Famous Stars at Music Festivals and Drug Charges

Future Music Festival and Soundwave are on this weekend, and as usual there’s bound to be a strong police presence.

But although sniffer dogs at the festivals will be targeting ticket-holders, it is interesting that some of the biggest headlining acts have also been in trouble for drug offences.

Talented rapper 2 Chainz who is due to perform at Future Music Festival has had a history of run-ins with police for drug possession, starting at the age of 15 when he was convicted of felony cocaine possession.

Felonies/Misdemeanours vs Indictable/Summary offences

In the United States, a ‘felony’ normally refers to an offence that carries a maximum prison sentence of more than a year.

A ‘misdemeanour’ is usually an offence that attracts a maximum term of of less than one year.

Felonies might be loosely compared to ‘indictable offences’ in NSW – which are those that can be dealt with in higher courts such as the District Court.

Misdemeanours might be compared to ‘summary offences’ in NSW, which are dealt with in the Local Courts.

2 Chainz

While possession of cocaine may seem like a relatively minor charge, laws in some US states treat it as a serious offence regardless of the quantity involved.

The popular rapper found himself in hot water once again in early 2013 when police found marijuana in his van.

He was charged with drug possession, but later found ‘not guilty’ as the police could not prove that he had exclusive possession of the marijuana.

But less than three months later, he found himself before the court once again after police found marijuana and promethazine in his luggage when attempting to board a flight in Los Angeles.

That offence carries a maximum penalty of 3 years imprisonment, however 2 Chainz was sentenced to an 18-month drug diversion program.

2 Chainz isn’t the only musician to have a history of drug use and possession, and substance use has dominated the music industry for decades.

Avicii

Swedish DJ and EDM producer Avicii, who will also be performing at Future, has reportedly battled alcohol and drug addiction for years, with many suggesting that his cancellation of several concerts last year was linked to drug problems.

Marilyn Manson

Marilyn Manson, who will be performing at the Soundwave Festival, regularly speaks about his drug use, and has written several songs on the topic – although he is yet to be charged with any drug offence.

Paul Gray

Paul Gray, bassist of iconic heavy metal band Slipknot – also playing at this year’s Soundwave festival – was charged with misdemeanour possession of marijuana, cocaine and drug paraphernalia in 2003 following a car accident.

Gray was tragically found dead in his hotel room in 2010, and an autopsy revealed that he had overdosed on morphine.

Charges were later brought against his doctor, Daniel Baldi, for involuntary manslaughter, with police alleging that Baldi had a history of providing high doses of prescription medication to Gray.

Baldi was later found not guilty of all charges.

The Smashing Pumpkins

Alternative rock group The Smashing Pumpkins, known for their iconic hits 1979 and Tonight Tonight, have also had a history of drug-related issues.

In 1996, they lost their touring keyboardist, Jonathan Melvoin, after he overdosed on heroin in a hotel room.

The band’s drummer, Jimmy Chamberlin, was charged with drug possession following that incident and later fired by his fellow band members.

Some may regard the use of drugs by some of the world’s most notable musicians as a natural incidence of the demands of the industry.

The constant party lifestyle, coupled with fame and money means that drugs are always accessible to musicians, no matter where they are.

And the pressures of being on-tour are undoubtedly an influential factor.

For some musicians, drugs are simply a means of escaping such pressures.

A series of interviews conducted last year with a number of famous Australian musicians suggested that a combination of factors is to blame for the high incidence of drug use amongst musicians.

Yet despite the industry being plagued by drug-related deaths, some musicians argue that drugs help them to make their music and perform night-after-night to the high standard that their fans expect.

To create good music, one must be creative, and some musicians argue that drugs help feed their creativity, allowing them to look at the world in a different light.

Whatever the situation, there is little doubt that many musicians will come into contact with law enforcement for possessing drugs in years to come.