Sir Elton John started using drugs in his youth to overcome shyness. Gradually, friends and loved ones turned away from him. Even his mother eventually left the country. Then, in 1975, Elton almost died from an overdose. In 1990, the singer surrendered himself to the doctors and underwent a full rehabilitation treatment course.

Today Elton says of his lost youth, "I’ve spent a huge part of my life for nothing because, thanks to my addiction, I was constantly immersed in myself."