Orville Peck is opening up about his journey to sobriety, addiction and the circumstances that led him to enter rehab following a near-fatal overdose in 2023. In a new interview with ABC News’ Nightline, the masked country singer discussed the difficult period in his life and the decision that ultimately forced him to step away from touring and seek treatment.
Peck revealed that entering rehab was not initially a decision he made entirely for himself. “I was basically given an ultimatum about my career,” he said, explaining that his team made it clear he needed to get help. At the time, he said, he was frightened of losing people around him and initially entered treatment because of the pressure he was facing.
The crisis came after a period of intense professional activity, personal upheaval and substance use. Peck has previously said that he was drinking heavily and using drugs while dealing with the end of a long-term relationship and the pressures that came with his growing career. His team found him after the overdose and intervened before he went onstage for a scheduled performance at New York’s Theater at Madison Square Garden.
Peck went ahead with the concert before canceling the remainder of his tour and checking into a rehabilitation center. He has described his initial experience in treatment as difficult, saying he believed he was different from the other people there and did not fully accept that he had an addiction.
After leaving rehab, Peck initially returned to drinking and later experienced another serious low point. He eventually reached a point where he decided to stop drinking altogether and has maintained sobriety for nearly three years, according to his recent interviews.
The singer said sobriety has also forced him to confront feelings that he previously attempted to suppress through substance use. In the Nightline interview, he acknowledged that his anxiety can sometimes feel stronger now because he is no longer using alcohol and drugs to numb those emotions.
His recovery is central to his new album, Mule, which was released Sept. 18. The project chronicles the darkest period of his life, including his overdose, rehabilitation, relationship breakdown and eventual path toward sobriety. The album features contributions from artists including Emmylou Harris.
Peck has also spoken about the role of self-acceptance in his recovery. He said learning to accept himself has been a major part of the process, particularly after years of feeling different and struggling with his identity and mental health.
The singer is currently supporting Mule with The Man Turned Mule Tour, which is scheduled to continue through Nov. 22. According to the latest update, $1 from every ticket sold on the tour is being donated to the Trevor Project.
