"Lulu, 76, Opens Up About Alcoholism, Family ‘Addiction Gene,’ and Decades of Secret Shame Before Rehab"

Lulu, 76, Reveals Alcohol Addiction and Recovery Journey
By Molly Clayton, Showbusiness Correspondent

Legendary singer Lulu has bravely opened up about her lifelong struggle with alcohol addiction, revealing she is now in recovery. The 76-year-old Eurovision icon, famed for her 1964 hit Shout, described years of secret drinking, shame, and a family history of addiction that led her to rehab.

A Secret Battle
In an emotional interview with The Times, Lulu admitted, “I was a secret drinker. I wanted to be ‘Miss Perfect’ but was terrified of becoming like my father.” She hid her addiction for decades, fearing judgment. “I waited until I understood my illness before speaking out,” she said, emphasizing her hope to help others through her story.

Lulu credits recovery with transforming her life (Image: Daily Mail)

Triggers and Turning Points
Her dependency worsened in her 60s amid menopause, her son Jordan Frieda moving out, and grief over her parents’ deaths. “I felt lost, surrounded by younger artists, and relied on alcohol to cope,” she shared. Lulu also reflected on her traumatic childhood, marked by her father’s violent outbursts and alcoholism. “It’s a family illness. The gene is there,” she said, acknowledging inherited struggles but refusing to vilify her “damaged” parents.

Breaking the Cycle
Lulu described alcoholism as a culmination of suppressed emotions. “I carried shame from my upbringing and tried to be the strong one,” she explained. After hitting rock bottom, she sought help through rehab and recovery programs. “Drink brings out the worst in you—anger, sadness. Recovery taught me it’s an illness, not a weakness.”

The singer continues to perform, vowing to work "until I drop" (Image: Daily Mail)

A Brighter Future
Now sober, Lulu lives in London with her cockapoo and embraces life with renewed joy. “I’ve never been happier,” she said. “Recovery let me shed the shame.” Though twice divorced—from Bee Gees star Maurice Gibb and hairstylist John Frieda—she focuses on her music career and advocacy. “I’ll keep singing until I drop,” she declared.

Lulu’s candidness offers hope to others battling addiction, proving it’s never too late to seek help. As she puts it: “I’m glad I’m in recovery. It’s given me freedom.”

Published: 15:56 BST, 5 September 2025 | Updated: 16:00 BST, 5 September 2025