Lily Allen has recently shared her experiences of touring sober for the first time, marking a significant change in her life as she promotes her latest album, *West End Girl*. In an in-depth conversation with *The Cut*, the 41-year-old musician reflected on her sobriety journey, which commenced in 2019 after years of performing while under the influence.
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The singer candidly stated that her current tour feels markedly different from past experiences, primarily due to her decision to tour without alcohol or drugs. “It’s… different because I’m not drunk and high, which I always have been in the past when I’ve been onstage,” she admitted. In her previous tours, the excitement often led her to indulge heavily in substances, leaving her with significant hangovers and a lingering sense of regret. “This is the first tour that I’ve done sober,” she added, highlighting the stark contrast to her former lifestyle.
Despite the newfound clarity that sobriety brings, Allen confessed there are aspects of the partying culture she misses. “There’s a part of me that misses the post-show celebrations,” she explained. However, she quickly balanced this sentiment with the reality of the consequences. “I really don’t miss the f—ing hangovers and getting to the airport the next day with a pounding head and having to wear sunglasses and stinking of alcohol,” she remarked, indicating her desire to leave behind such experiences.
The pop star, who is also a mother of two, has been open about the challenges that come with performing without the crutch of substances. In a previous interview on *CBS Mornings*, Allen described her twenties as a “big party,” acknowledging that while the thrill of performing was pleasurable, those days are now behind her. “I’m not at that stage in my life,” she stated, reflecting on how her priorities have shifted over time.
Performing live continues to produce a unique adrenaline rush for Allen, who described the experience as both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. “It’s a real adrenaline rush that you get when you’re on a stage,” she noted. However, she recognised the reliance many artists, including herself, often have on drugs and alcohol to ease the transition from stage to backstage. “When you take that out of the equation, it can be hard,” she added, emphasising the need for a new routine or ritual to navigate this change.
Allen’s new album is deeply personal, exploring the themes of betrayal and the end of her marriage to actor David Harbour. Eight months post-separation, Harbour has publicly commented on the album, describing it as not reflecting his experience but expressing respect for Allen’s choice to share her truth through her music. “That was a generous thing for him to say,” she acknowledged, showing appreciation for his perspective while asserting her own artistic vision.
As both artists navigate their respective careers, Allen expressed her admiration for Harbour’s recent achievements, noting his Emmy nomination and success. “We’re all doing our own thing, and we’re all doing what we’re supposed to do,” she said, wishing him well as they pursue their individual paths.
Allen’s openness extends not only to her personal life but also to her art. While she might not be overtly expressive in promoting her work, her songs serve as a canvas for her true feelings. “If I feel really strongly about something, then great, because I will use it for my art and I will write about it,” she concluded, emphasising her commitment to authenticity in her music.
As she embarks on this new chapter of her career, Allen’s journey serves as an inspiration to many. Her candid discussion about sobriety and the challenges associated with it sheds light on the often-unseen aspects of life as a performer, encouraging others to find strength in vulnerability and authenticity.