WATCH: Sully Erna’s Releases Music Video Bringing Awareness to Opioid Crisis
Godsmack frontman Sully Erna is teaming with another Boston icon to help fight the country’s growing opioid epidemic.
Erna is part of a new video featuring his song “Different Kind Of Tears” from his latest solo album, “Hometown Life,” done in conjunction with the Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation and Recovery Centers of America. The video features footage of parents who have lost their children to opioid overdoses.
In a statement Erna says that, “When (Wahlberg Youth Foundation executive director) Jim Wahlberg approached me to get involved with the Foundation to combat the out-of-control opioid epidemic sweeping this country, it was an easy decision. Most of the charity work I have done is based around helping out inner-city kids to being with — since I was that kid myself once — and especially since the opioid problem is now so severe in my hometown of Lawrence, Massachusetts. This song and video echo the feelings of struggle and loss people experience with this addiction and years to be heard.”
Jim Wahlberg, who produced the video, says that it “addresses one of the most serious health issues facing our society today. Addiction touches every culture, every family and ultimately every one of us. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with a very talented musician on this important project.”
Erna, meanwhile, is working on Godsmack’s next album, expected for a 2018 release with a 20th anniversary tour to follow. The group performs on Saturday (July 15) at the Chicago Open Air festival.
Gary Graff is an award-winning music journalist who not only covers music but has written books on Bob Seger, Neil Young and Bruce Springsteen.
