U2 bandmates and rock legends helped me to finally quit alcohol, says Clayton

U2 BASSIST Adam Clayton has thanked his bandmates, as well as The Who’s Pete Townshend and guitarist Eric Clapton, for helping him quit alcohol.

The recovering alcoholic claimed Townshend and Clapton were crucial in starting his recovery process, while the rest of U2 were there for him throughout.

Clayton, 57, was handed an award in New York City by MusiCares, a foundation he supports that helps musicians get treatment for addiction. He said during his acceptance speech that he thought his life would be over as a rock star if he quit drinking because so much of their careers revolve around the night.

“But two heroes of mine were there for me and it meant a great deal that they would try to convince me otherwise,” he said. “After two particularly destructive benders Eric Clapton was there on the end of the phone. He didn’t sugar-coat it, he told me that I needed to change my life and that I wouldn’t regret it.

“He gave me the name of a treatment centre and the power to make a call to them. And whilst I was going through that fiveweek programme, Pete Townshend visited me and again put steel on my back.”

Clayton said they were enough to convince him to give up alcohol, adding: “Bono, The Edge and Larry (Mullen Jr) truly supported me before and after I entered recovery and I am unreservedly grateful for their friendship, understanding and support.”

He reportedly gave up alcohol after being unable to perform during a gig in Australia in 1993.