British music icon Lulu, 76, has spoken publicly about her alcohol addiction for the first time, revealing the childhood trauma that drove her to drink. The singer, best known for her 1964 hit 'Shout', said she feared tarnishing her 'squeaky clean' image by admitting to her alcoholism.
In a new interview, Lulu confessed she was 'terrified of being like my father', who was also an alcoholic. She detailed witnessing violent domestic abuse between her parents and the moment her father was 'dragged away' by police. She said she 'carried so much shame' about their actions but has since learned to forgive them.
Lulu believes her alcoholism was 'the culmination of a life spent trying to suppress feelings'. She entered rehab after realising she 'wasn't happy' and constantly questioned why she was drinking. She now says she is 'never been happier in my life' and is 'glad I'm an alcoholic and that I'm in recovery'.
The singer opens up further in her new memoir, 'If Only You Knew', out on September 25. She hopes her story can help others, having learned from other people's memoirs and self-help books. She said: 'The thing about drink is that you become the worst part of who you really are.'
Lulu, who has been married twice and lives in central London with her cockapoo, continues to sing and perform despite announcing her retirement from touring last year due to moderate hearing loss. She recently joined Sir Rod Stewart on stage at Glastonbury 2025 as a surprise guest.
Fans have praised Lulu for 'helping so many people' after she bravely opened up about her alcoholism. The NHS advises anyone worried about their own or someone else's drinking to call Drinkline on 0300 123 1110 or contact Alcoholics Anonymous.
