Gene Simmons, the legendary Kiss vocalist and bass player, has just published a new book titled "27: The Legend and Mythology of the 27 Club." Why 27? It comes from the phenomena of the uncanny number of musicians and actors who have died at age 27. The book features profiles of such late music stars as Nirvana 's Kurt Cobain , Janis Joplin, Rolling Stones founder Brian Jones , Jimi Hendrix , Amy Winehouse and The Doors ' Jim Morrison.
Simmons tells the biographies of these artists and, and the he attempts to explain the impossible WHY?Why would so many young and talented people didn't make to 28. Gene explains, "A lot of famous folks from various areas of life either killed themselves or were killed or, unfortunately, passed away at the age of 27," notes the 69-year-old Rock & Roll Hall of Famer. "Sometimes it's depression, sometimes it's drugs and alcohol. There's just no one answer."
Fame could well play into the equation here, since certain musicians who were experiencing issues may have been surrounded by people who were unwilling to confront them because they were intimidated by the artists' stature. Simmons hopes his book will serve to help people experiencing problems like depression, which is among the factors that led to some of the stars' deaths.
"If people are having a bad day, I urge everybody to learn more how to listen, just engage in the conversation, and if you need help, for goodness sakes, talk to your loved ones, your friends, your next-door neighbors" says Gene, "and if it gets serious, call the Suicide Prevention Hotline and just talk."
I sure hope it helps, 27 isn't even half a life, and there is so much to live for. Andy Preston
Why have so many legendary musicians and other celebrities over the decades died at 27 years of age, just when their careers were taking off? It takes one to know one and in this book, phenomenally-popular rock god Gene Simmons delves into the many unusual tales associated with the music (and life) stopping at this specific age.
A strange book. About rock stars and other famous people. All of whom died...at 27 years of age. Amy Winehouse, Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix, Kurt Cobain, Janis Joplin, Brian Jones...on and on and on...
Why "27"? Why didn't they die at 26 or 28? Author Gene Simmons, he of Kiss, one of the world's most famous rock bands ever, with over 100 million albums sold, explores all that makes "27" the entertainment world's most mysterious number ever