After beginning a stunning musical career back in 2002 when she signed to Simon Fuller’s 19 Management, while
being developed Winehouse was kept as a recording industry secret, although she was a regular jazz standards singer
at the Cobden Club. However, by that time Winehouse had already recorded a number of songs, signed a publishing
deal with EMI, and formed a working relationship with producer Salaam Remi. She was introduced to Island head
Nick Gatfield, who showed enthusiasm to sign the young artist. Winehouse’s debut album, Frank, was released on 20
October 2003 on Island.
The rest is pretty much history, with Amy releasing one further album – the irresistible Back To Black in 2007, and
touring regularly around the globe. Her health deteriorated during this period too, as the combination of alcohol,
drugs and toxic relationships all took their toll.
In January 2011, Winehouse played five dates in Brazil, and during one performance she forgot the lyrics of her songs
several times and had to be aided by the public and her band. During these concerts, she only drank from a water
bottle, but even so, on two occasions, she left the stage in the midst of the show for a period of about five minutes.
Upon her return, the crowd showed strong compassion for her and praised Winehouse for continuing the shows.
The following month she cut a performance in Dubai short following booing from the audience. Winehouse was
reported to be tired, distracted and “tipsy”. On 18 June 2011, Winehouse started her 12-leg European tour in
Belgrade. It was reported that she was unable to remember the city she was in, the lyrics of her songs or the names
of the members of her band. The local press also claimed that Winehouse was forced to perform by her bodyguards,
who did not allow her to leave the stage when she tried to do so. She then pulled out of performances in Istanbul
and Athens, which had been scheduled for the following week. On 21 June, it was announced that she had cancelled
all shows of her tour and would be given “as long as it takes” to sort herself out.
