The Streets’ Mike Skinner has revealed he was traumatized by a family tragedy as he admitted he lost thousands ‘betting’ after becoming one of the biggest stars of the 00s.
With songs like Fit But You Know It and the number one Dry Your Eyes, The Streets were extremely successful in bringing alternative hip hop to the top of the charts.
But Mike, 44, said Independent about the difficult times he was going through behind the scenes after the deaths of his father, aunt and niece in rapid succession.
He said: “I wouldn’t want that again. Which seems crazy – to be on the charts, to be in the papers…
Honest: Street star Mike Skinner has revealed family tragedy traumatized him as he admits he lost thousands on ‘betting’ after becoming one of the biggest stars of the 00s (pic)
Iconic: With songs like Fit But You Know It and number one Dry Your Eyes, The Streets were hugely successful in bringing alternative hip hop to the top of the charts, pictured in 2002.
“I like Noel Gallagher’s attitude: it’s your job to show the next generation that it’s amazing to be creative.” Stop complaining and embrace your mental breakdown like a true rock star.’
Mike admitted he lost tens of thousands of pounds after the football betting boom was “incredibly traumatic”.
He was also diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome around 2010, but now lives a much calmer and more settled life.
The band’s third album, The Hardest Way To Make A Living, failed to reach the heights of the previous two albums, selling a disappointing 700,000 copies.
He said he no longer suffers from the paralysis and anxiety of his 20s and 30s.
Love: Mike now lives with his wife, jewelery designer Claire Le Marquand, (pictured) and their children Amelia, 14, and George, 12, (pictured in September)
Adding: “I don’t feel like I’m being watched anymore, which is great.” On my second or third album you would come in somewhere and people would start talking about you. You didn’t know what people would do.’
Mike now lives with his wife, jewelry designer Claire Le Marquand, and their children, AMelia, 14, and George, 12.
He said: “The sooner I can sit at home and just drink tea, the better. I’m really glad I’m in a family now and I can just lie in bed.’
