Leif Garrett Gives Justin Bieber Advice On Dealing With Fame

Leif Garrett knows what Justin Bieber is going through.

The Canadian pop singer has been going through a bit of a rough patch and Garrett, who was one of the biggest teen heartthrobs of the 1970s, offered up some advice for the young singer.

The most important thing, according to Garrett, is for Bieber not to buy into his own publicity. The 1970s teen sensation said that it is easy to let all of that power go to your head when you’re younger and that Bieber should make sure to remind himself that he’s not as wonderful as everyone says he is.

Garrett said: “Do not believe your own publicity. Sussing out who your real friends are is full-time work. Every scum bag, every drug dealer, every chicken hawk wants a piece of you.”

Garrett was a huge star in his teenage years but he eventually fell victim to drug addiction. Garrett’s star isn’t shining as bright anymore but he has learned a few things along the way that Bieber might want to pay attention to.

Garrett said: “When you’ve got that sort of power at that young age, and everything at your doorstep, you put out that bad boy image. At that age, testosterone, hormones, all of the money, you see what else you can get away with.”

The 1970s icon also gave Bieber some career advice. Leif Garrett says that most pop stars are lucky to stay along for five years. If Justin Bieber really wants to remain popular he’s going to have to work on his craft and explore new genres.

Garrett said that one of the reasons his career ended was that he had no control over the music.

Garrett said: “The hardest thing was the music I was doing. I had no control of the music. They wanted me to continue doing teen idol stuff. I’m really into music and a new wave was happening. The average lifespan of a teen idol is five years. You have to change musically.”

Do you think Leif Garrett has some good advice for Justin Bieber? You can read more of Leif Garrett’s interview here.