New Jersey Stage 2016: Issue 12 | Page 37

Steve Earle published in July 2016 “You write about what you know,” said a seemingly taken aback Steve Earle when asked about what many would consider a “Chequered Past.” “I got married a lot back in the ‘80’s if that’s what you’re talking about. I’m retiring from that; defeated. All of those experiences and more can’t help but creep in to your work.” NJ STAGE 2016 - ISSUE 12 Once called the “new face of outlaw country,” Earle took a four year hiatus during the mid-nineties amidst what many consider to have been the prime of his career. Intravenous drug use, jail time and recovery ruled his life during this period and all became fodder for his ingenious songwriting capabilities. INDEX NEXT ARTICLE 37