by jcg » Thu Apr 17, 2014 12:43 pm
Hi Richard,
I am in complete agreement about the change in perception toward substance use/abuse, both its benefits and its tolls. During the Sixties, the euphoria and starry-eyed optimism of the counterculture tended to minimize or ignore the very real danger of drug use that had just begun to reer its ugly head. Today, a drug habit seems to impart cultural credibility, ala Amy Winehouse and Lindsey Lohan.
The question of drugs and Cass has always bothered me. By no means do I mean marijuana or LSD, which were au riguer in the late Sixties. I mean heroin and cocaine. Despite the official cause of death of fatty degeneration of the heart, Eddi Fiegel, in her biography, concludes that Cass' death was probably instigated by drug use, revealing, for example, that liquid cocaine had been found in her room, then later vanished. Also, she points out that Cass had been awake non-stop for 30+ hours from her last show at the London Palladium, through Mick Jagger's birthday party, to Sunday evening at the Curzon Place condo, which suggests she may have had some chemical assistance staying awake. Finally, Fiegel points out that the press revealed that the bloodwork done after Cass' death revealed NO trace of alcohol or drugs, a highly-improbable result, given her healthy social life and status as a card-carrying member of the counterculture.
Given the more compassionate awareness and cultural acceptance of addiction in this day and age, I wish the mysteries of Cass' later days would be re-examined. Not for any sensationalistic reason, but because Cass deserves to have her full, true story told. And also, to put a stake in the heart of that infuriating and revolting ham sandwich myth once and for all.
In any case, von Wiedenman's excellent essay throws some light on some of the mysteries and, in the process, humanizes Cass nicely, showing both her vulnerability and strength. She truly was an extraordinary soul.
take care,
jcg