In an emotional message to his fans, singer Adam Lambert candidly discusses feeling “lonely and depressed.”
The letter, which focuses on his mental health, also announces his first solo album in four years, as well as its first single, “Feel Something.”
Related: Adam Lambert had everyone (including Cher) sobbing with his performance at the Kennedy Center Honors
Here’s part of the February 21 letter:
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“I love making and performing music, but there have been many times where I’ve had to compromise on my artistic vision, with executives making decisions based on money and not art.
Don’t get me wrong—I’m VERY proud of my body of work. But I’m coming out of a dark period of second-guessing my own artistry and having my mental health suffer because of it.
My self worth was suffering, I was lonely, and becoming depressed.”
He continued:
“I started asking myself, ‘Is all this hustle really worth it?’
I put all my focus on work and started to feel detached in my personal life. My self worth was suffering, I was lonely, and becoming depressed.”
Nobody is immune to mental health struggles, and this is as good a reminder as any to support your friends and loved ones, even the “strong” ones.
But it’s not all doom and gloom for Lambert.
Related: Adam Lambert makes big reveal about his love life
He said he pulled himself “out of the darkness” with the help of family, friends, and colleagues.
He also dropped his management and signed to a new label, departing the mainstream Warner Bros. Records for the independent label EMPIRE.
The singer also released the first track off his forthcoming album, “Feel Something”, which explores his struggle with mental health.
He wrote:
“This was written about me climbing out of the low period, defying my disillusionment, owning my needs, and opening my heart.
The life of a bachelor can be a laugh, with plenty of flings, but after a while it starts to feel empty. Between frustrations with my career and many lost connections, I felt numb—and though I wanted to fall in love, I knew I wasn’t ready.
That’s what inspired me to cry out, ‘I don’t need to feel love, I just want to feel something!’ It was in this realisation that I took my first step toward self-care and nursing my spirit back to health.
This song is the emotional starting point of my new album.”
Listen below:
NCSilverBear
So sorry to hear this. But, it’s a familiar theme we’ve heard before from great artists who’s star rockets to those lofty, dizzying heights. None of us here on the ground can know what happens up there — the loneliness of being a star. However, it sounds like Lambert has recognized his malady, identified the ominous darkness gathering around him and is taking steps to get healthy again. The first step to recovery is admitting the problem. And he’s done that. Keep on keeping on, guy. You’re certainly worth it!
Vince
What a ridiculous stupid statement. Lots of people suffer from depression. Famous people aren’t affected by it any more than the common people. You just hear about it more because they’re famous!! Jesus get real Mary.
ModeI
I’m not agree with you! Famous people aren’t affected by it any more than the common people
QueerTruth
He’s an out and proud performer with true talent. I’ve always been a fan.
Sending Adam Lambert HUG4DAYS.
@AndrewB12
Feeling “lonely & depressed” – not good for him
Kangol
I hope he can find someone professional to talk to. He’s truly talented and a great performer. The suits may try to destroy you, but don’t let them, Adam!
nm4047
I’m sure the performance with Queen at the academy awards will help ease the pain. To quote a Queen song, Fame & Fortune won’t help you break free.
jakerodriguezxxx
What a well-written advertisement and layout plan to promote his new album. Seriously? Story leads right into his bank account… oh you can listen here, and probably buy it, too…
Do better. Not creative.
Vince
Thank you for adding some levity to this. You’re 100% right. It’s amazing how easy it is to stir up some of the Queens I mean his fans though.
Lambert is not classically depressed. Depressed people are depressed no matter whether they’re lonely or not being able to be their artistic selves or whatever bs I just heard. It’s just a chemical imbalance of the brain.
Hdtex
Your cynicism is more than a little pathetic
JJinAus
So, this “cri de coeur” (coinciding with the launch of a new album) has nothing to do with being a vapid celeb who has fame and fortune but longs for sincerity and a long term relationship….. until the next adventure. Boo Hoo! The longer you live, the more you have seen it all before.
jcoberkrom
Hey Adam. Instead of writing to fans how about working on making true friends?
Friends last much longer than fans, but they don’t always applaud you.
Interesting may there in lies the problem.
QueenForADay
Adam has a group of friends who’ve been part of his life since before he became a public figure. He’s commented that they help him keep it real and there’s mutual support and encouragement; not hollow “applause.” Last weekend I attended the funeral of a guy who had wonderful friends and family who, even with professional help, couldn’t stave off the darkness that intruded. So, instead of writing snarky comments based on assumptions, how about working on first learning something about the person?
MaryA
His best friend went to high school with him, others date from cruise ship tour right out of high school, then from his time in early 2000’s musical theater, Zodiak Show, Wicked, etc. way before Idol fame. Many posts with old and current friends shared with fans over past 10 years. Old enough for you? Nothing wrong with sharing with fans – we’ve been waiting for new music to hear and BUY because we support him, many of us for many years. We love his voice, talent and personality. Our choice.
Brian
He signed with Empire Records? That is unfortunate timing.
MaryA
Indie label, part of Universal Records, Has nothing to do with @EmpireFOX the TV show.
Brian
So this song doesn’t have a verse by Hakeem?
Hdtex
@Brian what a dick
Daggerman
…this is weird. Why is a fairly well known artiste griping about not being able to find a partner? Far too many opinions?? Basically he’s just a total douche-bag in real life! Let’s be honest, what does he know he really wants???? Just because he’s a celebrity he can voice his opinion—CNAN…completely, not anything new!!!!!! Waste disposal hatch in Operation!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!