27 Gone Too Soon: New documentary looks at musicians and mental health

Documentary explores the tolls the music industry can have on mental health, and the mythology around the '27 Club' of artists who died at a tragically young age

A new film about the infamous "27 Club" is set for release this month and will explore why artists such as Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix and Amy Winehouse - who all died aged 27 - are "so mythologised and celebrated".

27: Gone Too Soon will feature rare footage from the period of each artist's life and death, as well as new interviews with musicians, critics and industry insiders including Gary Numan, Olly Alexander from Years & Years, Paul Gambaccini and Tris Penna.

The documentary promises to prompt further debate on issues around drug addiction and mental health, as well as delve into the world of popular music "and its many pitfalls".

Its synopsis reads: "Brian Jones, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison and Jimi Hendrix all died at the age of 27 between 1969 and 1971. At the time, the coincidence gave rise to some comment, but it was not until the death of Kurt Cobain, about two and a half decades later, that the idea of a '27 Club' began to catch on in public perception, reignited again with the death of Amy Winehouse in 2011.

"This group represent just a few of the many well-know singers and musicians who died at that age, and this film looks at the phenomenon and tries to understand why these particular stars are so mythologised and celebrated - and why indeed their lives ended when they did."

Gary Numan told The Independent: "I have seen more than enough destruction in people I've known over the years, but I had no idea that 27 was the age that took so many. This is a fascinating look into what can lead people onto such a terrible path."

In an exclusive clip (above) you can watch the first trailer for the film starring many of its contributors. 27: Gone Too Soon is released on 26 March via Bulldog Film Distribution.