Live Fast, Die Young

The infamous phrase “live fast, die young” was first thrust upon the world in 1949. In fact the full quote, spoken by John Derek in the film Knock on Any Door was “live fast, die young and leave a good-looking corpse”, which is as hopeful as it is alarming.

Now more than ever this saying is resonating in my mind, as we seem to be in the midst of yet another spate of tragic and untimely demises among the rich and famous.

Last month the glorious mess that was Ryan Dunn died an awful death after driving too fast and under the influence of alcohol. He killed himself and his passenger. He was 34 years old.

Dunn was always living on the edge, chasing his dreams and prolonging old age by forever behaving like an eight year old boy. He was famous and spent years delighting audiences by being utterly ridiculous in Jackass with his co-stars. He was fantastically entertaining and bizarrely attractive as he rocked the borderline bad-ass/idiot persona.

Despite his crazy lifestyle, I don’t think any of his fans saw his early death coming. Granted, he never seemed the type to die an old man, frail, alone and tucked up in bed. But you still don’t expect someone you admire (however daft the reasons for your admiration) to die so soon, especially when they are a celebrity of your generation.

Of course it is fair to say that, essentially, he killed himself by the choices he made that night. But that doesn’t stop it from being sad. He left behind friends, family and fans who loved him and the way he chose to live his life. Anyone can die in a car crash, irrespective of fault or blame.

Just last weekend the story of Amy Winehouse’s death hit the headlines. The cause of death wasn’t reported, just the fact that she had been found dead in her home. Speculation began instantly. No one was surprised to learn of the death of a notorious drug addict. Yet still, the sadness followed.

Here was an incredibly talented young woman, idolised the world over for her haunting and unusual voice. Admittedly, she was just as well known for her addictions and filthy appearance as she was for her sparkling career, but that to many was just another part of her charm. She captivated the hearts of many a party girl, sticking her middle finger up to the rules and just having a good time. Perhaps many even secretly dreamed to be that seemingly free. Of course with addicts, that isn’t even half the story. What you see is never what you get.

Personally I imagine that Winehouse was just a scared little girl dealing with too much too soon, inwardly screaming for someone to help her. To take her in their arms, hand her a face wipe, kiss her on the forehead and say “don’t worry love; it’s all going to be all right now”. But no one ever did. Not to the level that, in retrospect, she so obviously needed. I am not discrediting the efforts of all those around her who tried, but as is so often the case in these situations, I doubt that even she knew the severity of her problems, so no one else would have had a hope in hell.

So now the husky voiced Amy Winehouse joins the infamous “27 Club”, the collective name for the many talented artists who have died before their time, all at the same age. The likes of Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison and Kurt Cobain, to name just a few, are “members”. Undoubtedly a membership they never would have asked for. There are lots of theories relating to this so-called club, but the fact remains that the world has waved farewell to a wealth of talent at an early age. And this fact terrifies me. That is my age bracket. In two and a half years I will be 27.

Now I don’t profess to be living a fast paced or dangerous life comparable to the levels of these stars on whom such a life has finally taken its toll. But that doesn’t stop me worrying. I worry about myself but moreover I worry about those I love. I know people who take far too many drugs and who do crazy things. Again, their behaviour has nothing on our dear deceased celebrities, if nothing else because they haven’t the means for this, but it only takes one bad trip, one misjudged move, one bit of bad luck or bad judgement, and that could be that.

There are so many haters out there who have got nothing nice to say about Amy Winehouse or Ryan Dunn right now. We all know they died through their own doing, none of us are condoning this, but if nothing else then can’t we at least try to get something positive from it all? Remember their talent and appreciate it. Don’t let it die with them; keep it fresh for future generations to enjoy. But most importantly, try not to repeat their mistakes. Help others not to follow in the darker of their footsteps. Don’t drink and drive; don’t let your addiction beat you. Never be afraid to just ask for help.

I am all too aware that saying it is far easier than doing it and I am by no means trying to sound all self-righteous. But our time on this earth is so very brief, and for some it is cut unimaginably short. So just try to make the best of what you’ve got. Say “I love you” whenever the mood strikes you. Don’t turn your back on the loved ones that need you, however hopeless they may seem and however much they may push you away.

I am not promoting drinking and driving, nor am I encouraging you to go and shoot up. But please, I implore you, whatever you do make sure it is done with a smile on your face and a friend at your side. Live your life, love your friends. Don’t be the next person everyone says “well we saw this coming, didn’t we?” about.