Is this news just in, or do I need to get out more often? I've previously only heard this as a rumour.
Yesterday's edition of Melbourne's Herald Sun carried an article on the internationally successful Sydney band The Vines, in which the band's lead singer Craig Nicholls openly discussed his recent diagnosis with AS. Below are some relevant passages from the article, please note that I am quoting verbatim here...
"Nicholls, in particular, looks happy and relaxed. He gave up smoking marijuana nine months ago and is "managing OK". He's also dealing with his Asperger's Disorder (sic) by "talking to someone"...
"...They should have been on a high, but it all started to implode. Nicholls' behaviour became increasingly erratic and occasionally violent - on and off stage - and many dismissed him as an indulgent rock star.
"The controversial incidents stacked up, culminating with the now infamous gig at Sydney's Annandale hotel in May 2004, where the Vines were to perform for Triple M competition winners. Bassist Patrick Matthews, who met Nicholls when they worked together at McDonald's, stormed off stage after the first song when the singer kicked out at a photographer. The gig descended into chaos and Nicholls baited the audience to "baa like sheep" after hearing someone laugh during one of their quieter songs. Triple M staffers were furious and banned the Vines from their playlist.
"The singer's bandmates, management and family shut down the touring plans for Winning Days and tried to figure out how to help Nicholls. The band's guitar technician Tony Bateman suggested the frontman may have Asperger's disorder, a type of autism spectrum condition. Some of Nicholls' behavioural problems - lack of eye contact, unwillingness to be touched and the strange accent many journalists accused him of putting on - were typical of the syndrome, as was his talent for music. Eventually, it was confirmed the singer had the disorder.
"Although relieved they now had a name for Nicholls' behaviour and could help him deal with it, there was another issue to deal with. An assault charge arising from the Annandale incident was finally dismissed in November 2004 and the Vines were free to contemplate their future...
"...Though Vines fans will see the band in action in at least two clips for singles from Vision Valley, touring remains up in the air. Taking Asperger's sufferers (sic) out of their routine is a worst-case scenario, but Craig Nicholls and his bandmates are itching to play their new material.
The frontman laughs heartily when Hamish Rosser suggests they do a stadium tour because "they all look the same", meaning Nicholls wouldn't be exposed to different environments..."
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Well there you have it. I can't say that I've ever been a big fan of the Vines, and in fact recall being pretty unimpressed hearing about his behaviour at the time and even a little uncomfortable about the Asperger's rumours. I apologise for the choice of words used in the article too, but...for a Murdoch tabloid whaddya expect? Just curious to know what anyone else thinks about this kind of publicity...
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We need more suckers in our lives
We need more candy
When you want something in life
You got to ask for it
Last edited by neptunevsmars on 31 Mar 2006, 2:35 pm, edited 1 time in total.