Norwegian singer-songwriter Jan Eggum, 74, is speaking publicly about overcoming alcohol dependence and anxiety, receiving high praise from his former partner and fellow artist Kaia Huuse, 52, according to reports from VG and Nettavisen.
Jan Eggum’s Turning Point With Alcohol and Anxiety
According to interviews with VG, the veteran artist’s alcohol consumption increased gradually over the years before he recognized it as a problem. Eggum began drinking wine at lunch, followed by beer and aquavit at dinner, utilizing alcohol to cope with fluctuating anxiety. The 74-year-old revealed that he started drinking around age 17 or 18. A decisive turning point occurred during a 2019 tour when fellow musician Halvdan Sivertsen, 76, questioned the presence of wine at lunch, according to Nettavisen. Eggum also recounted a specific incident where he became intoxicated on stage, describing the experience as deeply shameful.
Treatment and Lifestyle Changes in Bergen
According to the artist, the physical craving subsided within three to four weeks, and alcohol has remained untouched in his home for over a year. He has replaced alcohol with non-alcoholic beer, cola, heavy amounts of coffee, and large quantities of chocolate, noting to VG that he treats these substitutes as a familiar habit rather than a craving.
Kaia Huuse’s Public Praise and Creative Surge
Kaia Huuse, who was Eggum’s partner from 1996 until 2014 and shares two children with him, commended him on social media. Huuse wrote that the invisible work Eggum has done over the past year deserves applause, calling his decision to break away from an established lifestyle enormously respectable. The post received nearly 14,000 likes on Instagram, alongside comments from artists like Maria Mena and author Unni Lindell. Huuse noted that speaking openly about anxiety and alcohol can inspire others facing similar struggles.
Unexpected Impact on Creativity
Giving up alcohol eliminated the crutch Eggum used to dull his anxiety, but it triggered an unexpected professional side effect: a massive surge in creativity. Eggum told VG that he experienced an immense drive, writing approximately 40 new songs in just three months. While he describes himself as more alert and focused, he acknowledges that confronting his thoughts without alcohol requires adjustment. Despite the mental hurdles, Eggum remains certain that quitting was the correct decision as he approaches his music with renewed dedication.
Did you know? Jan Eggum is celebrated as one of Norway’s premier contemporary folk writers and was a member of the famed supergroup “Gitarkameratene” alongside Halvdan Sivertsen, Øystein Sunde, and the late Lillebjørn Nilsen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jan Eggum?
Jan Eggum is a renowned 74-year-old Norwegian singer-songwriter and national treasure known for classic songs like “En natt forbi” and for his work with “Gitarkameratene.”
Why did Jan Eggum seek treatment?
According to VG, Eggum sought treatment after realizing his alcohol consumption had gradually increased and was being used to cope with anxiety. A turning point arrived when colleague Halvdan Sivertsen questioned his drinking habits during a 2019 tour.
What treatment did Jan Eggum choose?
How has quitting alcohol affected his music?
Eggum reported a massive burst of creativity following sobriety, writing roughly 40 new songs in a span of three months after his physical cravings subsided.
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