'Cannabis Helps Me Unwind' Says Violinist Nigel Kennedy

Source: Cannazine

Nigel Kennedy, the 51 year old orchestral violinist and Birminghams original "Aston Villain" has told how orchestral musicians will often use illicit or prescription drugs to fight off stagefright, and after a long evening playing in front of an audience, he will often unwind by smoking a joint or two.

"Drugs exist on the market today, which enable people who are nearly dead to perform - sedatives, tranquilizers, beta blockers, uppers, downers. They don't lead to mistakes, but not much else happens," Kennedy was quoted as saying.

The violinist, who has shaken up the high-brow world of classical music with his casual dress, his love of Aston Villa football club and mock cockney accent, claimed "cocaine and hashish are as popular with classical performers as in other sections of society."

He also said he was not averse to the odd joint or two himself, but only after a concert. "Performing on stage under the influence of alcohol or dope would be cheating the audience," he told Focus. Good on yer Nige!

The outspoken star, who brought classical music to the masses with his rendition of Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" currently spends much of his time in Poland where he is artistic director of the Polish Chamber Orchestra.