Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Alcoholism Plagues UK Orchestras

Musicians drink to deal with performance anxiety

By Wesley Oliver, Newser Staff

Posted Feb 28, 2009 4:56 PM CST

(Newser) – Alcoholism is sounding a sour note in the great orchestras of Britain, the Guardian reports. Though little research has been conducted on the issue—which remains taboo in many corners—there have been some “regrettable incidents,” recalled one official with the Musicians’ Union. One drunk percussionist fell off a high stage, and many others have performed intoxicated during concerts.

“They should have been sacked really but they would have been very hard to replace,” the union official explained, adding that "for musicians there can be so much captive time—a lot of time and not many distractions. Frequently the only place to go is the pub.” One doctor said musicians often turn to alcohol to deal with “underlying anxiety.”

[Images (4)]

[Quotes (2)]

Performance anxiety is adduced as one of the main reasons musicians use alcohol. Group culture is part of another. (Shutter Stock)

Experts say musicians often drink to deal with performance anxiety. (Shutter Stock)

Inappropriate use of alcohol in Britain's great orchestras is, according to musicians, endemic, ranging from drinking a pint before a concert to steady the nerves, to full-blown inebriation on stage. (Shutter Stock)

Because there has been so little research, it is hard to untangle whether drinking has increased in orchestras, in line with alcohol use generally in the UK. (Shutter Stock)

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

For musicians drinking can be about handling underlying anxiety. Their level of performance has to be good all the time and at a higher level than a person doing an ordinary job.
- Jennifer Lisle, public health physician

For musicians there can be so much captive time—a lot of time and not many distractions. Frequently the only place to go is the pub, everywhere is closed because it's a Sunday, there are no facilities backstage. - Bill Kerr, Musicians' Union

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

To report an error on this story, notify our editors.

More Newser Stories

Probe Launched Into Whitney's Prescriptions, Doctors

Medical records will be subpoenaed

(NEWSER) - The investigation into Whitney Houston's death is now turning to her doctors and pharmacies. Investigators are expected in the next few days to serve subpoenas on the singer's physicians and the pharmacies where Houston obtained multiple prescription drugs, reports the Los Angeles Times . Officials aim to determine whether the drugs were dispensed properly, and if the singer was receiving too many prescriptions, a source tells the newspaper. Investigators will likely pore over a state-created database of controlled substances prescribed in California. Tracking celebrity prescription drug use can be complicated because they may regularly use drugs prescribed to aides, according to law enforcement authorities. More»

Sean Penn, Brits Bicker Over Falklands

Actor slams 'ludicrous colonialist ideology'

(NEWSER) - Sean Penn has waded into the latest dispute between Argentina and Britain over the Falkland Islands , much to the annoyance of British lawmakers. After meeting with Argentina's president, the actor and Haitian ambassador-at-large urged the UK to join UN-sponsored talks over the islands' future, warning that "the world is not going to tolerate any kind of ludicrous and archaic commitment to colonialist ideology," the Guardian reports. More»

Radical Cleric Abu Qatada Freed From UK Prison

British officials call him a threat to national security

(AP) - Abu Qatada, a radical Muslim cleric whom British officials say is an al-Qaeda figurehead and a threat to national security, was freed from an English prison into virtual house arrest late today, British media reported. Judicial officials acknowledged earlier in the day that the 51-year-old extremist preacher's release from Long Lartin jail was imminent, but declined to comment on the reports from the BBC and Sky News , citing operational concerns. More»

Woman Eats Only Pizza for 31 Years

Selective Eating Disorder puts Londoner's health at risk

(NEWSER) - Turns out eating cheese-and-tomato pizzas for 31 years isn't very good for you—who knew. But a British woman says she can't face anything else on her plate without getting the shakes, ANI reports. “I’m actually scared of fruit and veg," says London resident Claire Simmons. "I get so angry when people think I’m being faddy—this is a real medical condition.” More»

Bin Laden 'Right-Hand Man' Set for Release in Britain

Abu Qatada to face 22-hour curfew in London

(NEWSER) - A radical cleric described as Osama bin Laden's "right-hand man" in Europe is set for immediate release from a British maximum security prison. Abu Qatada will be housebound for 22 hours a day in London, where he'll wear an electronic tag and face stringent rules on phone and Internet use, the Guardian reports. Bail terms allow Qatada full access to his family, though they will prevent him from taking his youngest child to school, notes the Telegraph . More»

NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS

What is Newser?

Face it: there's too much news. At Newser, we choose the most thought-provoking and entertaining stories from hundreds of US and international sources and reduce them to a headline, picture, and two paragraphs. And we do it 24/7—you can come back morning, noon, night (and in between) for something new that matters. Read less, know more.

Learn more »

Partnering with: Slate

View Newser on the mobile website

Alcoholism Plagues UK Orchestras