[Blind Eye Jones]

Interesting that you mention “Thriller.” If you read the autopsy report on the state of Michael Jackson's body you could swear he became one of the Zombies from the Thriller video. That's the true impact of fame and obsession. Conquering the world or the music world has a price.

[massgopguy]

But wait! There’s more! If you call now Billy Mays will throw one in for free!

[LS]

Yes, it certainly does. Look at most of the truly great musicians---Hendrix, Morrison, Joplin, Elvis, Bonham---who died of drugs or the many great comedians who died of obesity, such as Candy and Farley, or depression, Rich Jenni.

As a writer and former musician, it's almost like creating extracts a toll from your soul. Think of how many musicians or comedians we say "used to be great," or "used to be funny." Look at Boz Scaggs, who had one album containing 3-4 truly timeless knockout songs, and never put together another solid album or Brett Easton Ellis who never could get another "Less Than Zero."