Boosh: Noel Fielding's mad year
WILD party animal NOEL FIELDING has revealed his worrying drugs secret during a soul-baring eXSclusive interview, admitting: "I went mad for a year."
The BBC funnyman - star of the magnificent Mighty Boosh - decided to speak with me for the first time about his disturbing extensive use of illegal substances and how he's now using exercise to quit drugs by playing tennis.
The 36-year-old - who recently split with fellow party minx PIXIE GELDOF - told how he was first tempted to try drugs in 2005 when his double act with JULIAN BARRATT went massive.
"I started partying way too much, not doing any work," he sighs. "I took too many drugs and was hanging out with the wrong people. I got sucked into the party lifestyle.
"It was all a bit hedonistic. I've always been addicted to partying, rather than drink or substances.
"But I started partying a lot harder and hanging around Camden."
Noel was seduced by a superficial showbiz underworld fuelled by the kind of lethal drug use that has messed up stars like Amy Winehouse.
"You don't really notice but gradually you end up out until 4am instead of 2am and then it would become 6am and 7am," he said.
"We were on the cover of NME five times. I did actually think I was DAVID BOWIE. But I'm really not. I'm actually quite nerdy."
Androgynous Noel said COCAINE was the drug he would use most regularly. He admits: "Coke is always available if you want it. It wasn't every night but I might do it once a week or something.
"It seems normal because you think everyone does it.
"The effect is weird. Like everything, it's good at first but then it becomes quite boring quite quickly."
Noel then experimented with KETAMINE - an extremely powerful substance that is actually a horse tranquilliser.
"A lot of people do that now instead of cocaine. It's more popular among young kids, which is very scary because it's a horse tranquilliser," Noel says.
"When I took ketamine everything turned into two dimensions and I felt like I was in a weird puppet show. I decided I wouldn't do that again. I don't understand it at all.
"I was on my back for what felt like hours during a party in East London. That's not how I wanted to spend my nights."
Noel also tried MDMA, more commonly known as ECSTASY, but says: "It's too strong for me, it frightens me. I took PILLS on the rave scene and didn't like them at all. I don't ever come down from it."
The Never Mind The Buzzcocks regular also disclosed he's experimented with MAGIC MUSHROOMS and ACID, but was frightened by their dangerous side effects.
He recalls: "I thought, 'This is too much for my head, I won't come back from this.' "
Noel's cocaine use would increase after Mighty Boosh live tours in 2006 and last year.
He explains: "I went out all the time to try and replace the buzz of performing with alcohol and drugs.
"My body was craving a buzz. It's difficult to relax and chill out. The times I've really lost it have been after I've been on tour. It lasts about three months and then you go on holiday, calm down and think, 'What was I doing?' "
Luckily Noel finally realised the drugs which he used as his career took off could destroy it.
"The feeling you get from making stuff and creating stuff replaces the feeling you get from drugs or drink."
And six months ago he realised the drugs had to stop.
He says: "I just got a bit bored of myself taking drugs and going to parties full of drugs and staying up till seven in the morning talking about nothing with people I don't know."
And the sequined star has taken up tennis as a healthy alternative.
Cracking a smile, he laughs: "I'm playing every morning now. I'm not partying as much and I'm working much more.
"If you do too many drugs it takes away any innocence you have. I don't want that. I want to retain a sense of magic. What I do is quite childlike and magical.
"Drugs aren't childlike at all, they're dark."
LADY killer Noel also spoke for the first time about his romance with teen Pixie (Sir BOB's daughter), cooing; "She's incredible."
He adds: "There's a chemistry between us and we liked each other but she's so much younger than me.
"When I first met her I had no idea who she was and that she was so young.
"It caused a lot of problems because her dad wanted to kill me obviously."
Noel admitted he SNOGGED Pixie (who's 18) while he was still in a long-term relationship with ex-girlfriend Dee Plume, who he describes as his "soulmate". "Obviously Dee was jealous and we were having a rocky patch. Seeing Pixie wasn't helping."
Now Noel is desperate to patch things up with Dee.
He said: "Dee's quite anti-drugs. A lot of that's my fault for getting tempted by different things. It's also because of groupies trying to get in my way and people pretending to be my friends.
"It's difficult because I wasn't famous when we met."
In a change of direction, naughty Noel also revealed how he's kissed other MEN.
He giggles: "I've snogged men. I sometimes quite fancy men. I couldn't go any further. I did try but then I decided it didn't work for me."
Please note: All comments are moderated.
Tick this box to accept our
TERMS & CONDITIONS
Celebrity exclusives
This article has 41 comments
Noel is Lush!...inside and out!
By carly .. Posted January 22 2010 at 1:37 PM.
I really can't see Noel with anyone else but Dee. She's the only one I'm happy to see with Noel, but of course it is his choice.
I wish him all the best.
By L.E.. Posted January 20 2010 at 5:41 PM.
I hope Noel means what he says in this, that he wants to quit being abused by substances (it's always said the other way around, but really my phrase is more accurate). We've had enough talented people fall prey to the lifestyle. Alice Cooper says it's because people think they have to be the rock star 24/7 and that is the trap into which Noel fell.
Noel is an amazing person, and certainly not just for his looks. He is a world class character actor, a brilliant writer, an amazingly giving performer, a witty personality, and he really cares about his fans. I have never heard one report of any fan being disappointed by him; he's always a gentleman.
I believe he gave this unusual interview because he just wanted the story to come from him, as opposed to the endless tales, real and imaginary, spouted by the tabloids. I hope it really does mark a turning point for him. It's do or die.
I don't want to see him destroyed by fame; it would be an unfitting and cliched end to a really lovely person. I hope he stays strong and clings to the people who love him. Kudos, Noel! Ya gotta stay the Sunshine Kid.
By SunShineMoonRise.. Posted November 20 2009 at 11:31 PM.
noel is amazing for doing this interview & i really hope him and Dee patch things up because I agree that they're probably soulmates :) he never does proper interviews like this and its kinda nice to see him not being a comedian all the time. I agree with Noel because I think him getting famous definitely put a strain on their relationship :/
By lily.. Posted November 13 2009 at 2:45 AM.
I think it is really good of him to do that interview. He is an amazing person and really deserves the best. When i saw him live, he created such a positive atmosphere and thats the way it should be. Good on you noel. <3
By Nikki .. Posted November 6 2009 at 4:03 PM.
CRUMBS...you lot eh?
We are one of the most judgemental cultures in the world...where is it going to end. Don't any of you think Noel was honest (ooooh honesty, how dangerous!) because he thought that someone out there might just learn something about themselves. Fame breeds deception of self because everyone's so bloody interested in the private lives of stars when they should be taking a leaf out of their book and creating their own stuff. If you've never created anything original/zany/whacky/unique in your life then I certainly don't think you are even in a position to make a judgement call on any human being. It's do or die when you are on the stage and personality is everything. It's hard to replace the buzz and human nature being what it is is dangerous and experimental without even trying. Add crap/lost company and hideously overprocessed drugs and the mind turns to mush. We're all responsible chaps and don't you forget it. Go out and live on the edge for a bit and you'll see what I mean. If you haven't lived it, you won't get it. end of story. Thank You very much.
Stepping down from my soap box.
The Boosh saved my sanity! Thanks.
Pheeb. :0)
By Pheeb.. Posted November 2 2009 at 6:01 PM.
I think it was really brave of Noel to be so honest!
By lotz.. Posted September 22 2009 at 5:56 PM.
Noel look like young Freddie Mercury
By Sandra.. Posted September 1 2009 at 5:00 PM.
Awww Noel!
poor thing, glad he's getting back on track with his life though :)
and wow, he's bi-curious now? or was just off his face? hmmm. anyway, i love you noel :) no matter what.
By icecream headachee.. Posted August 29 2009 at 12:49 AM.
I'm in America and it took some searching for this article. It takes a big man to be able to step outside of himself and see where he is going wrong and a very smart one like Noel to undo his missteps in the most sane and gracious ways possible.
It wasn't wrong for him to "out" his progress of moving away from what he'd done not long ago. It means he's seriously shutting the door on that side of things in his life and gathering back together what he really needs and wants.
It's unknown if Dee and him will get back together, that's their business alone to work it out or not. (*All break-ups suck equally, for the somebodies and nobodies*)
By Justine Lorde.. Posted August 25 2009 at 6:37 AM.
This could happen to anybody. Don't judge if you've never been in that situation: sudden fame, groupies all over you, drugs always available, people doing drugs all around you. The only way you wouldn't get caught up in it is if you had a firm anti-drug stance in place ahead of time.
Noel has a good heart and I hope he does manage to hold on to his childlike nature. He seems to understand what is at stake. I wish him peace, joy, and love. All of that is wished for everybody else, too. <3
By Karen B.. Posted August 25 2009 at 3:29 AM.
I would be sooooo happy if him and Dee patch things up, but at the same time... she's too good for him. BUT THEY LOVEEEE EACHOTHER!!!
By Cassie.. Posted August 24 2009 at 3:55 AM.
i love noel and think that it's great that he came clean and is deciding to try and change the mistakes that he's made in the past couple of years and it's true that television wouldn't be the same without him...
By laura .. Posted August 24 2009 at 12:43 AM.
It's good to see that Noels is turning his life around. It would be such a shame to see no more Noel on telly etc. And Im pretty certain that Buzzcocks wont get as high viewing rates without him. And for those who commented that hes an idiot and that he deserved all this, get some sympathy people! The fame and party life took its tole yes, but it makes Noel no less amazing at what he does and who he really is. We love you Noel!
By bronte.. Posted August 21 2009 at 12:37 PM.
i kinda dont think its that amazing he opened up like this. its been a while and hes already done so i dont think it was that hard for him. like, yeah i used to do that, but i dont now.
By cake.. Posted August 20 2009 at 8:11 AM.
Not sure why he felt compelled to share his bad habits in such detail. A simple "I used to do drugs, but I've been clean for a while" would have gotten the message across. I think its the details that the BBC is most uncomfortable with. Good for him for realizing how drugs can ruin a good thing. Perhaps now he'll see the benefit of keeping his private life private.
By Shhhhh.. Posted August 20 2009 at 1:58 AM.
WELL DONE NOEL :)
It's a shame he thought pixie was "incredible" LOL
But I still love him :)
I hope if I meet him he won't think iam too young :?
Hehe get a nice girlfriend for now Noel :)
larveyeww xxx
By Rosieee.. Posted August 19 2009 at 11:40 PM.
Good on you Noel. Takes guts to say all that.
By Helen.. Posted August 19 2009 at 1:00 PM.
Good on him for being honest, at least he has realised what issues he has and is willing to overcome them. With all due respect, a lot of people don't realise how fame can make them deluded to reality in such a way that you don't think about what you're doing, right or wrong. I know a lot of people who use drugs recreationally etc, I've tried some of these myself in the past because of curiosity, I've not taken any drugs for about 5 years because I made the decision that they are not for me. That doesn't make me a bad person. There are not many people out there who can say that they have never done anything illegal in their lives. Chin up Noel!
By Vixenmoo.. Posted August 18 2009 at 11:24 PM.
sad that he wont be on buzzcocks but glad he is getting ahold of himself.he should get back together with dee.
Good luck Noel we love you
By CHloe.. Posted August 18 2009 at 11:57 PM.
Well done Noel! He may not be going on Buzzcocks, but he's apparantly going on the new series of Shooting Stars! I'm sooo proud of him. This is why he's my idol, he's honest and can face his problems positively. I hope Dee takes him back. (even though I wish it was me!) tehe.
Well done again Noel!
By EmMa GuLlOn.. Posted August 18 2009 at 7:10 PM.
Oh Noely. This article is suprisingly honest, though I almost wished it hadn't come out right now... So sad to loose him from Buzzcocks. Come on BBC see the light
By Gabi.. Posted August 18 2009 at 12:06 AM.
Why is everyone full of admiration, oh yes, because they're blind fans of his. Open your eyes and face facts, he's an idiot and deserves his fate.
By Peeper.. Posted August 17 2009 at 7:49 PM.
I can't believe the BBC have dropped him from the Buzzcocks - how pathetic. He was one of the main reasons I would have watched the new show. I don't care what he has done, he's open and honest, so why punish him (and all the viewers) now??
Come on BBC - stop being hypocrites!!! Get Noel back on!
By ordinaryboy.. Posted August 17 2009 at 1:16 PM.
I love Noel through thick and thin. Glad he is on the right path. Hope he keeps it up because he is BRILLIANT!!! Hope he and Dee can patch things up as well. She seems good for him.
By Persephone.. Posted August 17 2009 at 5:18 AM.
can't say I was surprised by this, but I'm proud of him for admitting he had a problem and that he's trying to turn things around. Keep it up Noel. I wish him the best and hope to see him do more amazing projects. (and Boosh come on another season or a movie) *crosses fingers*
By Krystal.. Posted August 16 2009 at 10:45 PM.
Awww I would have never even thought about all that stuff he went through i hope Dee can see it in her heart to forgive him and they can get back together
By Jazz.. Posted August 16 2009 at 7:47 PM.
I really admire him for admitting all this, and hope he manages to change his life around for the better. Good luck Noel. x
By Alice.. Posted August 16 2009 at 5:02 PM.
I really admire Noels honesty, it took guts to open up like this. Also glad hes been given the courtesy of being able to speak about his drug use rather than being exposed about it. Good on him, glad he never gave them the satisfaction of dragging his name through the mud. After all hes always so good to the press happy posing for them- its the least he deserves in return.
Noel good luck with your recovery we don't want your mulit-talents to go to waste & i hope you & Dee patch things up, you were really good together.
By Ashley.. Posted August 16 2009 at 4:02 PM.
Hmmmm, maybe he's not the arrogant self-obssessed wazzock that he appeared to be. Maybe he's just a nice guy who get a bit caught up in the whole fame malarky. Well good on you mate, hope you get some inner peace and happiness or whatever.
By singasong.. Posted August 16 2009 at 3:33 PM.
I'm so, so very proud of him for actually admitting this. I just hope that he does stay on the straight and narrow now. He's so brave to come out and tell everyone about his lifestyle and I'm glad he finally realised how badly it was effecting him. Unfortunately, it happens to a lot of people in showbiz but I'm pleased that he sees that what he has been doing is wrong. We are all behind you, Noel, keep yourself out of trouble!!!
By Sarah.. Posted August 16 2009 at 12:49 PM.
I hope this is all true. Who can tell any more though? Good luck to him hope he sorts himself out.
By Just.. Posted August 16 2009 at 11:20 AM.
I admire his honesty. However I cant help thinking this interview has only been made as some sad person has ultimately come forward to the press and is trying to expose him.
By Kevin.. Posted August 16 2009 at 10:29 AM.
suggest that he keeps on taking more and more and more and more until one day ......
By rikkidelreeko.. Posted August 16 2009 at 10:23 AM.
I take my hat off to Noel for openin up like he has done and facein his demonds, I really hope Noel + Dee patch things up they are made for each other plus they are an amazin couple.
By Laura.. Posted August 16 2009 at 8:54 AM.
I can't say I'm surprised...
By Jackie.. Posted August 16 2009 at 8:16 AM.
Granted - when he goes, he goes large!
By Dave.. Posted August 16 2009 at 7:53 AM.
I don't believe a ward he says, he's full of boosh!
By harry london.. Posted August 16 2009 at 6:21 AM.
This article is really honest, and Noel is definitely one brave man to open up like this. I'm really glad that he's facing his problems. I hope that he patches things up with Dee, they make a great couple and I'm really disappointed that they are no longer together.
By Holly.. Posted August 16 2009 at 4:40 AM.
play that punky music wide boy
By patrick mcgonagle.. Posted August 16 2009 at 4:25 AM.
I hope Noel and Dee patch things up
By Hel.. Posted August 16 2009 at 3:17 AM.