Image: Electric Callboy – DRUM SOLO / KURWA SONG – LIVE in Cologne (Lanxess Arena 2023) [YouTube]
David Friedrich, who was the longtime drummer of Electric Callboy until his departure in 2025, shared a very personal message on his Instagram channel yesterday. The topic: mental health, specifically his own struggle with and experience of severe depression. In the caption, he also explains why he decided to speak publicly about it:
“Why I’m sharing this with you:
Because it affects everyone in one way or another — or can affect them.
All we really have is ourselves.
Every person carries their scars and their story. We can learn from each other and make sure no one has to feel alone.
It’s okay to feel sad.
No loneliness for good hearts.
A ❤️ for everyone who is fighting or has had to fight.
Don’t give up! 🫡”
In his post, Friedrich writes about how the illness slowly crept into his life while he was trying to give everything on stage — for as long as possible:
“As the venues got bigger, I felt smaller inside. Over the years, I struggled with doubts, conflicts, fears, burnout, feelings of helplessness and worthlessness, and the sense of losing my dream - and myself. [...] On stage, I lived. Behind it, I survived.”
It has now been a year since David Friedrich played his last concert on drums, and according to him, he hasn’t sat behind a kit since. However, this may not be permanent:
“Recently, I rebiult my drum set. It still feels strange. Heavy. but it belongs to me. It reminds me how important it is to never let go of what you love most. [...] Because if we lose that, we lose a piece of ourselves.
To everyone who fighting/fought - quietly or loudly: You are not alone. Stay true to yourself. Stay human. And believe that what you love can heal again someday."
You can find his full Instagram post here:
Support Resources at a Glance
And from us as well: If you’re struggling, please reach out to available support services and/or talk to someone close to you. You are not alone!
For anyone in a mentally distressing situation, Germany’s free and anonymous telephone counseling service (Telefonseelsorge) is available 24/7 at 0800-1110111 and 0800-1110222.
If you are seeking help in the UK, you can reach out to the following support service:
The National Suicide Prevention Helpline is open from 6pm until midnight: 0800 689 5652
Or visit their website: www.spuk.org.uk
If you are seeking help in the USA, you can reach out to the following support service:
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is open 24/7 and free: 988
Or visit their website: 988lifeline.org
If you are seeking help in Australia, you can reach out to the following support service:
The Lifeline Australia is open 24/7 under: 13 11 14
Or visit their website: www.lifeline.org.au
