“He found success at the age of just 16-years-old with a series of hit singles such as I Can Make You Feel Good and Special Kind of Something in the late 1990s.”, — write: www.dailymail.co.uk
In his new memoir, Anthony Kavanagh, who rose to fame under the name Kavana, has lifted the lid on the darker side of stardom with his explosive autobiography, Pop Scars.
He found success at the age of just 16-years-old with a series of hit singles such as I Can Make You Feel Good and Special Kind of Something in the late 1990s.
But he has now revealed the personal cost of fame after he battled both alcohol and drug addiction which ended up ’emptying his wallet’ and leaving him homeless.
Born in Manchester, Kavana was signed to a record label in his teens and soon found himself partying with popstars and touring with Boyzone.
Writing in his memoir, in quotes obtained by The Sun, the singer admitted he soon found himself not knowing when to ‘call it a night’ and ‘hitting the hard stuff.’
After many cocaine fuelled nights, he recalled one at the Playboy mansion, and admitted: ‘I did too much coke and had to be hosed down in a gold shower room by one of Mr Hefner’s Playboy bunnies.’
Kavana said at the height of his fame he would party in the ‘Hollywood Hills at movie producers’ houses, necking ecstasy in hot tubs with A-listers.’
However, things took a turn for the worst, describing his last binge, he admitted: ‘It culminated in me doing crack in a skip with a homeless lady who I bonded with then trusted with my Monzo card to go buy more drugs and who never returned.’
Kavana’s drink and drug problem drained his wallet and ultimately led to him ‘secretly living in an old people’s sheltered housing complex with his mother.’
MailOnline has contacted Anthony Kavanagh’s representative for comment.
Back in 2017, the singer promised that he’d write a revealing memoir about his time in the music industry.
He told Attitude magazine: ‘I am very excited about it. It’s more of a memoir, I’ll save the autobiography for when I’m older.
‘It’ll be warts [and all] and recalls what was happening back in the pop industry back in the 90s and when I went to live in Hollywood.
‘There are some really outrageous stories that most people wouldn’t know about. Yes, people should be afraid…very afraid.’
And the former pop idol appears to be relishing the build-up as he took to his Instagram page on May 14 to tease fans with a glimpse of what’s to come.
He posted a snap of the cover of his book, featuring a imagine of the star at the height of his success.
Anthony penned: ‘Can’t believe I’m saying this but I actually wrote a book. Like by myself, like those grown ups do. POP SCARS covers all things 90s pop but more importantly what happens AFTER fame.’
The star continued: ‘It’s about teenage fame, loss, addiction and hope, and how not to iron a white Kappa tracksuit.
‘It’s been described as ‘Laugh out loud, jaw dropping, and heartfelt’ but you can decide that.
‘Come join the ride with me. More news to come. This is for the underdog.’
After his pop career wrapped up, Anthony kept busy in the public eye, starring in Hollyoaks: In The City in 2006 and later competing as a finalist on the TV show Greece Is the Word in 2007.
He also took part in Celebrity Big Brother in 2017, where he finished seventh.
As for his personal life, Anthony shocked fans as he shared a swollen photo of himself at the peak of his alcohol addiction.
The star has been sober for nearly three years and has been incredibly open about his struggles with addiction and his journey to recovery.
And the artist admitted he was ‘lost, broken and hopeless’ during his crippling addiction.
He wrote: ‘On #addictionawarenessweek I want to make anyone struggling aware that recovery is possible. 20 months ago I was lost, broken and hopeless.
‘Ask for help, I’m so glad I did. #Wedorecover #Noshame #addiction #youcandoit’.
The singer documented his 2022 entry into rehab after sadly relapsing a year earlier.
In February 2022, he took to Twitter to apologise to his family for not being ‘truthful’ as he admitted that alcoholism had ‘got a grip on him’ in an emotional post.
He spoke of his ‘mental struggles’, before signing off social media for the foreseeable future.
The statement read: ‘Today I go into rehab. Again. This illness of Alcoholism has got its grip. I’ll be off social media for a while.
‘To what family I have left, I’m sorry I wasn’t truthful I’ve been going through a lot of mental struggles. Good news I’m going to get the help I need.
‘My phone will be off for a while. Clint, Aunty Angela, Aunty Maria, Brad, I’m going to be OK and I love you all madly x.’