Home » Poems » James Inman » Live Fast, Die Young-The 27 Club

Live Fast, Die Young-The 27 Club

The percent, one point three. Thirteen of each one thousand famous musicians will likely die at age twenty seven. The, so called, Twenty Seven Club. A tragic portent for young artists. The truth is Hendrix, Joplin, Morrison and Cobain died at twenty seven, yes,a sad event, but Rick James, Fogelberg, Roger Miller and Billy Powell didn't. They are members of a unique group, The Fifty Six Club. In truth, more artists leave us at age fifty six than do at age twenty seven. twenty two out of every thousand, or two point two percent. The twenty seven club is about something different, not age but ageism. 09/19/2022

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem.

Please Login to post a comment

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 10/16/2023 10:49:00 AM

so interesting, and I always felt 27 was not represented by THAT many famous singers. 57 does seem more realiistic. I wonder if anyone has done a statistic of the actual most common age at which they all die. It was lovely hearing from you today.

James Inman
Date: 10/16/2023 2:32:00 PM

Hi Andrea, I believe 57 is the age at which most famous people die, but I'm sure that figure will change over time. I hope you're well.

Laura Breidenthal

Date: 12/6/2022 12:39:00 PM

Very interesting facts, James and I like the form that you chose. Great piece! Always, Laura

James Inman
Date: 1/10/2023 7:10:00 PM

Hi Laura, I'm sorry I missed your comment. Thank you for visiting.

Harry Horsman

Date: 10/31/2022 9:08:00 PM

Their lives with a licences to die young, James. So much talent, yet a burden. Love your poem, and the facts. Harry

James Inman
Date: 11/1/2022 6:36:00 AM

Harry, it seems creativity begets emotional distress (or perhaps the other way around) in many, especially young people who search for release, often, in very self destructive behavior. Thanks for the comment.

Vijay Pandit

Date: 10/27/2022 6:11:00 AM

Live fast--die young; you said it James. Something about the mind of artists that lures them to explore the unknown. Your poem shares some insights on the topic I wasn't aware of.

James Inman
Date: 11/1/2022 6:33:00 AM

Yes, Vijay, the idea of the 27 Club is just a delusion shared by many young people searching for something unique in their lives created by a simple coincident.

Anisha Dutta

Date: 10/17/2022 9:37:00 AM

I was completely unaware of these events. I am shocked.

James Inman
Date: 11/1/2022 6:24:00 AM

Life is strange Anisha. Thanks for the comment.

Michael Tor

Date: 9/19/2022 4:55:00 PM

James such important information you are sharing with us thank you my friend glad to see you posting...

Michael Tor
Date: 9/20/2022 5:58:00 AM

I agree. Money sometimes enables people to engage in things that can harm them I think your right and this is a case for that.

James Inman
Date: 9/19/2022 5:20:00 PM

Not much of a poem I'm afraid, but the subject caught my attention. There has been speculation that Kurt Cobain committed suicide when he did to intentionally become part of the legend. He was a heavy drug user trying to quit, he suffered from depression and I doubt The 27 Club even entered his mind when he did what he did. Most of the so called members of the club died of drug related issues that were exacerbated by the readily available money to purchase the drugs. I would guess that if they had not been famous enough to afford the drugs, many would have lived to a ripe old age.