Former Elbow drummer Richard Jupp has discussed his decision to leave the band in 2017 and his subsequent journey to sobriety. Jupp, who had been with Elbow for 25 years, stated that he began to change his lifestyle and toured sober for a year before stepping down in 2016.
Jupp explained that while he had achieved fame, success, and financial security, he questioned the value of it if he was heading in a direction that was no longer working for him. He noted that drinking and drugs were normalised within the music industry during his time.
Since leaving the band, Jupp has focused on recovery, with drumming playing a significant role. He now teaches drumming, highlighting its physical, cognitive, and emotional benefits, and is bringing his drumming workshop to Delamere Health clinic, an addiction rehabilitation centre in Cheshire.