Dead Rockers: Infamous VIPs of the 27 Club

The 27 Club – consisting of Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, Kurt Cobain, and Amy Winehouse, among a large number of others – is common knowledge among most longtime music fans. Death at age 27 has plagued several peak musicians throughout the past several decades.  Some allege the 27 Club as proof that the rock star lifestyle is too stressful for some, while others perceive it as pure coincidence.

While the precise age of 27 may be a coincidence, there’s evidence to suggest that the mid-20s is an age period prone to substance abuse. Approximately 50 musicians have died at the age of 27, a product of famous musicians having a higher death rate than non-famous people in the same age groups. For musicians, an increase in death rate occurs around age 27, and increases throughout their 30s. This has a long-term impact. Whereas creative workers have an average lifespan of 81.7 years and business/political workers average at 83 years, those with professions in entertainment and sports have an average lifespan of 77.2, which suggests the trend of musicians in the 27 Club dying at in their mid 20s is not quite a coincidence, but more a byproduct of their occupation, which is ripe with opportunities for substance abuse.

Check out the new infographic by Clarity Way to learn more about these musicians’ tragic addictions.


Infographic by Clarity Way Rehab