Lola Young Reveals Near-Fatal Addiction After Stage Collapse
Singer Lola Young has candidly shared her fears of dying before she made the difficult decision to step back from her music career. The artist collapsed on stage during a performance at the All Things Go festival in New York last September, an incident that she now describes as a life-saving turning point.
A Terrifying On-Stage Incident
During her performance in September, Lola Young fell backwards on stage in a frightening moment captured in daunting images that showed her being carried off by crew members. The collapse prompted immediate concern among fans and industry observers, leading to her decision to cancel all concerts for the foreseeable future.
"What else was I going to do? Die? That was the reality of where my addiction was heading," the singer insisted in her recent interview with Rolling Stone magazine. She explained that she had pushed herself too far, engaging in self-sabotaging behavior that culminated in the on-stage incident.
The Decision That Saved Her Life
Young admits that her decision to step back from performing led to intense backlash from some quarters, but she maintains it was a necessary move for her survival. "I chose to hurt myself and self-sabotage, and I also chose to get onstage and perform," she revealed, acknowledging the dangerous path she had been following.
The singer now views her collapse as a critical breaking point that ultimately saved her life. "I am very grateful that it happened because it was a breaking point which allowed me to then be able to be here today," she stated. "It allowed me to be better for my fans, better for the future, and better for myself."
Mental Health Struggles and ADHD Diagnosis
Lola Young has been open about her mental health challenges, including her ADHD diagnosis which she revealed in 2022. In an Instagram post at the time, she wrote: "I can't find the words to describe how much this diagnosis has affected my entire life, and my outlook on the world around me."
She continued: "I have struggled immensely learning to accept this part of myself, and I am still learning. I have to remind myself that I am a regular person, I am human and I am, like everyone, capable of incredible things. My mental health condition does not define me. It is my superpower."
Gradual Return to Performing
Last December, months after the scary incident, Lola posted a heartfelt statement on Instagram thanking supporters for giving her the time and space she needed to recover. "Hey, I just wanted to express gratitude to everyone who has given me time and space to gather myself and get my head in a better place," she shared. "I've felt so much love and support from you all, and it has helped more than you will ever know."
In that same post, she revealed her plans to slowly return to performing, expressing optimism about the future. "I am hoping to gradually get back to performing and continuing pursuing my dreams," she wrote at the time. "Happy holidays to you all and can't wait to see you in 2026. Life is a journey, nothing is perfect but today I am doing well. All my love always, Lola x."
Looking Forward with Renewed Perspective
The past year has taken its toll on the singer, but she admits to feeling more positive about the future months after the incident. Her experience has given her a new perspective on balancing career demands with personal wellbeing, and she now approaches her return to music with greater awareness of her limitations and needs.
Young's story highlights the intense pressures faced by performers in the music industry and the importance of prioritizing mental health and wellbeing over career demands. Her candid revelations about addiction and recovery serve as a powerful reminder of the human cost that can accompany artistic success.
