Between The Wheels

Between The Wheels => Literature => Topic started by: Slim on May 11, 2022, 02:14:39 PM

Title: Music Autobiographies
Post by: Slim on May 11, 2022, 02:14:39 PM
Prompted by the news that Bono is going to release his memoirs.

I keep meaning to read Pete Townshend's autobiography, but never seem to get round to it. I've bought KK Downing's, but I've only dipped into the first few pages so far.

Actually I think the only notable musician memoir I've read is Ghost Rider.

Any recommendations?
Title: Re: Music Autobiographies
Post by: pxr5 on May 11, 2022, 03:21:32 PM
I've recently read these:

Bruce Dickinson - What does this Button Do?  I wished he'd included more IM stuff, rather than his solo career/exploits. 7/10
KK Downing - Heavy Duty: Days and Nights in Judas Priest  Pretty good, but some underlying bitterness there. 7/10
Rob Halford - Confess  Probably the best of these 3, likely due to how he tried to hide his gay life. 8.5/10

When I've finished my current book I'll be reading Steven Wilson's Limited Edition of One, which has good reviews.
Title: Re: Music Autobiographies
Post by: Nick on May 11, 2022, 03:34:48 PM
Motley Crue .. The Dirt.

A great blast of hedonism.
Title: Re: Music Autobiographies
Post by: David L on May 11, 2022, 04:08:41 PM
Excellent:
Peter Frampton - Do You Feel Like I Do?
Roger Daltrey - Thanks A Lot Mr Kibblewhite

OK:
Bernie Marsden - Where's My Guitar?
Tony Iommi - Iron Man
Title: Re: Music Autobiographies
Post by: Nickslikk2112 on May 11, 2022, 09:48:20 PM
Lemmy's is OK, forget what it's called though.
Title: Re: Music Autobiographies
Post by: Slim on May 11, 2022, 10:04:39 PM
Oh yes, I did read that one on holiday a few years ago. White Line Fever.

Title: Re: Music Autobiographies
Post by: captainkurtz on May 16, 2022, 07:58:51 AM
Mick Walls are all worth a read.
I love Mark Blake's Queen, Peter Grant, Pink Floyd and The Who's books.
Similarly, Paul Trynka's books on Iggy Pop, David Bowie and Brian Jones are meticulously researched and eminently readable.
Barney Hoskins Zeppelin book is excellent.
Keith Richards autobiography'Life' is a hoot.
Tony Fletcher's 'Dear Boy' about Keith Moon is superb.
Under The Ivy - Kate Bush, again, superbly researched and very illuminating.
'Nothin' to Lose' by Ken Sharp on the early kiss years.
Walk this Way - Aerosmith by Hammer of the Gods author, Stephen Davis.
Loved Dave Groh's storyteller book.
Neil Young's Shakey.
What you want is in the Limo - Michael Walker
Roomful of Mirrors or Setting the Record Straight - Hendrix books.

Not music related, but I enjoyed the recent Bob Mortimer book.  Really touching in parts and a lot of his feelings mirrored my own..
Title: Re: Music Autobiographies
Post by: captainkurtz on May 16, 2022, 08:00:15 AM
I'm sure you'd also enjoy Revolution in the Head, if you've not already read it.
Title: Re: Music Autobiographies
Post by: Slim on May 16, 2022, 09:42:33 AM
Quote from: captainkurtz on May 16, 2022, 08:00:15 AMI'm sure you'd also enjoy Revolution in the Head, if you've not already read it.

I love that book. I have three copies.
Title: Re: Music Autobiographies
Post by: pdw1 on May 16, 2022, 05:47:36 PM
Quote from: Slim on May 16, 2022, 09:42:33 AM
Quote from: captainkurtz on May 16, 2022, 08:00:15 AMI'm sure you'd also enjoy Revolution in the Head, if you've not already read it.

I love that book. I have three copies.
wot vinyl, Cd & 50th anniversary deluxe edition?  ;D
Title: Re: Music Autobiographies
Post by: Slim on May 16, 2022, 10:28:59 PM
There are three editions; the last one is "corrected" by another author (the original writer Ian MacDonald having died), informed by the McCartney biography and other sources unavailable when the first was published (1994).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Revolution_in_the_Head:_The_Beatles%27_Records_and_the_Sixties

I don't like the later version so much as I don't quite share the second writer's take and I find the edits superfluous in the main.
Title: Re: Music Autobiographies
Post by: R6GYY on June 17, 2022, 07:38:47 PM
I can't remember reading much in the way of musicians' biographies, although I do remember reading and enjoying Greg Lake's Lucky Man (I picked it up in a Costa as it happens).

I know I had Gary Numan's Praying To The Aliens at some point in my life, but I never got around to reading it, and I don't know where it is now.
Title: Re: Music Autobiographies
Post by: Thenop on June 19, 2022, 06:45:19 PM
I enjoyed the 1990 Miles Davis biography. It's a sort of tell all and he is open about a lot of things. I do recommend to listen to Miles speak prior to starting the book - just try and have his voice in your ears. It'll make for a fantastic experience.