rock star biogs/autobiogs: the verdict

[l'angelo mysterioso]

I succumbed to another one last week. Graham Nash two pound odd on my kindle.

I'd like to thank Mr Nash for confirming my theory that there isn't a Rock star who isn't a narcissistic self obsessed dick head who's idea of their talent and its artistic and cultural significance isn't fifty times beyond what it is and that's being charitable. Not just Nash himself but the solipsistic coterie of up Their own ass 'artists' he is associated with, apart from the PHollies who are the only people to not be drowning in their own bulls hit. The sooner an earthquake brings laurel canyon crashing down on itself the better.

A pox on all of them.

[Old Frightful]

Do you feel better for that now mate?

[l'angelo mysterioso]

Do you feel better for that now mate?

Momentarily

Until I'm suckered into reading the next one

[tim2]

Keef's one was a bit dull in large parts - he's just a bit of a guitar nerd really, with the ability to handle a massive amount of narcotics. 

[l'angelo mysterioso]

Keef's one was a bit dull in large parts - he's just a bit of a guitar nerd really, with the ability to handle a massive amount of narcotics.

Yes I succumbed to that one as well. He seems quite a dreary selfish person, just like all the others

[Futtocks]

Gil Scott-Heron - The Last Holiday. A very good read. The value of family, equality, respect, his growth as a performer and author, losing loved ones, standing up for rights, suffering a stroke... and some funny stuff too.

 

"I've seen some sights, including one of our percussionists coming out of a darkened bathroom after trying to brush his teeth with Preparation H."

[Wiltshire Rhino]

Anyone know when Larry is writing his or is he too busy constantly touring with his band?

[l'angelo mysterioso]

Anyone know when Larry is writing his or is he too busy constantly touring with his band?

larry is currently in rehab.

[Griff9of13]

Jools Holland's wasn't a bad read and, AFAIR, not too self obsessed.

 

In all those that I have read the childhood to beginnings of their professional musical careers are by far the most interesting parts of the books. Once they become famous the recurring theme is "woe is me; it's so hard being a famous rock star and being so creative is so tough."

[l'angelo mysterioso]

Jools Holland's wasn't a bad read and, AFAIR, not too self obsessed.

 

In all those that I have read the childhood to beginnings of their professional musical careers are by far the most interesting parts of the books. Once they become famous the recurring theme is "woe is me; it's so hard being a famous rock star and being so creative is so tough."

yes

 

it usually kicks in round about the same time that the drugs do.

[CiderWire]

Not really into the rock star biog-thing, probably for the reasons L'Angelo mentions. However, I have just finished Guy Martins and can thoroughly recommend it. It may help if you like your bikes but nonetheless, its a good insight into how an ordinary lad can hit the big time simply because of the fact that he has bags of character, integrity and a bl00dy good ethos on life.

Just starting The Cruel Victory by Paddy Ashdown.

[Phil]

Got Suggs from Madness' auto with my Xmas book tokens but haven't started it yet.

Will report back.

[l'angelo mysterioso]

Got Suggs from Madness' auto with my Xmas book tokens but haven't started it yet.

Will report back.

he had a very interesting childhood.

[Futtocks]

I've had more fun reading the memoirs of people in the music press and their experiences with rock stars: Stuart Maconie, Danny Baker and Mark Ellen.

[Phil]

Cider with Roadies by Maconie is a good read. Napalm Death come out of it particularly badly

[l'angelo mysterioso]

Cider with Roadies by Maconie is a good read. Napalm Death come out of it particularly badly

Right then I'll give that a go.

[Futtocks]

Cider with Roadies by Maconie is a good read. Napalm Death come out of it particularly badly

Well, the drummer does. Mark Ellen's very funny book might make you reassess Jimmy Page a bit...

[l'angelo mysterioso]

Well played Phil lad

Made a good start on it.

[longboard]

 Mark Ellen's very funny book might make you reassess Jimmy Page a bit...

 

Does that reassessment concern the issue of sex with a minor?

[Futtocks]

Does that reassessment concern the issue of sex with a minor?

Jimmy was in the company of Roy Harper, who was even more obnoxious. And has been investigated in connection with Yewtree-ish offences as well. 

 

But the bit in Mark's book was about their generally swinish behaviour and how you should never meet your heroes.

 

The best bit of 'Rock Stars stole my Life!' is that the bit about Morrissey is blessedly short. The rest is recommended because he is a bit of a Pollyanna and looks at all of the whole nonsense with cheerfulness instead of blathering on earnestly about how "important" various people were...

 

...and the bit with Joe Jackson and the swan.

[Jeff Stein]

I've had more fun reading the memoirs of people in the music press and their experiences with rock stars: Stuart Maconie, Danny Baker and Mark Ellen.

 

Along those lines I recently read Andy Kershaw's autobiography, which is immensely entertaining. Bob Geldof does not come out of it well.

[Futtocks]

Along those lines I recently read Andy Kershaw's autobiography, which is immensely entertaining. Bob Geldof does not come out of it well.

I've avoided Andy's writings so far, because he comes across as a bit bitter and you have to wonder how much is truth and how much snarkiness.

 

However, I do own Mark E.Smith's 'The Renegade', which is relentlessly vengeful and factually questionable right down to the molecular level.

[Jeff Stein]

I've avoided Andy's writings so far, because he comes across as a bit bitter and you have to wonder how much is truth and how much snarkiness.

 

However, I do own Mark E.Smith's 'The Renegade', which is relentlessly vengeful and factually questionable right down to the molecular level.

 

Bitterness didn't come across to me in the autobiography even the sections (thankfully relatively short) about his recent problems. I did wonder on some occasions whether the lily had been gilded and I was never quite sure throughout the book whether he is someone who believes what he says with absolute certainty or he simply has a monstrous ego. Whatever the truth I found it a great read and found myself wishing he had actually written more on certain subjects despite it being a pretty substantial tome.

[Futtocks]

Bitterness didn't come across to me in the autobiography even the sections (thankfully relatively short) about his recent problems. I did wonder on some occasions whether the lily had been gilded and I was never quite sure throughout the book whether he is someone who believes what he says with absolute certainty or he simply has a monstrous ego. Whatever the truth I found it a great read and found myself wishing he had actually written more on certain subjects despite it being a pretty substantial tome.

It's one of those books I know I'll end up reading at some point, but I fear that, having read it, I may end up not liking him as much as I did before.

[l'angelo mysterioso]

Jimmy was in the company of Roy Harper, who was even more obnoxious. And has been investigated in connection with Yewtree-ish offences as well.

But the bit in Mark's book was about their generally swinish behaviour and how you should never meet your heroes.

The best bit of 'Rock Stars stole my Life!' is that the bit about Morrissey is blessedly short. The rest is recommended because he is a bit of a Pollyanna and looks at all of the whole nonsense with cheerfulness instead of blathering on earnestly about how "important" various people were...

...and the bit with Joe Jackson and the swan.

I've just downloaded it on that recommendation.