Challenges in the Life of Amy Winehouse in a Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Amy Winehouse's life and career.

Amy Winehouse was a British singer and songwriter celebrated for her contralto vocals and deeply personal songwriting. Her music was a blend of soul, R&B, and jazz. Beyond her music, her fashion sense and tumultuous personal life also drew significant attention, solidifying her as a major figure in popular culture. She achieved critical acclaim and commercial success with albums like 'Back to Black,' but struggled with substance abuse, which ultimately led to her death at the age of 27.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

2005: Period of drinking, heavy drug use, and weight loss

In 2005, Amy Winehouse experienced a period of drinking, heavy drug use, and weight loss.

2006: Rebound and writing of Back to Black

In early 2006, Amy Winehouse experienced a rebound that coincided with the writing of Back to Black. Her family believes that the mid-2006 death of her grandmother set her off into addiction.

July 2007: Fielder-Civil's assault of a pub landlord

In July 2007, Blake Fielder-Civil assaulted a pub landlord, breaking the victim's cheekbone, which lead to legal repercussions and his subsequent imprisonment.

August 2007: Photographed bloodied and bruised after an alleged fight

In August 2007, Amy Winehouse and Blake Fielder-Civil were photographed, bloodied and bruised, in the streets of London after an alleged fight, although she contended her injuries were self-inflicted. Her parents and in-laws publicly reported their concerns.

August 2007: Hospitalization for overdose and cancelled shows

In August 2007, Amy Winehouse cancelled shows in the UK and Europe, citing exhaustion and ill health. She was hospitalised for what was reported as an overdose of heroin, ecstasy, cocaine, ketamine and alcohol.

November 2007: Cancellation of Tour Dates

In November 2007, Amy Winehouse's tour was marred by booing and walkouts during the opening night in Birmingham. On November 27, 2007, it was announced that her performances and public appearances were cancelled for the remainder of the year due to her doctor's advice for her to rest. Her concert promoter cited the intense emotional strain Amy was under.

January 2008: Video of Winehouse smoking crack cocaine surfaces

In January 2008, The Sun posted a video of Amy Winehouse appearing to smoke crack cocaine and discussing taking ecstasy and Valium. Her father moved in with her, and she entered a rehabilitation facility.

April 2008: Fear of unsuccessful drug rehabilitation efforts

By late April 2008, Amy Winehouse's erratic behaviour raised fears that her drug rehabilitation efforts had been unsuccessful. Her father and manager sought to have her detained under the Mental Health Act of 1983.

May 2008: Winehouse performs at Rock in Rio Lisboa festival

In May 2008, Amy Winehouse performed at the Rock in Rio Lisboa festival in Portugal, with a set plagued by a late arrival and vocal problems.

June 2008: Winehouse's publicist corrects emphysema misstatements

On 23 June 2008, Amy Winehouse's publicist clarified Mitch Winehouse's earlier statements about her having early-stage emphysema. Instead, she had signs that could lead to early-stage emphysema. Her father also reported that her lungs were operating at 70 percent capacity and she had an irregular heartbeat due to chain-smoking crack cocaine, and that doctors had warned her that if she kept smoking crack cocaine, she would need an oxygen mask and could die.

July 2008: Fielder-Civil's confession

During a visit with Mitch Winehouse at the prison in July 2008, Blake Fielder-Civil reportedly said that he and Amy Winehouse would cut themselves to ease the pain of withdrawal. Amy Winehouse also reportedly confessed to having an affair in 2008.

July 2008: Winehouse diagnosed with "some areas of emphysema"

In July 2008, Amy Winehouse stated that she had been diagnosed with "some areas of emphysema." She said she was focusing on improving her health by "eating loads of healthy food, sleeping loads, playing my guitar, making music and writing letters to my husband every day."

September 2008: Rumors of relapse

In September 2008, Amy Winehouse's dishevelled appearance after a club night prompted new rumours of a relapse. Photographers reported seeing cuts on her arms and legs.

2008: Drug problems threaten career

By 2008, Amy Winehouse's drug problems threatened her career. Nick Gatfield of Island Records considered releasing her to deal with her issues. Post-Grammys, some questioned whether Winehouse should have been honored with awards given her recent personal and drug problems.

2008: Winehouse quit using illegal substances

In 2008, Amy Winehouse quit using illegal substances, according to her physician. This marked a significant turning point in her battle with addiction.

2008: Universal Music presses Winehouse for new material

In 2008, Universal Music reportedly pressed Amy Winehouse for new material. She had not been near a recording studio as of September 2nd of that year.

May 2009: Winehouse Performs at Jazz Festival in Saint Lucia

In May 2009, Amy Winehouse performed at a jazz festival in Saint Lucia amid torrential rain and technical difficulties, during which it was reported she was unsteady and had trouble remembering the lyrics. She apologized to the crowd for being bored and ended the set in the middle of a song.

2009: Injunction against paparazzi agency

In 2009, Amy Winehouse obtained an injunction against Big Pictures, a leading paparazzi agency, under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997. The court order banned them from following her and photographing her within 100 meters of her London home, or in the homes of her friends and relatives.

October 2010: Winehouse speaks about quitting drugs

In an October 2010 interview, Amy Winehouse spoke about her decision to quit drugs, stating that she woke up one day and no longer wanted to continue using them. However, she started having issues with alcohol after this point.

January 2011: Winehouse performs in Brazil

In January 2011, Amy Winehouse played five dates in Brazil, with performances marked by forgotten lyrics and brief exits from the stage.

June 2011: Winehouse's European tour cancelled

In June 2011, Amy Winehouse started her 12-leg European tour in Belgrade, but her performance was poorly received, leading to the cancellation of subsequent shows.