While drinking among musicians in the 20th century is usually linked to rock and roll and other music streams that were popular among the youngsters, there was one classical composer that would probably outrock most metalheads. Jean Sibelius (1865-1957), a national icon in his country Finland, was a true party animal. Taking under consideration that…
Without a doubt Jim Morrison (1943-1971) was one of the biggest icons in modern music. As frontman of the legendary band The Doors his songs are still played on a daily basis by radio stations all over the world. And whenever a list of greatest rock songs in history is made, be sure The Doors…
In many countries the name Pat Eddery might not ring too many bells, but in the United Kingdom and his homeland Ireland he was quite famous. The jockey was a horse racing legend. And since everything that has four legs and can be trained is pretty much adored in Britain, this silent man from Newbridge became a star.…
In the early 1960’s Yuri Gagarin (1934-1968) was the man in the Soviet Union. After being the first human ever in Space, the young cosmonaut became nothing less than a rock star. As he was dragged all over the world for Soviet propaganda, his whole life simply turned around drinking and giving toasts. When the…
When we are discussing inspiring people of the 20th century we usually hear names like Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King and Mahatma Gandhi. That last one can be erased from the list as soon as possible, as far as we are concerned. Sure, his nonviolent fight for the civil rights of Indians was impressive, but how…
When talking about American culture it’s only a matter of time before the word ‘baseball’ is dropped. Players like Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle (another great drinker) and Babe Ruth became national heroes. That last one (1895-1948) was chosen as the best baseball player of all times by The Sporting News. Quite impressive if you consider that…
The Russian translation of the words “versatile composer” could well be Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The Russian musician who walked the earth for only 53 years (1840-1893) had a big impact on Russian art. He wrote ballets, operas, symphonies and various kinds of other classical music. His work conquored the world and with that he was a pioneer who…
There is little as sad and as beautiful as the early death of an exceptional talent. No matter if it’s a musician, an actor or a sportsman. When the big crowd gets emotional and concludes ‘you went too soon’, the talented gets the status of an unfortunate genius and a legend is born. Sportsmen destroying themselves…
It’s almost impossible to have never heard any of Ludwig van Beethoven’s work, even if you are not into classical music. His work has been used in plenty of movies or as samples in music by The Beatles, Alicia Keys and Nas, to name a few. However, how pleasant and calming his music may sound to…
A sad message in the papers today. A 47-year old man died in the Nepalese city Gopeta after downing an 0,75 liter bottle of whisky. Pancharam Bishwokarma did this because of a bet. Since he proved he could indeed drink the full bottle of Royal Stag his friend had to pay for it: an easy…
Lords of the Drinks 