Rolling Stones Reflect on Amy Winehouse's Struggles and Legacy Ahead of New Album

Ahead of their new album Foreign Tongues, which features a cover of Amy Winehouse's song "You Know I'm No Good," the Rolling Stones shared poignant memories of the late British singer. Guitarist Ronnie Wood revealed in an interview with Sunday Times Culture Magazine that Winehouse once reached out to him for help during her battle with alcoholism. Wood recalled advising her to stop hiding vodka in water bottles and to get on stage, expressing sadness that her life and career were cut short at age 27. The band dedicated their cover as a tribute, with Wood comparing her loss to that of Billie Holiday, who also died young due to substance abuse.

Winehouse performed with the Rolling Stones at the Isle of Wight Festival in 2007. Keith Richards expressed regret at not having gotten to know her better, saying he was honored to have played with her even once. Winehouse was found dead in her Camden home in 2011 from accidental alcohol poisoning, with investigations showing her blood alcohol level was five times the legal driving limit. She struggled with addiction, anxiety, and withdrawal symptoms, undergoing multiple interventions by her parents, who tried to help her leave her destructive lifestyle.

Her ex-husband Blake Fielder-Civil, often blamed for introducing her to heroin, stated in a podcast that Winehouse had used cocaine before they met, defending himself against unfair accusations. He noted that her drug use was known publicly, including photos from the BRIT Awards showing her with cocaine. Despite her personal battles, Winehouse remains one of the most beloved and influential singers of her generation.