On Monday night, U2 bassist Adam Clayton received the Stevie Ray Vaughn Award at the MusiCares MAP Fund benefit concert for his work with the charity.
The MusiCares MAP Fund helps provides help and resources for members of the music community who are struggling with addiction, helping them on the road to recovery. Clayton, a 22-time GRAMMY award winner with U2 chronicled his battle with addiction and alcoholism in his acceptance speech at the concert.
“I’m an alcoholic, addict. But in some ways, that devastating disease is what drove me towards the wonderful life I now have. It’s just I couldn’t take my friend alcohol. At some point I had to leave it behind and claim my full potential,” Clayton said.
Clayton especially thanked his band members and two of his idols and fellow rock legends: Pete Townshend and Eric Clapton for their part in his journey toward recovery.
“I thought my life would be over, but two heroes of mine were there for me and it meant a great deal to me that they tried to convince me otherwise,” Clayton said. “I was lucky because I had three friends that could see what was going on and loved me enough to take up the slack of my failings. Bono, The Edge and Larry [Mullen] truly supported me before and after I entered recovery and I am unreservedly grateful to their friendship, understanding and support.”
As an outspoken advocate for MusiCares, Clayton believes foundations like these can benefit many people in the industry and music community who struggle with addiction.
“MusiCares does such vital work in helping vulnerable people across our industry,” said Clayton. “I know from experience the importance of an accessible, supportive environment in times of need and I’m always happy to do what I can to benefit this important organization.”
Watch Clayton and U2 perform at the concert below:
For additional information about MusiCares and their different programs visit: https://www.grammy.org/musicares/recovery.