On the 15th anniversary of Amy Winehouse’s death, her mother Janis Winehouse has shared an emotional tribute, saying the singer became a “victim of her own success.”
Fifteen years after the celebrated artist died at her home in Camden on July 23, 2011, at the age of 27, Janis has spoken openly in a rare interview about what Amy’s extraordinary rise to fame was really like behind the scenes.
Her comments came as fans, family members and fellow musicians continued paying tribute across Camden, where memorial flowers and handwritten notes were left near the singer’s former home and statue. The Winehouse family also took part in a tribute concert at Camden Market over the weekend, which highlighted Amy’s music and the charity work created in her name.
In comments to The i Paper, she looked back on the intense attention that surrounded the soul and jazz star after Back to Black turned into a global phenomenon in 2006. Janis said that despite Amy’s huge profile, international fame was never something her daughter actively chased.
“She was a victim of her own success,” Janis, 72, explained. “She didn’t want it, but it just followed her. And she’d be like, ‘Who, me?’”
Janis also spoke about the struggles that sat beneath Amy’s distinctive style, remarkable voice, and public image, saying her daughter dealt with deep insecurity and anxiety.
“She was actually nervous,” Janis shared. “She didn’t have confidence. Hence the alcohol. I think it’s the same with many, many addicts with alcohol. The alcohol takes away the pain. And that is a horrible thing with addiction.”
“Once you’re addicted, you’re addicted,” she added. “The only boss is the addiction. People say, ‘Oh, no, you just stop doing such and such.’ They don’t get it. You can’t stop because your body is saying, ‘I need it.’”
Following Amy’s death, an inquest determined that she died from accidental alcohol poisoning. Since then, her family has focused much of their effort on supporting young people at risk, especially those facing addiction and emotional struggles similar to the ones Amy experienced. The Amy Winehouse Foundation says it now helps thousands of young people with emotional wellbeing and informed choices around drugs and alcohol.
That work continues through the Amy Winehouse Foundation, as well as Amy’s Place in London, a recovery housing project designed to help young women rebuild their lives after addiction. Amy’s Place offers support for women aged 18 to 30 and can house up to 16 residents at a time.
Asked how she copes with the grief after all these years, Janis gave a characteristically direct answer.
“I’m just getting on with it because that’s what I do,” Janis said. “I get on with life. I live it. She was so like me, she just got on with it.”
Across the week, admirers have continued gathering outside Amy’s former Camden Square home, leaving flowers, photographs, and handwritten messages in memory of a singular artist whose music still connects with listeners around the world. This year’s tributes have also taken on added significance as 2026 marks 20 years since the release of Back to Black and, later in the year, 20 years since Amy’s debut album Frank first introduced her to a wider audience.