Counting Crows’ frontman, Adam Duritz, explores his notable relationships, mental health challenges, and more in the band’s new documentary, Counting Crows: Have You Seen Me Lately?
The documentary, released on HBO Max on December 19, chronicles the band’s rise to fame in the 1990s and examines how Duritz’s leadership influenced their success.
“Over the years, he’s upset many people,” said bandmate David Bryson, recalling a 1994 incident when Duritz clashed with Saturday Night Live producers over performance time. “He’s in charge and makes decisions without consulting anyone. We’ve stayed together because we accept that. It’s mostly OK.”
Duritz candidly discusses how his mental health struggles impacted the band, leading to canceled tours and personal challenges.
“My songs often reflect difficult moments but also hope. I used to see things as hopeless, especially when younger,” Duritz shared. “I had a mental illness that was hard to understand, making life challenging.”
He added that fame exacerbated his difficulties. “Having a career was great, but it brought challenges that made everything difficult,” he said.
His bandmates acknowledge that Duritz faced more fame-related issues than they did.
“I’m a Little League coach and a dad,” Bryson said. “I’m still not famous!”
Here are the main revelations from the documentary:
Adam Duritz’s Mental Health Challenges
The band nearly broke up during their first album due to Duritz’s intense creative process.
“In the studio, he had dark episodes and struggled to communicate,” keyboardist Charlie Gillingham said. “He needed the music to feel right but didn’t know how to achieve it.”
Mary-Louise Parker, who dated Duritz, related to his creative drive but understood why others struggled with it.
Duritz described a mental health crisis at 21 that felt like being “on acid” for a year. He sought medical help and was diagnosed with a dissociative disorder.
Despite challenges, Duritz continued touring, even while adjusting his medication, which his therapist described as “really rough.”
He admitted to self-harming to cope but eventually sought treatment at UCLA Medical Center.
Adjusting to Fame
Duritz was initially uncomfortable with fame, especially after appearing on Rolling Stone.
“I was shy, and being on the cover meant losing anonymity,” he said. “I didn’t like the photos; they seemed like a parody.”
Conflict with Saturday Night Live
The band faced issues with SNL in 1994 when producers wanted to cut their performance time. Duritz insisted on their promised full time, leading to a successful performance but no future invitations.
Moving to Los Angeles
Duritz moved to L.A. after a call from Johnny Depp, finding comfort in the city’s atmosphere. He worked at the Viper Room and eventually rejoined the band inspired by his experiences.
Relationships with Jennifer Aniston and Courteney Cox
Duritz briefly dated Jennifer Aniston in 1995, set up by mutual friends. He later had a longer relationship with Courteney Cox, inspired by their connection during a music video shoot.
“Courteney and I were very different, and while there were great moments, we weren’t on the same wavelength,” he explained.
Mary-Louise Parker’s Thoughts
Mary-Louise Parker, a former girlfriend, commented on Duritz’s past relationships, suggesting some were unnecessary.
Changing His Look
Duritz’s current partner, Zoe Mintz, encouraged him to change his hairstyle, seeing his dreadlocks as a barrier. He eventually shaved his head, marking a new era.
Counting Crows: Have You Seen Me Lately? is available on HBO Max.
