Paula Yates 1959-2000
The woman who inspired me to become a music journalist
Before I entered the world of music journalism on a national level, I would buy just about every music magazine that was available. I had my days when I would go to the local newsagent to pick them up. Those were special days. Around that time (1979) I would read a column in Record Mirror called, ‘The Natural Blonde’ by Paula Yates. Unfortunately, Paula’s life took her down a tumultuous and tragic path. After what appeared to be the perfect marriage to Bob Geldof (who went from punk singer to saint in the UK with his work on Band-Aid and Live Aid) she had an affair with INXS singer Michael Hutchence. They had a son together but Hutchence met an untimely death under circumstances that birthed a myriad of conspiracy theories. He was found hanged in his hotel Room at the Ritz-Carlton in Double Bay, Sydney. He was 37 years old. The official cause of death was given as suicide and an autopsy revealed cocaine, codeine, Prozac, Valium, and other benzodiazepines in his system. Three years later, on September 17, 2000, Paula Yates was found dead in her home. According to some reports, Paula had been on suicide watch since the death of Hutchence and had previously attempted to hang herself. Heroin, cannabis, and lots of tiny vodka bottles were found near her. She was 41 years old.
A sad and tragic ending for sure but in her heyday, Yates created not only a great gossip column but lived the life I wanted, going to concerts, interviewing bands and just being a part of the world of music. I am not sure I would even have become a music journalist were it not for her influence. So for all those memorable years, I am indebted to her.
As an aside, the craziest turn in my life came when, as an established music journalist I met and interviewed Bob Geldof for ‘No 1’ magazine. They were still married at the time and before I even began the interview I told Bob about my debt to Paula and admiration for her writing.
The Natural Blonde Column, Record Mirror.