He has nothing to be ashamed of. The fact he kept going so long without resorting to drugs or booze as so many celebrities do is a testament to his strength and character.
It's awesome that he resisted that dreadful temptation that did in soo many great stars and people! My hat and respect is totally off to him!! Excellent job, Mr. Adam Ant! God bless you!😀🙏
He gave me some bravery when I was an early teen getting bullied at school. Made me tearful hearing "ridicule is nothing to be scared of" it meant a lot to 13/14 year old me.
Yea it is. Hope all is better for you. Trust me, you know what I know now you'll see how important, unique and beautiful you truly are and will be amazed at all the things you achieve living a long life. Also your going to find someone that loves you for you. Just hang on
I was being bullied by a so-called "friend" at the age of 15. It was the year 2000, and I was massively getting into 1980s music, so my dad used to sing "[bullies name] is nothing to be scared of!" to help get me through the door to school every day.
His teacher was my Grandmother (Nana, she thought Grandma sounded too old!) she was the most wonderful woman and she and Stuart kept in contact until she died in 2008. It makes me really happy to see these lovely comments about her on here and it’s so nice to be able to see her here in her house talking when I want to. ❤
I hope Adam realises what a huge inspiration for others he has been - not just in his music and style, but in his long battle with this horrible illness.
Stuart you're saving lives by speaking out. THANK YOU for your honesty and helping reduce the stigma of mental illness. I loved you in the '80s, and I still do!
I believe you can have empathy but can't truly understand it unless you experience it. I have M.E and because people only see me when I'm outside and looking healthy, there is no understanding and rarely empathy. Just get comments like "must be nice to sleep during the day"! With any illness/injury that has no obvious signs people's brains switch off to it. In this current situation where people are isolated, please make the odd connection with a quick call, text or email. Just to show you do care.
I know this is an old post, but mental illness is real. My father showed signs of it, but it was unrecognized...and we lost him. I support Adam Ant and his musical talents. My husband and I will be seeing him perform in two days! By the graces of higher powers he is in a better place and finding joy in entertaining again. Thank you for this documentary...and thank you Adam for persevering.
There’s nothing more inspirational than someone being honest about their own shortcomings. Having difficulties with life and standing up and saying ‘hey this is me’ Adam you are so brave well done. 😊
Hugely talented, *way* ahead of his time. In 1982, pre-MTV, he was ahead of even Michael Jackson in developing the music video idea. Ahead of his time understanding that the old music press were irrelevant and the tabloids mattered more. And some of those songs are absolutely fantastic, original and pretty much uncopyable. Quite the pioneer, really. I hope he finds and keeps his balance. He deserves the genuine respect, affection and high esteem he is held in around the world.
I give him huge kudos not drinking, smoking, taking drugs in that world in the 80's....he was a wonderful entertainer and seems to have good morals & boundaries while battling with bi-polar and depression.
@@dlpowers3898 you are implying that people who are bipolar or depressed do not usually have good morals (whatever that even means in the context of smoking and alcohol…) but he does despite! suffering from both. Rather condescending…and also ridiculous…
@@ID-ig6fq actually "no", I was saying that many in the rock industry in the 70's/80's got caught up in drugs, drinking etc. for the most part, but he didn't go that route. I wasn't implying that to mean people with mental health issues, just many people living the life of rock stars. Please don't assume before you type...thanks :)
I remember watching this on TV. My mum was a bit worried about my infatuation with Adam back in the 80s, but after my dad watched this he totally understood & approved of him as he could see what a genuine person he was. RIP mum & dad.
My mom was worried about that, also, but she was as in love with Jim Morrison , and I kept telling her how that ended up.(probably did not help me) A little eyeliner and a few dance moves aren't the end of the world .
My parents thought I was "turning boys gay" because they liked new wave and punk music and I was showing them how to take care of their skin and use and remove eyeliner. So fucking stupid. I was blamed for "trying to turn boys gay" in the late 80s. No, but they have to know how to take care of their skin, just like girls, and take off the makeup before they get home, just like girls did, didn't they? We were all obsessed with bands that wore makeup back then. Didn't matter if if it was punk, hair metal, new wave, punk, post punk, they were all rocking a lot of makeup. (Except maybe Iggy and Patty Smyth, but inherited those people. They weren't quite my generation. ) I thought Patty Smyth, David Bowie, David byrne, Ozzy, Lemmy, and Jell-O fought those battles and won them. I never imagined we would have to do all that shit all over again.
I hope all those guys that were my buddies back then still remember a thing or two about skin care, and help their wives without being assholes about it.
You aren't the sum total fears of your parents. I hope you can still enjoy his music without guilt. I turned out mostly okay. My kids turned out pretty spectacular. I like to show my grandson a few of his videos when we are doing baby/nahnah time. We do some baby videos, some of mine, and we each try a new food. So far, we are up to ant music ( goodbye, Peppa pig) and sushi. He prefers California rolls, and prince charming. he's only 3. But he's so damn cutewhen he gets to the sushi bar, he starts stomping. "Little man, what are you doing?" Stomp stomp "antmusic! Antmusic!" Okay. That isn't just adorable, that's completely acceptable. Let's just be a little quiet, since we are doing take out. "Whispers" ( antmusic! Huhuhuhuhu ant music) (God, I love that tiny little boy so much. )
Ahh so sad Helen!! I carved his tattoo on my arm!! My friend was jealous!! Because I'm Black it turned out really well. It's long gone now...thinking about doing it again haha!!! LOVE Adam and I'm Bipolar also. I understand the struggle!
I dont care what anybody says about ADAM, He got me through my teen years and beyond. I still play his music daily and its like nothing before it, During it or beyond, A real true original and an absolute living legend. God bless you ADAM, Who cares, We're all still here for you mate.
From the minute I saw Adam and the Ants, ❤I was amazed. Loved him so unique, so beautiful to look at it was only later I found out about the mental health that tormented him. I found this very interesting. 😮
I always thought that Adam was amazing. I loved his style, charisma and talent. When I realised that he didn’t drink , smoke or take drugs he became my hero. I hated the media for their cruelty and still do.
He’s an absolute legend and his greatest humility is that he has no idea what he still means to the army of Dandys, highwaymen and lowly ants who grew up buying smash hits just because he was in it. This interview really pulled at my emotions as I had no idea how hard the depression had hit him. I knew he went to the US, dated Heather Graham and suffered from bi-polar but had no idea what he’d dealt with and come out the other side of. He is an inspiration not just as a musician but as a man and I have nothing but love and respect for the guy who helped me through my family issues back in the eighties. Much Love Adam, you’re still a Dandy Highwayman to us and always will be. Ridicule is nothing to be scared of…
Yeah, as others have said, this man has conquered his demons, at leasr for now. Saw him this year at Southampton and he looked *incredible* for 65. He was leaping about, singing at the top of his lungs and looked like a completely different guy. Strongly suggest any people here thinking of seeing him take the plunge and go - This man is an inspiration.
Listening to these records in 2021 after buying them in 1981 and 1982 it strikes me that they we're before their time, they would stand up to today's shit all day long.
Agreed! An intelligent, innovative, very exciting performer. Just read his autobiography, a fascinating read. He is very honest and candid, it's a warts and all account of his life. He doesn't gloss over anything- which speaks volumes about his integrity. Marco Pironni has been a fantastic friend to Adam over the years. Adam A= Top bloke! :)
Well, fuck, the first time I heard his music, it was an antidepressant to me. What I heard was " and now for something completely different" and.......I knew that I had to find my own way. It was hard sometimes, but I have no regrets. My kids are great, and they don't have the hang ups the rest of the family did. It was hard. But it was worth it. My only nephew is dead. My only niece is a spoiled Texas brat . I'm so proud of my kids. They worked for everything they had. I wasn't able to help them much then, but I bend over backwards for them now, because I am able to. They deserved so much more than I was able to give them, then. They are just amazing people.
Yeah, I've seen that they are malicious and out for any story. I guess it's because I have time to read your tabloids when I can't sleep at night. They are like hunter S thompson super high and chasing a deadline. But, it's not something new, everyone knows they are like hungry wolves after a long winter, right? So, do they keep that in mind? I don't trust my local news, I read all the news, many networks, etc.
Fuck what they say. He's a very talented musician that people want to see perform, or he isn't. And if you are a fan of any sort, you aren't going to let them dig up old dirt to keep you from seeing him. I'm the same. I'm hoping I can afford to take a day off when he next comes to Houston Texas. I missed it this this time. I Hope there's another time and I can afford to take a day off.
Lifetime hero -saw him in Sheffield a couple of weeks ago.. If you do read any social media Adam, know that your in the hearts of thousands of people who thank you for being part of their lives, all the best.
I loved him throughout the 80s, and I love him now. My sister suffers from bipolar depression, and my heart goes out to all who suffer from bipolar depression. If you're suffering from depression, or any form of mental illness, please don't EVER be ashamed to ask for help. Because asking for help makes you extremely strong. Merry Christmas to all of you, and a very Happy New Year. May 2021 be much better than 2020, and it brings you all, including your families, great prosperity, health, success, and lots of laughter and joy, and lots of love and peace, and may you and your loved ones create many beautiful and cherished memories.
I am bipolar, and yes it is crippling....BUT there is a tremendous gift that comes along with it. It is almost like you have access to a different part of your brain where ideas and creativeness pour out. But there is a price to pay, but how boring life would be without it.
@@aquariousenigma70 stay fabulous! Your creativity may cost you more than anyone will ever know but your creativity can save a life you will never know.
While the other teenage girls who were once fascinated with Adam moved on, this teenage 53-year-old girl never did. He's still a talented musician on any level.
I agree with all my fluttering heart. I never knew how hard he had to work. But no one talked about depression back then. I loved him then and even more today. Blessed be dear sir!
Adam, you have recovered since then, but you aren't doing well. And you are still so loved. Im a cook . You have not stopped being a part of my life, ever.
Baby bunny (weird, that's what I called my daughter. I called her bunny rabbit) it is hard. But, you can't listen to those people. People will tell you all day long what you "can't " do. And they have no idea about what they are talking about, most of the time. I'm going to tell you something I used to tell my daughter when she was 8-12 all the time, o Hope it helps you. Imagine you are fruit at the grocery store. Maybe you are a star fruit or a dragon fruit, or a lycee, or some other incredible exotic fruit, and you get accidentally but into a bin of bananas. Do you really want to be faking being a banana, or are you going to be your exotic self? I know it's hard. When all the other kids were obsessed with boy bands, my daughter was obsessed with Leonardo De Vinci. And Van Gogh. It was really hard for her, but I told her to blend in when and if she felt like it, but never give up her passions, and not to let other people shut her down for being curious and wanting to learn things. Of she didn't feel like sharing those interests, that was fine, but don't become something you don't want to be in the first place to try to "fit in". As an an adult ( I actually don't know how old you are), and now as a grandmother, it is a little easier as an adult to have different interests. It's a little easier to tell them "well, if you don't like it, you don't have to". If you don't have a small core of friends who share your interests, now, I know myself how hard that is, and i know it was hard for my daughter. You will find your tribe of life altering beautiful weirdos that make you feel at home, and make you feel free to learn and explore new things, and encourage your "weird" interests. You know, my daughter at one point tailored herself an amazing wardrobe from things she bought second hand, made her own 16th birthday cake topper of a portrait in chocolate of Edgar Allen Poe, ( done in reverse. Lines first. In layers. I couldn't do that) made sous chef the same week she turned 21. You have all kinds of talents, I'm sure. Just because you aren't encouraged doesn't mean your interests don't have value, or won't get you your dream job or amazing friends just like you, somedaythe other thing I said to my daughter was " mean people are fuckers. You should never listen to fuckers and let them decide who you are." I know you aren't MY bunny rabbit, but you are a bunny rabbit, nonetheless, and I hope this helps you.
Baby bunny you didn't give me any impression at all about your age, I just didn't want to assume anything. I'm sorry for your upbringing ( my mother also had a lot of self hate that I think she directed towards me, that may be similar in your case, I don't know and won't assume) I'm glad you have a loving husband. You are loved. It's okay to take baby steps to be brave to be yourself, your self that you want to be. Love from Texas, baby bunny.
Also, what's in your grocery cart is none of anyone else's business. The only way to deal with them is to confront them with their bad manners . Everyone needs some comfort now and then. Tell those those rude ass ass ignorantly righteous people to fuck the hell off. When you feel like you can be yourself, everything will change for you. And, also, big mama bear hugs.
New to Michigan. I wanted to go to that show!!! I was so bummed to have missed it! I did see him at the Coach house in California Small venue, and, I got eye contact during Wonderful One of my best memories!!!
Yeah, I saw them ( in Australia) in early'80's- ( first ever gig for me) Bloody excellent performer.He and Bowie are the two most entertaining front men / musicians/ artists I have seen in my lifetime. (They Might Be Giants,UB40 and Portishead as well) Even Simon and Garfunkel, and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds didn't come close, and that's saying something ( coz they're some of the best)
I loved Adam Ant and went to a concert on his birthday at the Brighton Centre. My Mum also loved Adam and came with me. Sadly she is now in a specialised home with severe dementia aged 84. She loved Adam, Kajagoogoo, Doctor and the Medics, Dead or Alive. She was always singing and dancing around.
He’s an absolute legend and his greatest humility is that he has no idea what he still means to the army of Dandys, highwaymen and lowly ants who grew up buying smash hits just because he was in it. This interview really pulled at my emotions as I had no idea how hard the depression had hit him. I knew he went to the US, dated Heather Graham and suffered from bi-polar but had no idea what he’d dealt with and come out the other side of. He is an inspiration not just as a musician but as a man and I have nothing but love and respect for the guy who helped me through my family issues back in the eighties. Much Love Adam, you’re still a Dandy Highwayman to us and always will be. Ridicule is nothing to be scared of…
I was one of those teenaged girls who adored him and still do! I didn't know what happened to him. I'm glad he is still alive and pray for him to be happy and be able to enjoy the rest of his life.
Friend Or Foe is one of his more underrated albums, and in my mind the last of his great albums, but a fantastic album none the less. He's still going strong and is an incredible talent.
What a courageous guy, and a brilliant pop-star too. (And what a great friend he has/had in Marco Pirroni...) Much respect to you, Mr. Goddard... xx SF
I, too, live with mental illness and think it is Phenomenal that adam Ant has propelled himself into an icon. Life truly can be difficult and only other diagnosed individuals can possibly fathom its ups and downs. Team Ant comin' through !!!! ❤🎭👍
Adam was my first crush. I was a young teen and when I heard his music for the first time I was like wow. Then I saw Adam. It couldn't have got any better and even my children who didn't grow up with his music love's it to. Adam Ant music will never die.
To hear him discussing his battles “with shame”…. My brother in law, who had been my best friend since 7th grade, as well as my husbands since the day he arrived, took his own life, loosing his battle to bi-polar disorder when he was 25. He wasn’t diagnosed till he graduated and went missing on his European summer vacation, his first “manic” episode. Going back over the years I could see his struggles better, but we were in High School and he was simply brilliant. So he could sleep in for days, show up, and ace exams. His artistic talent was stunning. He was a beautiful soul, missed to this day. We lost him in 1999, there still isn’t enough attention on mental health without the negativity.
Being an entertainer and suffering from clinical depression, anxiety and bipolar 2 I truly empathise with him. I can understand everything that he's been through. He's a talented man and will always be loved.
Still a fine-looking man and a sweet generous one too. So glad I watched this and now have even more respect for Paul Young for walking off of Buzzcocks due to the comments made about his friend.
His star burnt very brightly at the start of the 80s; I lived through that period and remember just how charismatic, groundbreaking and successful he and his music was. And then he was gone. Thank you for this; it's been invaluable to plug the gaps and to hear him talking so candidly about his bipolar condition. He truly is a survivor.
What hurt his music career wasn't just his depression but Band Aid also. At the time in the early 80's when Adam was huge, musicians and celebrities didn't cross over much. Yeah artists and musicians had fame just as much as celebrities but they kept it to themselves. But by the Band Aid and Thriller happened, that's when the artists were starting to become what they were against.
This is a decent doc, but I do implore if you really love Adam listen to his autobiography on audio,its available here on you tube for free and after listening to it I came back here and realized how much this skips over like the real reason for his bi polar his father coming home drunk every night hitting his mother, it got so bad he got halucenations and no where to escape in a 2 room flat. Anyways you learn alot more ,here hes kinda just made out to be a whiney baby rock star and he really wasn't. The audio book also delves into his father much more and his guilty verdict was more gray and emotionally complex for Adam than the easy quip he spits out here. He reads the audio book too and it does add an emotionality to it and you feel his words more than say another person reading it out like lines where this was his lines his life. Cheers !!!
Just got through listening to it. On the audio he seemed much more sympathetic toward his father than he did on this doc. Age, maybe? Sometimes, with age, we can become hard or bitter about our past, when we were a little more sympathetic or at least tolerant in our youth.
Interesting. I was wondering if he'd been abused. I loved him. I understand what he said about how your brain feels when you're so depressed. Mental anguish. Just taking one step is a monumental task. Neurofeedback saved my life.
I saw this video many years ago . I suffer from the same issues. I watch it every so often to help me with my depression ! I'm going to be 56 this month, and his music has been a inspiration since I was 12 years old. Love this man !
That was fascinating. Depression is truly awful and unless you have suffered it yourself or had a family member have it you have absolutely no idea how serious and terrifying it is. It's a dreadful disease few people talk about.
Amazingly talented artist, then and now. I hope Adam knows how many people he's inspired. I live with depression and relate to going 1000 miles an hour to keep it at bay. Adam Ant was the 1st concert I attended, I was 13. Adam gave 13 year old me permission to be me. Forever grateful!
Adam, I'm a 49 year old air traffic controller in the richest country in the world and I have adored you for about 40 years when I was a wee Scottish schoolboy who was hypnotized by your brilliant music. Thank You Sir. X
I had 3 great years in my childhood idolising this guy! he was the coolest guy on the planet and above all it was his original music! you have earned your right to be called a star and I for one was blinded by the light! Thank you Stuart for being you!
Big Respect for Adam Ant, he had a tough time with mental depression yet never fell in the drugs or alcohol trap hands up to you Adam!! still as lovely as ever!
My teenage idol. I never knew all this. I have a label as well. My heart goes out to you. But you inspired a whole generation of us kids for good. That was when music was art style and talent. Wish you could see this. Cause I have more stories about your influence. Thoughts my friend.
A powerful story of his courage to walk away from being the sexiest man alive, only to move to Hollywood and become Luke Perry, and then move back to the UK living as Boy George, and come out the other side as himself again at last but also Jack Sparrow
Grew up listening to Adam and the Ants, Culture Club,Madness, UB40, Prince, Heart, and many many more... I Have no complaints about growing up Generation X, I had a wicked sound track to do it to.... Thanks Adam and your Ants🤭❤️✌️
Not to disrespect blind people but trying to explain insanity to a sane person is like explaining the concept of colour to a blind person. Sorry there is no other way I can explain it.
Just one more reason to loathe Malcolm McLaran. He really did Adam a disservice, by making out that Adam and the Ants were his creation, and therefore a bit fabricated, when in fact he simply stole the Ants. One more reason to respect Adam tho, he beat McLaran at his own game, which makes him a hero in my musical books. And he has never said a bad word about Malcolm, he just went on to sell millions of records, which is of course the best revenge. Bow Wow Wow on the other hand was entirely fabricated, and yet people took them seriously..go figure.
@@j.cabello8446 What about the Duck Rock album it is better than any of the groups that he managed or claimed to manage he did nothing to help Adam for sure just poached his musicians. The pirate angle also had been used so many times before, the punk ants were the real deal.
I’m so happy he is still with us. His later music is beautiful. I’m sure he can do anything he puts his mind to. Much love to his friends and family. Keep it up and hope to hear your new music soon.
Still amazing I loved him as a teenager, he still brings a smile to my face, mental health is nothing to be ashamed of, I suffer from PTSS from my childhood, he's music kept me going, takes a very brave person to speak about it, you're still amazing Adam ❤️
I have so much sympathy for him. He should never feel shame as that gets in the way of him getting the help he needs. I love the gentleness of his talking voice as well as the music he has created over the years.
Adam is awsome he helped me a lot Back in the 80s when my dad threw me out of house for not doing the dishes before I went to bed . I was 16 I listen to his music all the time it made me feel uplifted . Ps still listings to this day
I hope he reads some comments as so deserves more in many ways, wouldn't you just love to chat during lockdown, about punk, fashion and dreams that you wish you could reignite from such inspiring times back in the 80,s. With him, ?.. I love the creative drive, it does make you feel like you're right back at a young age again with Loads of positive ideas, he's very strong and charismatic, art is a great tool to have in troubled times, it can help an awful lot, warm thoughts to all fellow creative people who can resonate with this, stay safe 💕
I agree. It would be a wonderful thing indeed to read what genuine people not tabloids have to say. Hope he continues to be the amazing person he has proven himself to be and I do hope he surrounds himself with loving people.
Adam there is no shame in being ill!!! Do did so well staying away from drink & non Rx-drugs since you realized your dads history. You will always have fans and you changed the music world with talent & fashion. Celebrate the Good !
I loved him way back then and I love him more now. He is the perfect man. I could sit here until the end times watching those 80’s videos. I will never give up hope seeing him.
When I watched Top of the Pops for the first time Adam and the Ants were number one with stand and deliver. I have been hooked on him ever since. My favourite song is killer in the home even though I never understood the words.
In order to bring those incredible highs to the world, he had to go through those terrible lows. He'll never know how much he changed the world and the face of pop music. He was the original, a pioneer, and a much loved British Icon. I'm so happy you were part of my youth. Thanks for the songs, the colors, the smiles and the costumes. You brightened my angst ridden teenage years.
Loved Adam ant. Admirable he was not a man of excess. There is no shame in mental illness, actually, it is heartwarming that he is honest, which gains respect. Media are cruel and personal, just horrible! Take care of yourself Adam.
Thanks so much for sharing this. I felt a deep empathy for Adam particularly the way the press scrutinised and mocked him for being so unwell. This documentary displayed what strength of character and willpower he has to endure lifes ups and downs. I wish I could tell him how much he is respected and loved by all who understand. A tad dramatic, Adam and his music helped me escape a particularly abusive childhood. I wish him and his loved ones the very best. I would also like to wish anyone enduring mental health difficulties particularly now, with the pandemic, all the very best too. We are still a long way from ending stigma. Lack of education breeds fear. With a little more empathy and kindness the world would be a better place.
I'm glad you found the documentary to be helpful and informative. I agree that Adam showed great strength of character in the face of adversity. It's important to remember that mental illness is not a weakness, and that people who are struggling with it deserve our respect and compassion. I'm sorry to hear that you had an abusive childhood, but I'm glad that Adam and his music were able to help you through that difficult time. I know that music can be a powerful force for healing, and I'm glad that it was able to help you in your journey. I wish you all the best in your own mental health journey, and I hope that you are able to find the support and resources you need. I also wish all those who are struggling with mental health difficulties all the best, especially during this challenging time. I agree that we are still a long way from ending stigma around mental illness. However, I believe that education and awareness are key to making progress. If we can teach people about mental illness and how to be supportive, we can start to break down the stigma and create a more compassionate world. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. It's important to have these conversations so that we can continue to raise awareness and fight stigma.
Based on their intimate emotional anecdotes I suspect Adams primary school teacher & Marco were more like his surrogate mother & brother than just close friends...
To be that talented and put on brilliant performances with that awful illness is incredible, God Bless you for the music i still listen to today at 71 with crippling depression ive endured all my life, the music lifts me❤❤
Adam/Stuart sounds like an intelligent and creative person. He's contributed a lot to music and mental health awareness. I hope the UK tabloids show him respect now.
You, Unbelievables! Adam Ant Is One Of The Most Important Artists Of All Times! The Post-Modern, The Genius, The Best Of His Generation! Absoluely! Incredible! Intelligent! Savant! An Idol! A Sex Symbol! GENIUS!
I feel awful that he went through life like this. I'm thankful he never acted on his suicidal thoughts, because I love having him with us (I still enjoy going to his concerts). Seems like it's difficult for people with bi-polar disorder to maintain lasting relationships, and end up very lonely when they're going through their episodes, which deepens their depression. Seems like a lot has to do with being misunderstood and people not knowing how to reach them and understand what's happening deep inside.
I was a Huge Ant-Fan from the beginning of the 80's. As a teen his romantic costumes and make-up greatly appealed to me, and his music was so different from everything else. I was fortunate enough to see him in concert when he was in Boston in 85 for his Vive Le Rock album. Wall Of Voodoo was his opening act, which was cool. I loved their song "Mexican Radio", still do. I had not idea how much he suffered. I have all of his CD's, up to his last one in 2012. I do hope that he is doing well and has all he needs to stay on an even keel. I'll always be an Ant Fan.
