The 27 Club
The notorious 27 Club is a widely known phenomenon composed of many legendary musicians who all happened to pass at the age of 27. This term wasn’t coined until after the lead member of Nirvana, Kurt Cobain, died in 1994. Many people started to notice a startling pattern among these notable musicians, but it wasn’t until British singer, Amy Winehouse, passed away due to alcohol poisoning in 2011 that this conspiracy became a global name.
This club has since expanded to many young actors/actresses and other celebrities who have tragically died at 27. Many people have theorized why a lot of household names have passed away at such a young age. The most widely accepted answer to this coincidence has to do with fame itself, and how it lead to addiction and suicide for these young artists.
Many astrologists and people interested in astrology have also contributed their theories about the 27 Club, noting the connection between the age 27 and the phenomenon of the ‘Saturn return’.
Regardless of what the right answer may be, the coincidences behind some of the most notable musicians and their deaths continue to be a burning question in many people’s minds. Of those celebrities, we will talk about some of the most influential, those being Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, Kurt Cobain, and Amy Winehouse.
Known for his impact on the rock genre, Jimi Hendrix, was one of the first musicians to die unexpectedly at age 27. Hendrix was initially discovered in London in 1966 by Keith Richards and his girlfriend Linda Keith. He went on to form a band called the Jimi Hendrix Experience and delivered a trio of top ten hits still regarded to this day. Unfortunately, the young musician met his immortal fate on September 18, 1970 after taking a handful of strong barbiturates and drinking. It wasn’t out of character Hendrix to take a bunch of pills and drink himself to sleep, but sadly, that day it took his life.
Not even a month later, the blues artist known for her raw and soulful voice, Janis Joplin, passed away at the age of 27. Joplin made her mark as the lead singer of the band Big Brother and the Holding Company before pursuing a solo career and dominating the charts with hits such as “Me and Bobby McGee” and “Piece of My Heart”. Then, on October 4, 1970, the pioneering musician died as a result of an accidental heroin overdose.
A year later, rock n roll legend and founder of the band The Doors, Jim Morrison, died. Prior to his death, the singer and lyricist produced six successful albums for The Doors and wrote a lot of the band’s hits, including “Hello, I Love You” and “People are Strange”. What makes him interesting is the fact that the cause of his death remains a mystery. On top of that, his girlfriend also met the same fate at 27.
Hendrix, Joplin, and Morrison all dying so close together should've been enough to raise some questions, but up until Kurt Cobain’s death in 1994, nothing came about the striking similarities. Cobain, famously known as the lead member of Nirvana with his raspy rebel aesthetic, is still seen as an inspiration long after his death. Hits like “Smells Like Teen Spirit” are still highly regarded among the rock community. What makes his end more tragic is the fact that he died by suicide.
Almost two decades later, the well-loved singer, Amy Winehouse, known for her music with influence of soul, R&B, reggae, and jazz, met her end at 27. Her debut album, Frank drew listeners in and her song “Back to Black” allowed her to become a record-breaking Grammy award winner. She has had a long battle of addiction, and after attending rehab multiple times for alcoholism, Winehouse tragically dies from alcohol poisoning on July 23, 2011.
Beyond the members of the 27 club, the theory about ‘Saturn’s return’ may be a plausible explanation for the coincidences of these celebrities’ deaths. The term Saturn’s return is used by many astrologists and astrology enthusiasts alike, and is meant to describe when Saturn returns to the spot where it was when you were born. On average, it takes 29.5 years for Saturn to revolve around the sun, so the point where it once was the moment you were born returns to the same spot when you’re around 27-30 years old.
This return signifies some harsh life changes and turbulence in your relationships, work and personal life. It is meant to be a time of self-reflection and realization of your place as an adult. Many people tend to feel very low during this period which may contribute to the long list of celebrities dying during these critical years.
Overall, the 27 Club, whether a dark coincidence or a mystery waiting to be solved, is a fascinating phenomenon with a long list of members that continues to grow.
