Jack Antonoff, the mastermind behind hits that make your heart dance like a drunken ferret at a disco party, is here to drop some truth bombs about why he’s sworn off the wacky tobaccy and other mind-altering substances.
This 39-year-old music virtuoso has rubbed shoulders with the likes of Taylor Swift, Lana Del Rey, and Lorde, and has a Grammy collection that could rival a dragon’s hoard. But behind the glitz and glam, there’s a story—a tale of why Jack decided to bid farewell to the psychedelic rollercoaster.
In a recent chat with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe, Jack unraveled the mystery behind his drug-free lifestyle. Brace yourself, it’s a tale that’ll make you laugh, cry, and probably crave a pizza afterwards.
So, here’s the scoop: Jack’s journey to sobriety started with a heartbreaking twist. His sister Sarah tragically passed away from brain cancer when she was just a teenybopper of 13. Picture Jack, an 18-year-old lad, grappling with the weight of the universe crashing down on his skinny shoulders. In his desperation to escape the pain, he did what any confused teenager with access to psychedelics would do—he took a nosedive into a mushroom-induced rabbit hole.
Now, imagine Jack, tripping harder than a clumsy giraffe, realizing that reality has pulled a fast one on him. He’s spiraling into a kaleidoscope of emotions, and not the good kind. It’s a hot mess of grief, psychedelics, and probably a sprinkle of existential dread.
In Jack’s own words, he was so bonkers from that cosmic journey that even now, he can practically hear his body screaming, “Nope! Not today, Satan!” whenever drugs come knocking.
Sure, Jack might indulge in the occasional sip of the devil’s nectar, but he’s sworn off the hard stuff. Why? Because he’s seen the dark side. He’s danced with the psychedelic devil and lived to tell the tale. And let’s be real, after that wild ride, who wouldn’t want to stick to something a bit more mellow, like sipping tea on a porch swing?
Jack’s not preaching from a soapbox here. He’s just a guy who’s been there, done that, and got the T-shirt (probably tie-dyed with a unicorn riding a skateboard). He’s grateful for his goof-up because it saved him from a fate worse than death—a life spent chasing highs that only lead to rock bottom faster than a lead balloon.
So, next time you see Jack Antonoff, the man who’s swapped mushrooms for melodies, give him a pat on the back. He’s the unsung hero of the music world, navigating the highs and lows with a sense of humor and a killer soundtrack.