Lester Bangs | Dextropropoxyphene, Diazepam, & NyQuil Overdose Death

On April 30, 1982, Lester Bangs was found dead in New York City. 

The official cause of death was listed as a drug overdose caused by dextropropoxyphene, diazepam, and NyQuil. Bangs struggled with drug and alcohol abuse for most of his life, and was 33 years old at the time of his death.

Before his death, Bangs was a renowned rock critic famous for his irreverent, sharp writing style. He was unafraid to criticize contemporary rock music, and may have helped coin the term “punk rock.” Many of his reviews can still be read on the Internet today.

Jim DeRogatis, fellow music critic, called Bangs “America’s greatest rock critic” in his biography Let it Blurt. 

After his death, Bangs was immortalized by famous figures including Kurt Cobain, the Ramones, Michael Stipe of R.E.M, and Philip Seymour Hoffman in the movie Almost Famous.

About Lester Bangs

Bangs was born Leslie Conway Bangs on December 14, 1948, in Escondido, California (part of San Diego County). 

Beat writers William Burroughs and Jack Kerouac, jazz musician Miles Davis, and his Jehovah’s Witnesses mother influenced Bangs’ upbringing and later his writing style.

Abrasive Writing Style

Bangs’ abrasive writing style may have led to his firing from Rolling Stones magazine early in his career. His profile grew after he joined Creem Magazine, where he reviewed musicians such as Lou Reed, Led Zeppelin, and The Rolling Stones. 

His caustic tone and brutal honesty is often attributed to his heavy drinking.

Heavy Drinking & Drug Use

Some editorials claim Bangs first tried hallucinogenic drugs during his high school years in El Cajon, California. 

Many sources suggest he abused alcohol for his entire adult life, while others claim he abused tranquilizers and opioids alongside alcohol. Bangs’ drug and alcohol use is inseparable from his status as a rock critic.

Drug Overdose & Death

On April 30, 1982, Bangs was found dead in New York City. A combination of the former prescription drug Darvon (dextropropoxyphene), diazepam, and NyQuil were in his system at the time of his death.

Some sources state Bangs was taking opioids to help with flu symptoms. Others state he insisted on abusing multiple depressant drugs and alcohol despite showing flu symptoms. Bangs’ history of drug and alcohol abuse likely contributed to his eventual death.

Did Lester Bangs Go To Rehab?

Some sources state Lester Bangs attended Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in the years leading up to his death. 

Before his death, Bangs focused on his writing and music instead of his health. In the early 1980s, he published the biographies Blondie and Rod Stewart and wrote for “The Village Voice” to little commercial praise.

Recovery Is Possible

Lester Bangs did not live to see his influence on mainstream music, music criticism, and pop culture due to his early demise. However, alcohol and drug addiction doesn’t need to end in death, and recovery is possible with professional services and ongoing support.

To learn how we can help, please contact us today.