Everything Music. Everything News. Everything live.

Stephen Stills Celebrates Three Years of Sobriety

Sterling Munksgard/shutterstock.com
Sterling Munksgard/shutterstock.com

Known for his iconic presence in bands like Buffalo Springfield and Crosby, Stills & Nash, Stephen Stills has had a career marked by critical acclaim and personal turmoil often associated with the rock and roll lifestyle. Throughout the decades, Stills battled with substance abuse, a common narrative among his contemporaries. However, the rocker decided to pivot at a later stage in his life, marking a pivotal chapter by embracing sobriety. Today, at 80, Stills not only reflects on his journey towards health but also aims to share his newfound clarity with the world.

In recent interviews, Stephen Stills has openly discussed the transformative effect that sobriety has had on his life and personality. After three years of staying sober, he claims to feel a deep sense of comfort and has rediscovered what he describes as his “original personality.” The clarity of mind that comes with abstaining from alcohol and drugs has allowed him to reclaim parts of himself that he felt were lost during the years of addiction. He once again feels connected to the passionate, affable version of himself that existed before embarking on the tumultuous path that accompanied his early success.

The choice to live sober at the age of 77, according to Stills,  has made life much easier, particularly in terms of remembering and being present in the moment. Recalling the initial days of his career, he expressed how addiction had introduced a negative element into his personal and professional life. By removing the so-called “poison” of substance abuse from the equation, Stills feels a renewed sense of self-awareness and authenticity. This positive change has also influenced his interactions and performances, as seen during his recent gig at the FireAid concert, where he reunited with Graham Nash.

Stills' journey has not been without inspiration from those around him. His bandmates, Graham Nash and the late David Crosby, have also been candid about their past struggles with drugs and alcohol. Both musicians underwent their own battles with addiction, finding paths to recovery — in Crosby's case, through serving jail time. These stories of struggle and redemption resonate within the music community, serving as reminders of the darker side of the industry and the possibilities of recovery and renewal.

Beyond music, Stills is channeling his rejuvenated mindset into writing a memoir, an endeavor he approaches with as much care and deliberation as his performances. He is meticulously piecing together his life's narrative by revisiting old archives, including newspaper articles from significant eras. The process of recollecting his past has been notably smoother due to his sobriety, allowing him to organize his thoughts more coherently. He acknowledges the challenges of memory and time but is finding that the project helps him understand and relate to his life's many facets.

It seems Stills has discovered a revitalized sense of purpose and creativity, proving that even at 80, life holds countless opportunities for renewal and expression. His journey inspires not just fellow musicians but anyone seeking to reclaim their health.

Key Takeaways

Related Stories

Carlos Santana Santana in Concert, Nashville, FirstBank Amphitheater, Franklin, USA - 29 Sep 2021

Carlos Santana Collabs With Grupo Frontera on Single Release

Carlos Santana, a rock icon with a career spanning decades, has formed a remarkable collaboration with Grupo Frontera, a prominent…

eard ZZ Top in concert at Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre, Sterling Heights, USA - 08 Sep 2019

ZZ Top Announces Return of Frank Beard

Frank Beard, the dynamic drummer of ZZ Top, is back in the thick of action with the band after a…

Brian Johnson and Angus Young of AC/DC perform at the BB&T Center, Sunrise, Florida, USA - 20 Dec 2008 AC/DC in concert, BB&T Center, Sunrise, Florida, USA - 23 Dec 2008

AC/DC Ends North American Tour in Ohio

Cleveland was the closing chapter for AC/DC’s North American “Power Up” tour, proving once again that the legendary rock band…

Electric Prunes Various

James Lowe of The Electric Prunes Dies at 82

The world of psychedelic rock mourns the loss of James Lowe, the iconic lead singer and co-founder of the Electric…

Arejay Hale, Lzzy Hale of Halestorm performs at the Boardwalk Rock Festival on May 17, 2025 in Ocean City, Maryland Halestorm performs at the Boardwalk Rock Festival on May 17, 2025 in Ocean City, Maryland, MD, USA - 17 May 2025

Halestorm Reveals Title Track ‘Everest’

Halestorm, the GRAMMY Award-winning hard rock band, is making waves in the music scene with the reveal of “Everest,” the…

Evanescence - Amy Lee Download Festival, Day 2, Donington Park, UK - 09 Jun 2023

Amy Lee of Evanescence & Halsey Release Music Video

Halsey and Amy Lee of Evanescence have joined forces to create a sensational new track, “Hand That Feeds,” which is…

Thom Yorke of The Smile Festival d'ete de Quebec, Day 9, Quebec City, Canada - 14 Jul 2023

Thom Yorke Speaks Out On Palestine & Israel Conflict

Thom Yorke, the frontman of Radiohead and The Smile, has made a public statement addressing the ongoing Israel and Palestine…

Taylor Swift wearing Dior arrives at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards held at UBS Arena on September 11, 2024 in Elmont, New York, United States. 2024 MTV Video Music Awards - Arrivals, Ubs Arena, Elmont, New York, United States - 11 Sep 2024

Taylor Swift Regains Rights of Her Master Recordings

In a landmark move in the music industry, Taylor Swift has regained control over her master recordings. This comes after…

Goo Goo Dolls lead vocalist John Rzeznick performs at the 2025 Stagecoach Music Festival on Sunday, April 27, 2025 in Indio, CA. Stagecoach 2025 , Los Angeles, California, USA - 27 Apr 2025

Goo Goo Dolls Played at Demi Lovato’s Wedding

In a celebration as heartfelt as it was glamorous, pop star Demi Lovato tied the knot with musician Jordan “Jutes”…