John Michael Montgomery has voluntarily checked himself into a rehabilitation treatment center for substance abuse, due to severe anxiety attacks and sleep disorder, his management company said Friday (May 9). Montgomery has canceled all concert dates and personal appearances for the next 30 days. ~ CMT News
Not a huge fan of the genre, I decided to listen to a few of prolific country music singer/song writer John Michael Montgomery’s songs before I made any comments about his current predicament.
It didn’t take hearing more than two or three to realize that this man has been battling alcoholism for most of his life. One in particular stood out more than anything titled Break this Chain, it directly addresses his alcoholism and its prevalence in his family’s history.
It’s been handed down for generations- From my grandpa to my dad on to me- All my life I’ve been shackled to a bottle- I never knew what it was like to be free
While I admire the man for seeking treatment, I can’t help but wonder if he would agree the statement put out by his management company you see at the top of the post. It seems, no, they are trying to place the blame for his substance abuse on anxiety attacks and sleep disorder. This obviously is not Mr. Montgomery’s first recovery rodeo so I would doubt that he would miss the obvious fact that these are symptoms of alcoholism, not causes.
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But maybe I’m wrong; one skill you can always depend on alcoholics honing to a keen edge is denial. For a recording star, I am sure there is no end to the enablers, exploiters, and sycophants that would fall over themselves to perpetuate this lie.
Another thing that struck me odd is that even though he sings of a past and present marred by alcoholism, in his latest album and newest song, Mad Cowboy Disease, he seems to glorify both alcohol and drug use.
Well I was one line away – From scoring a win – But I was two shots shy – Of three sheets to the wind – Must’ve drank a hundred dollars – Sittin’ there just tryin’ to -Work up the nerve
Nope, no TDA salute for John Michael Montgomery. I am glad he is seeking help, but as long as he continues to popularize substance abuse in his music he will get no accolades from me. Good luck Mr. Montgomery. I hope your life changes for the better and that we also see it reflected in your music.
PS: Here’s a mystery link – click if you dare!
