Call it a coincidental phenomenon, but Club 27 is known as the greatest myth of rock & roll. Club 27, also known as Forever 27, was titled after several well-known deceased rock artists all died at the age of 27 from unexpected or suicidal conditions.
For this club, age matters. Age, in fact, is one of the only requirements. Although not all the members of this club are equally famous, “every one of them pushed rock in new directions, leaving lasting legacies that continue to inspire fans and musicians” (Segalstad & Hunter).
Eric Segalstad and Josh Hunter are the authors of the book, “The 27s.” In this book, they journey through the lives of the 34 artists that complete Club 27. However, the book also shows the music industry, the history of American rock and the social views of these artists and their music.
“It’s a story about modesty & excess, fame & loneliness, success & defeat, struggle & perseverance and life & death” (Segalstad & Hunter).
Many of the above life elements could have major impacts on the fate of these rock artists. What ultimately led them to their death? Are we to believe that this great myth is more than a coincidence?
The biographer Charles R. Cross, who wrote biographies for both Kurt Cobain and Jimi Hendrix, wrote “The number of musicians who died at 27 is truly remarkable by any standard. (Although) humans die regularly at all ages, there is a statistical spike for musicians who die at 27.”
Big names who have made this list include Kurt Cobain, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix. Brian Jones and Jim Morrison.
What is it about these artists? Could it be that their fame was their leading cause of death? Is this mythological club a warning to society? Is it a warning not to follow in their footsteps – to take the high road and not get caught up in fame because fame is the gateway toward bigger problems, such as loneliness, deceit and a change in character?
Yes, it’s a coincidence. But I also think that it was thought up as a pre-conceived warning to future rock artists. Twenty-seven is too young to die. Don’t get so caught up in the industry that you lose your life. This is one club you don’t want to join.
Cross, Charles R., "P-I's Writer in Residence Charles R. Cross explores the darker side of 'only the good die young'" in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, 23 February, 2007.
Eric Segalstad & Josh Hunter, “The 27s”
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