Johnny Borrell recently recounted one of the most peculiar incidents from Razorlight’s early days. He humorously suggested that a mysterious wound resembling stigmata might have been a result of ecstasy use during the band’s peak rock-and-roll period.
RadarOnline.com reports that Borrell, 46, shared these reflections while reminiscing about Razorlight’s beginnings with drummer Andy Burrows, 47. This comes as the band gears up to commemorate the 20th anniversary of their successful self-titled second album with a UK tour this November.
In a conversation with ContactMusic.com, Borrell revisited an unusual event from Razorlight’s breakthrough years. He described developing what seemed like stigmata – wounds traditionally linked to Jesus Christ’s crucifixion. Although Borrell, noted for his wild rock persona, never received a conclusive explanation, he mentioned a doctor humorously suggested the injury might be attributed to ecstasy.
A band insider commented: “Johnny has always been ready to chuckle at the more chaotic times from Razorlight’s past. Now, he views it with perspective rather than glorifying that era.”
The source added: “The story highlights the unpredictable lifestyle the band led then, but nowadays, the emphasis is more on celebrating the music than revisiting the excess that accompanied it.”
Reflecting on the incident, Borrell asked Burrows: “Do you recall when I got the stigmata?” When questioned about the cause of the unexplained wound, Borrell acknowledged his uncertainty. He recounted asking the doctor, “What’s happening?” to which the doctor replied, “Maybe just ecstasy.” Borrell further described the injury as “growing out like a ring” and assured with a laugh, “It actually happened.”
This exchange took place as Borrell and Burrows discussed the legacy of Razorlight’s 2006 self-titled album, which included the hit singles America and Before I Fall to Pieces. Produced predominantly by Chris Thomas, the album was a major commercial success for the band and is set to be performed in its entirety by the original lineup of Borrell, Burrows, Björn Ã…gren, and Carl Dalemo during the anniversary tour.
Reflecting on the album two decades later, Borrell expressed a more relaxed view: “I feel a bit more chill about it, to be honest,” he said. “Yeah, that’s alright. It’s pretty good. It’s not bad.” He added, “Listening back to it now, I really like it. I see where it fits into the catalogue of rock ‘n’ roll – I kinda get it. Especially with Chris Thomas – sonically, he had his stamp on stuff.”
Burrows also shared a positive perspective, calling the album “a good effort” and noting its enduring appeal.
The anniversary tour signifies a new chapter in Razorlight’s reunion after years of lineup changes and separations. Fans attending the November concerts will witness the reunion of the four musicians who originally recorded the album, performing it in full. These shows will not only celebrate the album’s success but also a time when Razorlight emerged as a leading British indie act in the mid-2000s. With this distance, Borrell now reflects on the music and the band’s turbulent moments with a clearer perspective.
