After 12 years away from the spotlight, the voice behind Australia's most beloved early 2000s hits has returned with his first new single - and a deeply personal story of addiction, recovery, and finding hope again.
Alex Lloyd was everywhere in the early 2000s. His breakthrough single Amazing reached the top 20 in Australia, was certified gold, won the Triple J Hottest 100 in 2001, and became the most played track on Australian radio during 2002. His albums collectively sold more than 500,000 copies, and he won ARIA Awards for Best Male Artist three times (2000, 2001, 2003).
But then, almost without warning, Lloyd seemingly vanished from the music scene. Now 50, the Sydney-born musician has finally shared why in a revealing Australian Story episode that aired this week - and announced his return with 'Echoes of Home,' his first new song in twelve years, released on 15 Friday August.
In this Article
The Golden Years of Australian Music
Lloyd's debut album Black the Sun, released in July 1999, peaked at number 9 on the ARIA Charts, was certified 2× Platinum, and was voted album of the year by Triple J listeners. It was part of what many consider the golden era of Australian music, alongside artists like Silverchair, Powderfinger, and Missy Higgins.
His follow-up album Watching Angels Mend went double platinum in Australia after its release in 2001, with 'Amazing' becoming his signature tune. The song won Single of the Year at the APRA Music Awards of 2002, cementing Lloyd's place in Australian music history.
But success came with unexpected challenges. In 2008, truck driver Mark O'Keefe filed a lawsuit against Lloyd, claiming he co-wrote Amazing with a 16-year-old Lloyd on 'a series of beer coasters' in 1991. The case was eventually dropped mid-trial, but the emotional toll proved damaging.
When the Music Stopped
'I lost my drive, I'd lost my passion to do things. I was 168kg, and I was going out doing shows in front of 10,000 people, winery gigs, with my face on a massive screen.'
The legal case triggered what Lloyd describes as 'a particularly dark time.' His marriage to Amelia Wasiliev, with whom he had four children, began to break down. Weight became an issue, reaching 168 kilograms. Most critically, chronic neck pain led to a prescription for oxycodone - a powerful opioid painkiller that would dominate the next chapter of his life.
'I had no idea what I was getting into with that drug,' Lloyd admitted. What began as legitimate pain management became a five-year addiction battle that nearly cost him everything.
Lloyd's experience reflects a broader Australian crisis. The majority of opioid-induced fatalities in Australia are unintentional overdoses in middle-aged males involving pharmaceutical opioids, with pharmaceutical opioids present in over 70 per cent of opioid-induced deaths. The median age of opioid pharmacotherapy clients in Australia has risen from 38 years in 2011 to 46 years in 2024, with increasing numbers of clients aged 50 and over.
Prescription Opioid Risks for Older Australians
While older Australians traditionally had the lowest rates of illicit drug use, recent data shows increases from 5.1 per cent to 6.4 per cent for people aged 60 and over
About 3 per cent of older Australians have used painkillers for non-medical purposes
Older people have the highest prescription-drug abuse rate of any age group
Benzodiazepines and opioid analgesics are frequently prescribed to individuals aged 65 and older
The Long Road Back
With the support of his four children and a renewed creative partnership, Lloyd gradually rediscovered his passion for music. Now 50 and nearly three years clean, he is poised for his comeback.
The journey involved multiple interventions: lap band surgery to address his weight, surgery to fix the neck problem that had caused the chronic pain in the first place, and comprehensive drug counselling. Throughout his darkest period, Lloyd kept touring to maintain income, often performing while 'in full blown withdrawal - sick and crying' before taking the stage.
Where Are They Now?
Lloyd's disappearance from the music scene wasn't unique among early 2000s Australian artists. Many bands who had their success between 2005 and 2012 are now 'encased in amber,' caught between an era when physical sales mattered and the streaming revolution. Some, like Tame Impala, Angus and Julia Stone, and Ball Park Music, found longer-lasting success, while others like Touch Sensitive and Kirin J Callinan pivoted to different roles in the music industry.
The contrast with Lloyd's experience highlights how personal struggles can compound the already challenging music industry landscape. While some artists reinvented themselves, Lloyd was fighting for his life.
A New Chapter Begins
The ARIA Award-winning singer-songwriter was documented by the Australian Story film crew over a 12-month period from mid-2024, simultaneously working on his first new album in almost 12 years while revealing the true nature of his extensive absence from the music industry.
The timing of his return isn't accidental. He'll be touring throughout 2025 and 2026, suggesting this comeback is built for longevity rather than a brief return.
Lloyd's journey hasn't been without recent setbacks. In March 2025, he pleaded guilty in Gosford Local Court to driving with a suspended licence due to confusion about when his suspension period ended. He requested additional time for legal counsel and a traffic offender program.
Alex Lloyd's Recovery Milestones
- Lap band surgery for weight management (lost significant weight from 168kg peak)
- Neck surgery to address chronic pain that led to prescription drug use
- Drug counselling and addiction treatment programs
- Nearly three years clean from opioid painkillers as of 2025
- First new single 'Echoes of Home' released August 2025
- Upcoming national tour planned for 2025-2026
The Power of Second Chances
At 50, Lloyd represents something powerful: proof that it's never too late for a comeback, whether from addiction, career setbacks, or personal struggles. His story will likely resonate particularly strongly with readers who've faced their own challenges in midlife.
'I'm not saying I'm not lucky, but there's been some fucking heavy shit as well,' Lloyd says in the Australian Story episode. It's a raw honesty that feels earned rather than performative.
The early 2000s might feel like a lifetime ago, but Amazing still gets airplay, and Lloyd's voice still carries the warmth that made him a household name. His return reminds us that Australian music has always been about storytelling - and sometimes the most powerful stories are about finding your way back home.
What This Means For You
Have you got memories of Alex Lloyd's music from the early 2000s, or perhaps your own experiences with recovery that you'd like to share? We'd love to hear your stories in the comments below.
Original Article
https://www.news.com.au/entertainme...2c900627fd5f859163d83612841650?from=rss-basic
Alex Lloyd - Wikipedia
Cited text: 'Amazing' became his best-performing single, peaking within the top 20 in Australia and being certified gold.
Excerpt: His breakthrough single 'Amazing' reached the top 20 in Australia, was certified gold, won the Triple J Hottest 100 in 2001, and became the most played track on Australian radio during 2002
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Lloyd
Alex Lloyd - Alchetron, The Free Social Encyclopedia
Cited text: The second single, 'Amazing', proved to be a breakthrough for him, becoming his first top 40 single in Australia, being the top song on the Triple J H...
Excerpt: His breakthrough single 'Amazing' reached the top 20 in Australia, was certified gold, won the Triple J Hottest 100 in 2001, and became the most played track on Australian radio during 2002
https://alchetron.com/Alex-Lloyd
Alex Lloyd » IMC - International Music Concepts
Cited text: His three solo albums – 1999’s Black The Sun , 2001’s Watching Angels Mend and 2003’s Distant Light – have collectively sold more than 500 000 copies ...
Excerpt: His albums collectively sold more than 500,000 copies, and he won ARIA Awards for Best Male Artist three times (2000, 2001, 2003)
https://imcmusic.net/artists/alex-lloyd/
Alex Lloyd - Wikipedia
Cited text: At the ARIA Music Awards of 2000, Lloyd won ARIA Award for Best Male Artist.
Excerpt: His albums collectively sold more than 500,000 copies, and he won ARIA Awards for Best Male Artist three times (2000, 2001, 2003)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Lloyd
Singer-songwriter Alex Lloyd is back with his first studio ...
Cited text: 4,181,919 likes · 119,436 talking about this · 3,907 were here.
Excerpt: his first new song in twelve years, released on Friday, 15 August
Amazing - EP by Alex Lloyd on Apple Music
Cited text: 2001.
Excerpt: his first new song in twelve years, released on Friday, 15 August
Alex Lloyd - Wikipedia
Cited text: Lloyd's debut studio album, Black the Sun was released in July 1999. It peaked at number 9 on the ARIA Charts and was certified 2× Platinum. Triple J ...
Excerpt: Lloyd's debut album 'Black the Sun,' released in July 1999, peaked at number 9 on the ARIA Charts, was certified 2× Platinum, and was voted album of the year by Triple J listeners
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Lloyd
Alex Lloyd - Alchetron, The Free Social Encyclopedia
Cited text: Lloyd's second album Watching Angels Mend went double platinum in Australia after its release in 2001. The second single, 'Amazing', proved to be a br...
Excerpt: His follow-up album 'Watching Angels Mend' went double platinum in Australia after its release in 2001, with 'Amazing' becoming his signature tune
https://alchetron.com/Alex-Lloyd
Alex Lloyd - Wikipedia
Cited text: In 2001, Lloyd released 'Downtown' and 'Amazing', the lead singles from his second album.
Excerpt: The song won Single of the Year at the APRA Music Awards of 2002
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Lloyd
Alex Lloyd - Wikipedia
Cited text: At the APRA Music Awards of 2002, the song won Single of the Year.
Excerpt: The song won Single of the Year at the APRA Music Awards of 2002
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Lloyd
Alex Lloyd - Wikipedia
Cited text:
Excerpt: In 2008, truck driver Mark O'Keefe filed a lawsuit against Lloyd, claiming he co-wrote 'Amazing' with a 16-year-old Lloyd on 'a series of beer coasters' in 1991.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Lloyd
Alex Lloyd To Delve Into Prescription Drug Addiction On 'Australian Story'
Cited text:
Excerpt: In 2008, truck driver Mark O'Keefe filed a lawsuit against Lloyd, claiming he co-wrote 'Amazing' with a 16-year-old Lloyd on 'a series of beer coasters' in 1991.
https://themusic.com.au/news/alex-l...tion-on-australian-story/3EJizvHw8_I/13-08-25
Amazing - EP by Alex Lloyd on Apple Music
Cited text: Listen to Amazing - EP by Alex Lloyd on Apple Music.
Excerpt: 'I had no idea what I was getting into with that drug,' Lloyd admitted
The opioid epidemic in North America
Cited text:
Excerpt: The majority of opioid-induced fatalities in Australia are unintentional overdoses in middle-aged males involving pharmaceutical opioids, with pharmaceutical opioids present in over 70 per cent of opioid-induced deaths
https://www.aic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-05/ti578_the_opioid_epidemic_in_north_america-v2.pdf
Prevalence of substance abuse and socio-economic differences in substance abuse in an Australian community-dwelling elderly sample - PMC
Cited text: Wendy Li, College of Healthcare Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia.
Excerpt: The median age of opioid pharmacotherapy clients in Australia has risen from 38 years in 2011 to 46 years in 2024, with increasing numbers of clients aged 50 and over
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5438039/
Prevalence of substance abuse and socio-economic differences in substance abuse in an Australian community-dwelling elderly sample - PMC
Cited text: Significant differences in substance abuse mean scores were found for gender, age, income, community involvement, and retirement.
Excerpt: The median age of opioid pharmacotherapy clients in Australia has risen from 38 years in 2011 to 46 years in 2024, with increasing numbers of clients aged 50 and over
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5438039/
National Opioid Pharmacotherapy Statistics Annual Data collection, Introduction - Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
Cited text: When people use opioids regularly or over a long period of time, they are at an increased risk of developing opioid drug dependence (ADF 2025). Opioid...
Excerpt: While older Australians traditionally had the lowest rates of illicit drug use, recent data shows increases from 5.1 per cent to 6.4 per cent for people aged 60 and over.
https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/alc...d-pharmacotherapy-statistics/contents/summary
National Opioid Pharmacotherapy Statistics Annual Data collection, Introduction - Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
Cited text: The Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care has published National Guidelines for Medication-Assisted Treatment of Opioid Dependence ...
Excerpt: While older Australians traditionally had the lowest rates of illicit drug use, recent data shows increases from 5.1 per cent to 6.4 per cent for people aged 60 and over.
https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/alc...d-pharmacotherapy-statistics/contents/summary
Alex Lloyd To Delve Into Prescription Drug Addiction On 'Australian Story'
Cited text: Lloyd is set to make his return to the spotlight this week, with his first new song in twelve years, Echoes Of Home, releasing on Friday, 15 August. H...
Excerpt: With the support of his four children and a renewed creative partnership, Lloyd gradually rediscovered his passion for music.
https://themusic.com.au/news/alex-l...tion-on-australian-story/3EJizvHw8_I/13-08-25
HISTORY OF AUSTRALIAN MUSIC FROM 1960 UNTIL 2000
Cited text: His acoustic showsshowcase delicate fingerpicking and slide guitar mastery, while his electric performances with The Souldiggers channel the raw power...
Excerpt: Many bands who had their success between 2005 and 2012 are now 'encased in amber,' caught between an era when physical sales mattered and the streaming revolution
http://historyofaussiemusic.blogspot.com/
HISTORY OF AUSTRALIAN MUSIC FROM 1960 UNTIL 2000
Cited text: Known for their exhilarating live performances, The Souldiggers captivated audiences with their extended jam sessions—transforming tight, four-minute ...
Excerpt: Some, like Tame Impala, Angus and Julia Stone, and Ball Park Music, found longer-lasting success, while others like Touch Sensitive and Kirin J Callinan pivoted to different roles in the music industry
http://historyofaussiemusic.blogspot.com/
Singer-songwriter Alex Lloyd is back with his first studio ...
Cited text: News and analysis from Australia’s most trusted news organisation.
Excerpt: He'll be touring throughout 2025 and 2026
Alex Lloyd To Delve Into Prescription Drug Addiction On 'Australian Story'
Cited text: You can watch Alex Lloyd’s episode of Australian Story on Monday, 18 August, at 8 pm on ABC TV and ABC iView. ... If you or someone you know is dealin...
Excerpt: Lloyd's journey hasn't been without recent setbacks. In March 2025, he pleaded guilty in Gosford Local Court to driving with a suspended licence due to confusion about when his suspension period ended.
https://themusic.com.au/news/alex-l...tion-on-australian-story/3EJizvHw8_I/13-08-25
Alcohol & other drug treatment services Reports - Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
Cited text: Alcohol & other drug treatment services Reports page on the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare websiteWeb report | 28 Mar 2025 | Alcohol &...
Excerpt: Support is available 24/7 through the Alcohol Drug Information Service (ADIS) on 1800 250 015, providing free and confidential drug and alcohol counselling
https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports-dat...alcohol-other-drug-treatment-services/reports
Alcohol & other drug treatment services Reports - Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
Cited text: The results provide the context and scale of mortality among people who died within 12 months of receiving treatment in publicly funded Alcohol and Ot...
Excerpt: Path2Help, which offers tailored support recommendations for someone impacted by alcohol or other drugs - it's free, easy-to-use, and confidential
https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports-dat...alcohol-other-drug-treatment-services/reports
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