Forever 27: Life in the fasted lane

On Saturday afternoon the sad news that Amy Winehouse had passed was broken.  As yet, there is no word on how or why, but obviously there is much speculation.  Amy, who was only 27 years old, now has been put in the ‘Forever 27 club’, a name given to a group of influential music artists who all tragically lost their lives at this particular age.   We all know the obvious ones; Cobain, Joplin, Morrison and Hendrix, but also lesser known Forever 27 members include Richey Edwards (Manic Street Preachers), Jeremy Michael Ward of The Mars Volta, and Echo & The Bunnymen drummer Pete de Freitas.  The list goes substantially on, and it is unfortunate that Winehouse will now be joining the ‘club’.  Amy will, like all the rest, live on through her music and her legacy will continue to influence generations, just like the others who shared a similar fate.

No doubt the next few weeks will see a huge spike in conspiracy theories circulating regarding the number 27′s significance.  But at the end of the day, it is nothing but a number, and the loss of any talent at any age is a tragic thing.

I for one will remember Amy not only for her music, but probably more for the laughs she gave me over the years.  She was probably my best ever Halloween costume and who can forget THAT episode of Never Mind The Buzzcocks!  Peace out Amy, and thanks for the memories…