Died too young, and tragically, the 27 Club members include some of our most talented musicians and artists who passed at the age of 27.
The 27 Club concept gained significant attention, leading to speculation and theories about the significance of age 27 in relation to fame, creativity, and self-destructive behavior. However, it’s important to note that the phenomenon itself is classified by the mainstream as largely coincidental. But as astrologers, we know better.
Looking at the charts of Kurt Cobain (Nirvana), Brian Jones (Rolling Stones), Jim Morrison (The Doors), Janis Joplin (Big Brother and the Holding Company), Jimi Hendrix (The Jimi Hendrix Experience), Amy Winehouse, and Jean-Michel Basquiat, there are generational transits to consider—namely, everyone was experiencing an upcoming Saturn return, a nodal opposition, and a progressed lunar return. While those are significant correlations, generational transits don’t kill people.
But what I found most telling was that each one of these souls experienced heavy Neptune transits, which sadly links to how they died—drugs, drownings, alcohol and overdoses.
Let’s dive in (pun intended).
Kurt Cobain
B 20 February 1967
D 5 April 1994
Life: Kurt Cobain was an American musician and songwriter, best known as the lead vocalist, guitarist, and primary songwriter of the band Nirvana. Cobain formed Nirvana in 1987 with bassist Krist Novoselic and drummer Dave Grohl. The band quickly rose to fame with the release of their second album, “Nevermind,” in 1991, which featured the hit single “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” Nirvana’s music was pivotal in popularizing alternative rock and grunge music in the early 1990s.
Despite Nirvana’s almost immediate success, Cobain struggled with personal and emotional turmoil throughout his life. He battled with chronic health issues, addiction, and depression, which influenced his songwriting and contributed to his troubled state of mind.
Death: It’s been 30 years since Kurt Cobain was found dead. While I don’t believe it was a suicide, he has been cast into the 27 Club nonetheless. I also believe he died right after Easter, in the early morning of April 4, 1994. His death was attributed to an overdose of the drug heroin and a gunshot wound to his head.
Saturn is close approaching its return, and a nodal opposition is in the works, but I attribute his death to Neptune.
Notable Neptune aspects:
Transiting Pluto and South Node conjunct Neptune
Transiting Neptune conjunct Uranus opposite Jupiter
Jim Morrison
B 8 December 1943
D 3 July 1971
Life: Jim Morrison was an American singer, songwriter, and poet, best known as the lead vocalist and lyricist of the rock band The Doors. Morrison co-founded The Doors in 1965 with keyboardist Ray Manzarek, guitarist Robby Krieger, and drummer John Densmore. The band is known for their unique blend of rock, blues, jazz, and psychedelic influences, as well as Morrison’s enigmatic stage persona and poetic lyrics.
Morrison’s charismatic and provocative performances, deep, baritone voice, and introspective lyrics made him one of the most iconic and influential frontmen in rock music history. His stage presence and unpredictable behavior, both on and offstage, earned him a reputation as a symbol of the counterculture movement of the 1960s.
Death: On July 3, 1971, Morrison was found dead in the bathtub of his Paris apartment. The official cause of death was listed as heart failure, although no autopsy was performed as it was not required by French law. Several individuals who say they were eyewitnesses, including Marianne Faithfull, claim that his death was due to an accidental heroin overdose.
Again, you can see Saturn approaching its return, a nodal opposition, but I believe his death can be attributed to Neptune.
Notable Neptune aspects:
Transiting Neptune-Jupiter conjunction squaring Jupiter
Janis Joplin
B 19 January 1943
D 4 October 1970
Life: Janis Joplin, a singer-songwriter, is widely regarded as one of the greatest vocalists in rock music history. Joplin’s distinctive voice, characterized by its raw power, emotive intensity, and bluesy rasp, sets her apart as a singular talent.
Joplin rose to prominence in the 1960s as the lead singer of the psychedelic rock band Big Brother and the Holding Company. Joplin’s uninhibited stage presence and passionate singing style captivated audiences, earning her a reputation as one of the most dynamic performers of her time.
In 1968, Joplin left Big Brother and the Holding Company to pursue a solo career. She formed the Kozmic Blues Band and later the Full Tilt Boogie Band, with whom she recorded several successful albums, including “I Got Dem Ol’ Kozmic Blues Again Mama!” (1969) and “Pearl” (1971).
Death: Janis Joplin’s death was ruled a heroin overdose, at least, according to the coroner’s official report. Discovered in her Hollywood hotel room on October 4, 1970, the rock and roll legend clutched her cigarettes and money in the other. Shortly after Joplin died, rumors spread that she had overdosed on an unusually potent batch of heroin.
Again, you can see Saturn approaching its return and a nodal opposition, but I think Neptune was the biggest influences.
Notable Neptune aspects:
Transiting Pluto conjunct Neptune
Transiting Neptune conjunct Moon opposite Uranus
Jimi Hendrix
B 27 November 1942
D 18 September 1970
Life: Jimi Hendrix was an American musician, singer, and songwriter widely regarded as one of the most influential electric guitarists in pop music history. Hendrix rose to prominence in the late 1960s with his innovative approach to the electric guitar, characterized by his virtuosic playing, inventive use of feedback, distortion, and other effects, and groundbreaking technique of playing the instrument left-handed and upside down.
In 1966, Hendrix relocated to London, where he formed the Jimi Hendrix Experience, a trio consisting of himself on guitar and vocals, Noel Redding on bass, and Mitch Mitchell on drums. Throughout his career, Hendrix released several notable albums, including “Axis: Bold as Love” (1967) and “Electric Ladyland” (1968). He also delivered iconic performances at major music festivals such as Woodstock in 1969.
Death: Coroners concluded that Hendrix had aspirated on his vomit and died of asphyxia while intoxicated with barbiturates. The cause of death was clearly inhalation of vomit due to barbiturate intoxication, but there is no evidence as to the intention to commit suicide.
His Saturn return is getting close, he’s experiencing the nodal opposition but Neptune is also in the mix.
Notable Neptune aspects:
Transiting Neptune square North Node/South Node conjunction
Transiting Pluto conjunct Neptune
Transiting Neptune trine Moon/Jupiter
Amy Winehouse
B 14 September 1983
D 23 July 2011
Life: Amy Winehouse was a British singer-songwriter known for her soulful voice, eclectic musical style, and deeply personal lyrics. Winehouse’s musical influences included jazz, R&B, soul, and reggae, which she blended into her own unique sound.
Winehouse gained widespread recognition with her second studio album, “Back to Black,” released in 2006. “Back to Black” earned critical acclaim and commercial success, winning multiple Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year.
Despite her musical success, Winehouse struggled with substance abuse and mental health issues throughout her life, which were often reflected in her lyrics and publicized in the media. Her struggles with addiction and tumultuous personal life overshadowed her musical achievements at times.
Death: A coroner’s inquest reached a verdict of misadventure. The report released on 26 October 2011 explained that Winehouse’s blood alcohol content was 416 mg per 100 ml (0.416%) at the time of her death, more than five times the legal drink-drive limit. According to the coroner, the “unintended consequence” of so much drink was her “sudden and unexpected death”.
She’s experienced her nodal opposition, Saturn is approaching its return but Neptune is aspecting all over her chart.
Notable Neptune aspects:
Transiting Neptune sextile Moon
North Node conjunct Neptune (Nodal Opposition)
Transiting Neptune trine Saturn
Transiting Neptune trine Pluto
Brian Jones
B 28 February 1942
D 2 July 1969
Life: Brian Jones was a founding member of the British rock band The Rolling Stones. Jones was proficient in guitar, harmonica, keyboards, and various other instruments. He was instrumental in forming The Rolling Stones in 1962, alongside Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ian Stewart, and Charlie Watts.
Jones’s contributions to the band included his innovative guitar playing, experimental approach to music, and his role as an early leader and driving force behind the group’s success. During his time with The Rolling Stones, Jones played a key role in the band’s early hits, such as “Satisfaction,” “Paint It Black,” and “Ruby Tuesday.” He also contributed to the band’s bluesy sound and image, drawing influence from American rhythm, blues, and rock and roll.
However, Jones’s tenure with The Rolling Stones was marked by personal struggles, including substance abuse and conflicts within the band. In 1969, Jones departed from the band amidst mounting tensions and pursued other musical projects.
Death: Brian Jones died under mysterious circumstances. His death was ruled as “death by misadventure,” resulting from drowning in his swimming pool, but there have been ongoing speculations and conspiracy theories surrounding the events leading to his demise. At the time of his death, Jones also had a heavily enlarged liver. The autopsy revealed that Jones died while under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
Yes, he’s approaching his Saturn return, is about to go through a nodal opposition, but there is a conjunction of planets on his natal Neptune.
Notable Neptune aspects:
Transiting Jupiter + Uranus conjunct Neptune
Transiting Pluto conjunct South Node
Transiting Neptune opposite Mars, Saturn + Uranus
Jean-Michel Basquiat
B 22 December 1960
D 12 August 1988
Life: Jean-Michel Basquiat was an American artist who rose to prominence in the 1980s. Basquiat began his artistic career as a graffiti artist in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. His graffiti tag, “SAMO,” gained attention for its cryptic messages and socio-political commentary.
Basquiat transitioned from street art to painting on canvas, quickly gaining recognition for his raw and expressive style. His works often combined text, symbols, and imagery drawn from his Haitian and Puerto Rican heritage, as well as from African, Aztec, and other cultures. Basquiat’s paintings explored themes of race, identity, class struggle, and the human condition.
In the 1980s, Basquiat joined the Neo-Expressionist movement alongside artists like Keith Haring and Julian Schnabel. His art garnered critical acclaim and commercial success, making Basquiat one of the most celebrated artists of his generation. He collaborated with renowned artists such as Andy Warhol, and his work was exhibited in galleries and museums worldwide.
Death: Despite attempts at sobriety, Basquiat died of a heroin overdose at his home on Great Jones Street in Manhattan. He had been found unresponsive in his bedroom by his girlfriend, Kelle Inman, and was taken to Cabrini Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
He is approaching his Saturn return, experiencing a nodal opposition but transiting Saturn conjunct Uranus conjunct his Sun is troublesome. Plus, the Jupiter aspects.
Notable Neptune aspects:
Transiting Neptune conjunct Jupiter
Transiting Pluto conjunct Neptune
Conclusion
The lesson? Neptune transits are deadly for addicts, especially when they’re going through a nodal opposition and about to hit their Saturn return. Neptune is especially deadly when it’s aspecting Jupiter. Like Pisces, Neptune is searching for transcendence. Drugs offer this, but they’re a dangerous shortcut especially when expansive Jupiter is involved.
True transcendence results from healing, finding God, discovering true love, and just accepting that suffering is a part of life. The odd ingredient here is that art is transcendence; unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to keep these talented musicians and artists alive. I wish we could have seen them evolve and their art with them.
For anyone dealing with addiciton, please reach out or find your local chapter for support. The world needs you in it.
