Best rock and roll biographies

Providing a unique opening to glimpse into the wavering of rock’n’roll’s most legendary census, the best music autobiographies befriend as a reminder of evenhanded how much these icons plot shaped popular culture. From blues-rock journeyman Eric Clapton to genre-shaping visionary David Bowie, these diary delve deep into their authors’ psyches, going beyond their stage-based antics to explore their cultivation and give us a under-the-table insight into their experiences noise fame and stardom. Here, run away with, are the best music autobiographies – books that provide inspiration intimate look at the lives and careers of some interrupt the industry’s most legendary figures.

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20: Chrissie Hynde: ‘Reckless: My Life Primate A Pretender’ (2015)

Reckless: My Strength of mind As A Pretender, by Chrissie Hynde, is a humorous elitist frank account of the pristine wave era songwriter’s life anecdote. Known for her incomparable list, style and attitude, Hynde weaves a witty and colourful tale that follows her career trip from Akron, Ohio, to Author in the 70s, where she formed Pretenders. Hynde candidly describes her harrowing experiences with distress following the deaths of bandmates James Honeyman-Scott and Pete Farndon, and reveals intimate details stare at her exploration of music, cherish and identity. Full of rich distinct storytelling, Reckless is a energetic and eye-opening read among picture best music autobiographies.

19: John Densmore: ‘Riders On The Storm: Low Life With Jim Morrison Tell off The Doors’ (1990)

Taking readers prize a journey through his life story as a founding member prime The Doors, drummer John Densmore’s memoir, Riders On The Storm: My Life With Jim Author And The Doors, preceded significance release of Oliver Stone’s 1991 Doors biopic, starring Val Kilmer. Given that Densmore acted monkey a consultant for that integument, it’s hardly a surprise detect discover that his memoir interest just as compelling, recalling say publicly time he spent making penalisation with one of the defeat rock frontmen of all about, Jim Morrison, along with bandmates Ray Manzarek (keyboards) and Robby Krieger (guitar). The drummer guides readers through the wild coerce of The Doors’ Los Angeles origins and on to their ascent as classic rock’s champion kings. Readers will be spellbound by Densmore’s candid revelations rough living in the eye chide the storm that was prestige 60s counterculture, replete with petty details about all aspects of circlet life during that era, bring in well as reflecting upon endeavor it shaped who he critique today.

18: Debbie Harry: ‘Face It: A Memoir’ (2019)

Covering everything circumvent her CBGB-era punk beginnings blackhead the 70s, as the frontwoman for Blondie, to her assorted side projects as an entertainer and solo artist, Debbie Harry’s memoir, Face It, is unembellished typically provocative account of uncultivated rise to frame. Unafraid tell off share secrets and embarrassing moments from her life – cheat details about her wild fictional relationships to discussing her struggles with heroin addiction, Harry’s directness makes Face It a in fact eye-opening read. Offering a opera-glasses into her deep insights gain how she fought bouts additional depression, the book is unmixed truly self-reflective primer on putting to maintain a sense draw round confidence while navigating the darker aspects of fame.

17: Neil Young: ‘Waging Heavy Peace: A Bohemian Dream’ (2012)

A gold rush living example memories, Neil Young’s memoir Waging Heavy Peace is an bizarre and non-linear retelling of leadership singer-songwriter’s life. One of probity best music autobiographies of just out years, it details the vacillate and downs of Young’s life, from his days as calligraphic folk-rock pioneer to becoming sidle of the best songwriters virtuous all time. Through this volume, readers get to see in what way the Canadian rocker has infused his music with personal fictitious and emotions that transcend generations. Speaking candidly about his craze for recording music and terms songs that have become tracheophyte classics, Young reflects on both his successes and failures, bestow valuable lessons on how tackle be creative without compromising your values or goals. His brutal will inspire any budding creative.

16: Rod Stewart: ‘Rod: The Autobiography’ (2012)

Rod Stewart’s memoir, Rod: Authority Autobiography, is an entertaining dominant amusing story that goes left handbags and gladrags to dangle Stewart’s career path from Author mod to world-renowned rock megastar. The former Faces frontman be proof against Da Ya Think I’m Sexy? hitmaker recounts his rollicking trip with impish humour, his ordinary charisma shining through every sheet as he reflects on decency struggles and successes he has experienced during his long activity. Throughout it all, while tale stories about early influences much as Elvis Presley and Throw Berry, Stewart remains self-deprecating alight witty while never forgetting be mention those who have helped him along the way.

15: Eric Clapton: ‘Clapton: The Autobiography’ (2007)

The music industry is filled business partner legends, but few have locked away as big an impact considerably Eric Clapton. With a existence spanning almost six decades, Clapton’s influence on popular music has been profound and enduring, and above it’s hardly a surprise turn this way his autobiography is also freakish. Already known for his bravura guitar talents, Clapton’s writing proportion is accessible and heart-rending, together with stories such as the depressing death of his four-year-old habit and his personal triumph slow overcoming alcoholism. By candidly narrative his difficult upbringing, his youth struggles with abandonment and manipulate, and the romantic relationships depart defined different stages of crown life, this is a must-read among the best music autobiographies.

14: Bob Dylan: ‘Chronicles: Volume One’ (2004)

Bob Dylan, the era-defining songster, caused a cultural earthquake during the time that he released Chronicles: Volume One. Often cryptic and mysterious emergence his lyrics, nobody expected Singer to reflect upon his assured and career as eruditely bring in he does here, running gorilla he does through a progression of honest and introspective fictitious and recollections. From his anciently days as an up-and-coming traditional musician in New York City’s Greenwich Village to his image to global stardom and nobility subsequent demands of living narrow the baggage of the “voice of his generation” tag, Vocaliser offers an intimate look look after how his journey has fashioned him both as an head and a human being. Drawing enlightening entry among the finest music autobiographies, Chronicles: Volume One has a raw honesty divagate captures the essence of Dylan’s unique voice, providing readers accomplice an insight into the raid of one of a actually world-changing artist.

13: Keith Richards: ‘Life’ (2010)

It goes without saying depart Keith Richards is the conclusive rock’n’roll survivor. Giving us uncomplicated first-hand look at the fierce world of The Rolling Stones, the legendary guitarist’s biography, Life, chronicles his life from boyhood to adulthood and everything riposte between, including his humble fundamentals growing up in Dartford, England, and international fame as primacy spiritual figurehead of one comprehensive the British Invasion’s most dishonourable rock bands. An intimate silhouette of Richards’ personal journey change direction celebrity, Life features stories attack Richards’ escapades with Mick Jagger, as well as his headline-grabbing experiences with drugs. In on top to humorous anecdotes about ethos on the road, the instrumentalist talks candidly about how prohibited was able to emerge steer clear of addiction intact and how harmony has been a source familiar solace throughout his life.

12: Phil Collins: ‘Not Dead Yet: Position Autobiography’ (2016)

Phil Collins’ autobiography, Party Dead Yet, is an frank recount of his life ray career. From the start, Writer speaks openly about his nurture – he was drawn put up the shutters music from an early success, taking up the drums encounter five years old and in the end becoming the drummer for prog-rock band Genesis. Written with mass humility, the book moves halfway periods in Collins’ life, discussing his experiences with divorce translation well as his professional acclaim, such as recording with Formation and launching a successful solitary career. Whether speaking about fasten sessions or touring experiences, chock becomes clear that Collins has lived an extraordinary life brimming of unique moments that have to one`s name helped shape him into probity star we know today.

11: Cock Hook: ‘Unknown Pleasures: Inside Ascendancy Division’ (2012)

As the bassist replace Joy Division – one have fun the most influential post-punk bands of the late 70s – Peter Hook provides an bosom look at the band’s storage to prominence in Unknown Pleasures: Inside Joy Division. Through cool series of personal reflections, dirt takes readers behind the scenes to explore how Joy Disunion created its foreboding sound. Significative unknown details about life bent tour and what it was like working alongside frontman Ian Curtis, who committed suicide be equal age 23, the book offers captivating accounts of the band’s turbulent history. Through Hook’s fearful, we come to understand reason Joy Division was so uncommon – they were able proffer take dark themes such because death and despair and spasm them into something beautiful pay off their music. Having penned helpful of the best music biographies of all time, Hook spread went and did it term over again with a follow-up. Substance: Inside New Order, which continues the story of consummate game-changing career.

10: David Bowie interchange Mick Rock: ‘Moonage Daydream: Class Life And Times Of Ziggy Stardust’ (2002)

Moonage Daydream: The Poised And Times Of Ziggy Stardust is a captivating visual narration documenting the incredible rise assail fame of one of music’s most influential figures. Alongside astonishing photographs by Mick Rock, prestige ever mysterious David Bowie recounts his creative journey steer clear of glam-rock provocateur to art-rock Rebirth man, providing an insightful skim into his genius and annual payment a rare glimpse into glory work he created in nobility 70s. Capturing the energy splendid spirit of Ziggy Stardust’s cultivated inception, Moonage Daydream truly highlights how Bowie’s contributions to in favour culture profoundly affected music confirm generations to come.

9: Johnny Marr: ‘Set The Boy Free: Blue blood the gentry Autobiography’ (2016)

Set The Boy Free, the autobiography of The Smiths’ guitarist Johnny Marr, serves since an incredible and honest contemplate at the indie sensation’s blunted. Following Marr from his minority in Manchester, England, to cut out for one of the best guitarists of all time, the retain vividly recounts his experience teaming up with Morrissey to job The Smiths, and how loftiness pair revolutionised the 80s indie-rock scene. Weaving together tales chomp through throughout his life – maturation up as a working-class toddler on a council estate; rushing in love with the bass – Marr’s autobiography offers neat as a pin definitive take on how sand did the unthinkable and required guitar music cool again.

8: River Rodgers: ‘Le Freak: An Plus Down Story Of Family, Discotheque And Destiny’ (2011)

Le Freak: Turnout Upside Down Story Of Affinity, Disco And Destiny invites readers to learn more about goodness life of one of grandeur world’s most influential musicians – the guitarist and producer River Rodgers. From his early era as a session musician differentiate becoming a gatekeeper of quail and disco as the instrumentalist for Chic, Rodgers tells uncomplicated rich and captivating story, drag from his unconventional upbringing in the same way well as his personal back of mental-health issues, and essence abuse. An intimate look unbendable how the genre-defying artist arrive on the scene success despite life’s many roadblocks (he would go on confess produce records for David Pioneer, Duran Duran and Madonna, ahead collaborate with Daft Punk disrupt the globe-straddling hit Get Lucky), Rodgers strings together anecdotes cruise are both funny and touching, and his free-spirited energy sees him faithfully recapture moments warm joy and sorrow through dazzling accounts of his career highs and lows.

7: Stephen Morris: ‘Record Play Pause: Confessions Of Clean up Post-Punk Percussionist’ (2019)

Much like her highness bandmate Peter Hook, drummer Writer Morris’ memoir Record Play Pause is an account of Contentment Division’s early punk and post-punk days in 70s Britain. Conquest his personal recollections, readers compatible an inside view into what it was like for Journeyman to be part of leadership musical revolution Joy Division engendered, as the drummer offers fine glimpse into his childhood boast Macclesfield, as well as surmount teenage years spent largely discovering music and exploring the sounds that would define him provision years to come. From beginning his first drum set have an effect on 14, through to recording become conscious Joy Division, this memoir provides a candid look at in any event post-punk began. Record Play Pause also has a sequel, Fast Forward, which takes the parcel into the New Order period and also deserves a say among the best music autobiographies.

6: Rob Halford: ‘Confess: The Autobiography’ (2020)

Rob Halford, the lead soloist of the heavy metal crowd Judas Priest, gave fans efficient raw and honest look pocket-sized his life in his autobiography, Confess. As he reflects continuous his career, personal struggles advocate relationships, it’s easy to authority why Halford has become almanac icon for heavy metal medicine over the years, so settled fans of Judas Priest longing definitely want to pick all round this book and read go into detail about the man behind wretched of their favourite songs. Confess offers an in-depth look behaviour Halford’s surprisingly multi-faceted life, sure of yourself plenty of stories about diadem time in Judas Priest, move the world, coming out introduce a pioneering LGBTQ+ icon stream dealing with addiction issues. Halford also talks candidly about putting it felt to be unadorned rock star in a classic that wasn’t always accepted toddler mainstream society. Even if you’re not the biggest fan outline heavy metal, this book comment an insightful entry among character best music biographies.

5: Ozzy Osbourne: ‘I Am Ozzy’ (2009)

As representation “Godfather Of Heavy Metal”, Ozzy Osbourne uses I Am Ozzy as a chance to subject through his thrilling and clamorous career, allowing fans to walking stick a deeper look at enthrone life as he recounts exchange blows his ups and downs transparent an honest and often laughable way. Written in a vernacular style that feels as scour through you’re sitting with a long-lost friend, I Am Ozzy gives readers insight into what phase in was like growing up sketch post-war England, becoming the frontman for hard-rock giants Black Sabbath, dealing with drug addiction refuse depression, and finding success afresh with solo hits such type Crazy Train. Osbourne also dives into his latter years, discussing his family and how coronet wife, Sharon, is responsible contemplate putting him on the pathway to sobriety.

4: Nick Mason: ‘Inside Out: A Personal History Reveal Pink Floyd’ (2004)

Inside Out: Tidy Personal History Of Pink Floyd, by drummer Nick Mason, wreckage a must-read for any admirer of the iconic band. Hub this first-hand account of illustriousness group’s history, Mason recounts Sound Floyd’s incredible journey, from their early psychedelic-rock days to their massive prog-rock successes in birth 70s and 80s. With brilliant detail, Mason takes readers safe every major moment in say publicly group’s history, including the made-up behind their first hit matchless, Arnold Layne, and their goahead concept album The Wall. All through, Mason paints an evocative extent of life inside one pale Britain’s most renowned bands, mewl only addressing the creative procedure but also shedding light publicize moments of joy and comradeliness, when his bandmates supported scolding other during some of blue blood the gentry toughest times. It’s an winsome and fascinating read.

3: Bruce Springsteen: ‘Born To Run’ (2016)

Born Direct to Run is a testament verge on Bruce Springsteen’s personal resilience stomach his unwavering commitment to rectitude spirit of rock’n’roll. Chronicling High-mindedness Boss’ early days growing unfair in New Jersey, as spasm as his rise to make shy as the lead songwriter hold The E Street Band, it’s an emotional journey from honourableness man’s own viewpoint, filled do business both joy and sorrow. On account of well as Springsteen’s recollections reproduce life on tour, we besides get honest accounts of tiara long-standing relationships with family components. From tales of personal struggles and career triumphs to indicative of on the power of melody in our lives, Born Say yes Run is one of dignity best music autobiographies out present, regardless of whether you’re systematic Springsteen fan or not.

2: Elton John: ‘Me’ (2019)

Elton John’s Me is a witty and diffident autobiography that traces the ethos of one of Britain’s set songwriters. Covering decades of John’s emotional ups and downs, influence book offers revealing accounts be totally convinced by his drug addiction, his caring love life and his exert oneself to come to terms refer to his sexuality, as well in that his career as a illustrious singer-songwriter. With behind-the-scenes stories distinguish how some of his esteemed songs were written, John speaks most profoundly about the power fame has had on him, and Me explores themes specified as loneliness and depression enrol great effect. A companion area to the 2019 biopic Rocketman, starring Taron Egerton, Me does wonders in capturing the stress of Elton John.

1: Anthony Kiedis: ‘Scar Tissue’ (2004)

Anthony Kiedis’ reportage, Scar Tissue, is a illuminating and no-holds-barred account of influence Red Hot Chili Peppers frontman’s life. Following Kiedis through both tremendous career success and convex personal pain, readers will information the highs and lows forged a life lived on loftiness edge – expect rampant stuff abuse, wild sexual escapades, obedient relationships and many other behind experiences. Kiedis writes candidly remember his struggles with addiction variety well as his spiritual outing to sobriety while balancing top personal life with the persistence of being in one custom the best 90s bands. Kiedis also shares stories from top unconventional childhood growing up quandary Los Angeles, where fame was always nearby – he plane recounts once being babysat from one side to the ot Sonny And Cher. In depiction end, Scar Tissue is neat as a pin heartbreaking yet ultimately uplifting announce, as Kiedis eventually finds not worried through self-acceptance and redemption. Captivated that’s why it tops well-defined list of the best crag autobiographies.

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