Jeff Buckley, the enigmatic singer-songwriter whose voice continues to echo through the music world, grappled with fame in deeply personal ways. Known for his soul-stirring album Grace, Buckley was not only celebrated for his artistry but also for his striking looks—a distinction he found excruciatingly uncomfortable. The new Sundance documentary It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley sheds light on his inner turmoil, including his dramatic reaction to being featured in PEOPLE magazine’s “50 Most Beautiful People” issue. Through intimate interviews and poignant memories, the film unveils a man at odds with the public image thrust upon him.
The PEOPLE Magazine Incident: A Portrait of Embarrassment
When Jeff Buckley appeared in PEOPLE’s “50 Most Beautiful People” issue, his reaction was far from celebratory. Instead of basking in the spotlight, Buckley was overcome with shame, finding the accolade at odds with his artistic values.
Joan Wasser, Buckley’s former girlfriend and fellow musician, recalls the extreme lengths he went to in order to suppress this unwanted attention. In the documentary, Wasser shares a photograph of the magazine page where Buckley had scrawled the words “Kill me,” a stark illustration of his embarrassment. This reaction speaks volumes about the singer’s disdain for superficial fame.
To ensure no one else saw his feature, Buckley bought every copy of the magazine he could find, reportedly spending hundreds of dollars in a futile attempt to erase the evidence. This act of desperation, captured in It’s Never Over, is emblematic of his struggle to reconcile his public image with his deeply held artistic integrity.
A Life of Contradictions: Navigating Fame and Authenticity
Buckley’s discomfort with being celebrated for his appearance was part of a larger struggle with the trappings of fame. It’s Never Over dives into how Buckley worked tirelessly to remain true to his art, even as success threatened to dilute his authenticity.
Raised by a young single mother and estranged from his famous father, folk musician Tim Buckley, Jeff’s early years were defined by hardship and resilience. These formative experiences instilled a deep-seated need for sincerity, which later clashed with the pressures of commercial success. The documentary highlights how his perfectionism and imposter syndrome made him question whether he truly deserved the adoration he received.
Fellow musicians and collaborators showered him with praise, but rather than feeling validated, Buckley often felt isolated by their admiration. His internal conflict—wanting his music to be heard but resenting the fame it brought—underscores the duality that defined his life and career.
A Legacy Cut Short: The Enduring Impact of Grace
Despite his struggles, Buckley’s music has left an indelible mark on the world. His 1994 album Grace remains a masterwork, celebrated for its haunting melodies and emotional depth. Tragically, he was working on a follow-up album when his life was cut short by an accidental drowning in 1997.
The documentary captures the bittersweet nature of his legacy: an artist who released just one studio album but influenced countless musicians and fans. Interviews with his mother, Mary Guibert, and other close confidants reveal the weight of his unfulfilled potential, a recurring theme in the film.
Brad Pitt, a longtime admirer who once considered playing Buckley in a biopic, served as a producer on the documentary through his company, Plan B Entertainment. His involvement underscores the lasting fascination with Buckley’s story—a tale of brilliance, vulnerability, and the quest for authenticity in an industry that often demands compromise.
Jeff Buckley’s reluctance to embrace fame and his ultimate vulnerability offer a compelling portrait of a man whose artistry was as fragile as it was powerful. It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of creative genius and the human cost of celebrity. With his music still resonating decades later, Buckley’s legacy endures—not as a face in a magazine, but as a voice that continues to touch the soul.
