and give him publicity for expressing an opinion.
Posted by Kundalini sweep of Melbourne
HAHAHA!!!! Australian media seems to be doing this a lot lately. GNW? Footyshow? Eddie Maguire? Hey Hey? When did people stop realising that comedy is only funny when we poke fun at different groups of people?
ReplyDeleteBut Russell Brand can be quite funny. I love him!!!
Thanks for your comment Ben.
ReplyDeleteIt's pretty bizarre when a comical comment is taken so seriously. Are we becoming too PC or is it just a certain type that likes to make a fuss?