Jeff Buckley’s Ex on the ‘Heartbreaking’ Pressure the Rock Icon Was Under Before His Death at 30 (Exclusive)

Jeff Buckley’s Former Partner Discusses the Pressure He Felt Before His Death (Exclusive)

Jeff Buckley’s tragic death in 1997 at the young age of 30 sent shockwaves through the music industry. As fans continue to mourn his untimely passing, new insights have emerged about the immense pressure the rock icon was under before his demise. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, close friends and family shed light on the struggles Jeff Buckley faced as he navigated fame and expectations.

Before his passing, Jeff Buckley had already established himself as a talented musician with the release of his hit album “Grace” in 1994. However, the success of his debut album only intensified the scrutiny and demands placed upon him. His former girlfriend, Rebecca Moore, revealed that the weight of expectations was overwhelming for Buckley. The pressure only increased as he grappled with the legacy of his father, Tim Buckley, a renowned folk singer whom Jeff never had the chance to know.

Director Amy Berg, whose recent documentary “It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley” delves into the singer’s life, shared that Jeff was haunted by the shadow of his father’s legacy. Despite his desire to establish his own identity as an artist, the comparisons and expectations were relentless. Signing a multimillion-dollar deal with Columbia Records further amplified the pressure on Buckley to deliver something unique and groundbreaking.

As Jeff Buckley’s former tour manager Gene Bowen recalled, the music industry viewed him as a potential icon in the vein of Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen. With all eyes on him, Buckley found himself on a grueling tour schedule and facing mounting expectations for a follow-up album to “Grace.” The process took a toll on his mental and emotional well-being, as he struggled to cope with the relentless demands of the industry.

Rebecca Moore shared poignant insights into the inner turmoil Jeff Buckley experienced during this period. She recounted a heartbreaking moment when Buckley confided in her, expressing his inability to even perform simple tasks like showering in the morning. Despite his talent and success, Buckley was grappling with profound struggles behind the scenes, which were exacerbated by the industry’s demands for another hit record.

In an attempt to find solace and inspiration, Jeff Buckley relocated to Memphis, Tennessee, in search of stability and creative freedom. However, his journey towards a second album was tragically cut short on the fateful evening of May 29. While on his way to meet his bandmates, Buckley waded into the waters near the Mississippi River and was swept away by a passing riverboat’s wake, leading to his untimely death by drowning.

Although Jeff Buckley’s life was tragically cut short, his legacy lives on through his music and the impact he had on those around him. His mother, Mary Guibert, reflected on the incomparable loss the world experienced with his passing. She highlighted the importance of honouring Jeff Buckley’s memory by making a positive impact in the world, a sentiment that has inspired initiatives like the Road Recovery Foundation.

Despite the challenges he faced in his all-too-brief life, Jeff Buckley’s artistic vision and spirit continue to resonate with fans and fellow musicians alike. As the world reflects on his enduring legacy, it serves as a poignant reminder of the pressures and expectations that can accompany fame and creative genius. Jeff Buckley’s story is a testament to the delicate balance artists navigate between artistic integrity and external demands, a narrative that continues to captivate audiences around the world.