Gerry Rafferty dies

I agree tell people how they died. Especially when it related to substance abuse. Maybe one just person will wake up and get control of their life. Maybe just maybe.
That in itself should warrant disclosure.
We will always disagree on something to quote "clowns to the left of me jokers to my right, here I am, stuck in the middle with you".

Not that long ago people would not speak openly of cancer. Alcoholism is a medical disease not a character flaw. I've read nothing in the press, British or otherwise that I would consider disrespectful to Mr. Rafferty.

No its also a character flaw IMO, they go hand in hand. Yes its a disease but a flaw in character can be weakness or denial in dealing with it. Weakness in character also lets these addicts break their loved ones hearts over and over, weakness in character allows some to steal and commit violent crimes to feed whatever the disease may be, drugs, gambling, drink and on. The are many MANY times equally destructive and share equal blame.
So it often is just as much about character as it is illness. Atleast some of these events gets folks talking and may help somebody come out on a better end then Rafferty. You will be missed and God be with you, thanks for the music!

Chadnliz, we could debate that topic ad nauseum. Denial is part of the 'disease'. Denial is the thing that so often prevents an addict from getting help. Addict or not, we all have flaws. The addiction becomes the central principal in one's life. The fallout follows and becomes part and parcel. Alcoholism can also be hereditary and/or learned. Mr. Rafferty's father was an alcoholic. None of this absolves anyone of responsibility. End of rant.

I think its a little or lot of both, I have seen a few examples in my own life of folks who were piece of shits long before being addicted use it as a excuse for all their bad deeds so I know for a fact it happens.
When somebody is a scumbag from the get go thats a character issue, to see them try to manipulate this disease concept into their own benefit is a disgusting thing to witness. I know sadly there are many who know exactly what I am talking about.
Well atleast this sad event got people talking if even for only a very short time.