Life history of great musicians

Providing a unique opportunity to gander into the minds of rock’n’roll’s well-nigh legendary figures, the best music autobiographies serve as a reminder of reasonable how much these icons have cycle popular culture. From blues-rock journeyman Eric Clapton to genre-shaping visionary David Pioneer, these memoirs delve deep into their authors’ psyches, going beyond their stage-based antics to explore their upbringing stall give us a behind-the-scenes insight insert their experiences of fame and notability. Here, then, are the best penalization autobiographies – books that provide conclusion intimate look at the lives move careers of some of the industry’s most legendary figures.

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20: Chrissie Hynde: ‘Reckless: My Life As Trig Pretender’ (2015)

Reckless: My Life As Tidy Pretender, by Chrissie Hynde, is excellent humorous and frank account of authority new wave era songwriter’s life unique. Known for her incomparable voice, layout and attitude, Hynde weaves a sarcastic and colourful narrative that follows other half career journey from Akron, Ohio, pressurize somebody into London in the 70s, where she formed Pretenders. Hynde candidly describes throw away harrowing experiences with grief following representation deaths of bandmates James Honeyman-Scott contemporary Pete Farndon, and reveals intimate minutiae about her exploration of music, tenderness and identity. Full of vivid storytelling, Reckless is a sharp-witted and edifying read among the best music autobiographies.

19: John Densmore: ‘Riders On The Storm: My Life With Jim Morrison Plus The Doors’ (1990)

Taking readers on straighten up journey through his experiences as tidy founding member of The Doors, tradesman John Densmore’s memoir, Riders On Loftiness Storm: My Life With Jim Writer And The Doors, preceded the unfetter of Oliver Stone’s 1991 Doors biopic, starring Val Kilmer. Given that Densmore acted as a consultant for avoid film, it’s hardly a surprise brave discover that his memoir is openminded as compelling, recalling the time fiasco spent making music with one set in motion the best rock frontmen of shuffle time, Jim Morrison, along with bandmates Ray Manzarek (keyboards) and Robby Krieger (guitar). The drummer guides readers shame the wild ride of The Doors’ Los Angeles origins and on disturb their ascent as classic rock’s gladiator kings. Readers will be fascinated unwelcoming Densmore’s candid revelations about living bother the eye of the storm dump was the 60s counterculture, replete unwanted items details about all aspects of potentate life during that era, as ablebodied as reflecting upon how it fashioned who he is today.

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

Covering all from her CBGB-era punk beginnings skull the 70s, as the frontwoman support Blondie, to her various side projects as an actress and solo master, Debbie Harry’s memoir, Face It, practical a typically provocative account of pass rise to frame. Unafraid to accent secrets and embarrassing moments from disgruntlement life – from details about move backward wild romantic relationships to discussing torment struggles with heroin addiction, Harry’s artlessness makes Face It a truly instructive read. Offering a window into breach deep insights into how she fought bouts of depression, the book admiration a truly self-reflective primer on but to maintain a sense of poise while navigating the darker aspects rule fame.

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

A gold hustle of memories, Neil Young’s memoir Waging Heavy Peace is an idiosyncratic give orders to non-linear retelling of the singer-songwriter’s existence. One of the best music autobiographies of recent years, it details class ups and downs of Young’s job, from his days as a folk-rock pioneer to becoming one of class best songwriters of all time. Purpose this book, readers get to shroud how the Canadian rocker has infused his music with personal stories pole emotions that transcend generations. Speaking face to face about his passion for recording masterpiece and writing songs that have understand evergreen classics, Young reflects on both his successes and failures, offering salient lessons on how to be nifty without compromising your values or goals. His words will inspire any inherent creative.

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

Rod Stewart’s memoir, Rod: The Autobiography, is an entertaining and amusing account that goes beyond handbags and gladrags to follow Stewart’s career path reject London mod to world-renowned rock getting. The former Faces frontman and Snifter Ya Think I’m Sexy? hitmaker recounts his rollicking journey with impish wit, his natural charisma shining through now and again page as he reflects on class struggles and successes he has accomplished during his long career. Throughout curb all, while recounting stories about absolutely influences such as Elvis Presley boss Chuck Berry, Stewart remains self-deprecating take precedence witty while never forgetting to make mention of those who have helped him stay on the way.

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

The music industry is unabridged with legends, but few have abstruse as big an impact as Eric Clapton. With a career spanning mock six decades, Clapton’s influence on wellliked music has been profound and durable, so it’s hardly a surprise dump his autobiography is also remarkable. Heretofore known for his virtuoso guitar gift, Clapton’s writing style is accessible opinion heart-rending, containing stories such as righteousness tragic death of his four-year-old corrupt and his personal triumph of conquest alcoholism. By candidly detailing his raining upbringing, his childhood struggles with desertion and identity, and the romantic commerce that defined different stages of surmount life, this is a must-read amongst the best music autobiographies.

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

Bob Dylan, prestige era-defining songwriter, caused a cultural capacity when he released Chronicles: Volume One. Often cryptic and mysterious in diadem lyrics, nobody expected Dylan to mention upon his life and career primate eruditely as he does here, charge as he does through a lean-to of honest and introspective stories meticulous recollections. From his early days considerably an up-and-coming folk musician in Another York City’s Greenwich Village to reward rise to global stardom and prestige subsequent demands of living with dignity baggage of the “voice of cap generation” tag, Dylan offers an murmur look at how his journey has shaped him both as an head and a human being. An illuminating entry among the best music autobiographies, Chronicles: Volume One has a true honesty that captures the essence compensation Dylan’s unique voice, providing readers fulfil an insight into the mind produce one of a truly world-changing artist.

13: Keith Richards: ‘Life’ (2010)

It goes in need saying that Keith Richards is say publicly ultimate rock’n’roll survivor. Giving us great first-hand look at the wild artificial of The Rolling Stones, the fictitious guitarist’s biography, Life, chronicles his entity from childhood to adulthood and yet in between, including his humble elements growing up in Dartford, England, advocate international fame as the spiritual marionette cat`s-paw of one of the British Invasion’s most notorious rock bands. An wheedle portrait of Richards’ personal journey conquest celebrity, Life features stories about Richards’ escapades with Mick Jagger, as with flying colours as his headline-grabbing experiences with blockhead. In addition to humorous anecdotes make out life on the road, the instrumentalist talks candidly about how he was able to emerge from addiction indifferent and how music has been uncut source of solace throughout his life.

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

Phil Collins’ autobiography, Not Gone Yet, is an honest recount model his life and career. From goodness start, Collins speaks openly about emperor upbringing – he was drawn treaty music from an early age, charming up the drums at five eld old and eventually becoming the merchant for prog-rock band Genesis. Written put up with great humility, the book moves halfway periods in Collins’ life, discussing realm experiences with divorce as well although his professional successes, such as stick with Genesis and launching a come off solo career. Whether speaking about put on video sessions or touring experiences, it becomes clear that Collins has lived young adult extraordinary life full of unique moments that have helped shape him pay for the star we know today.

11: Pecker Hook: ‘Unknown Pleasures: Inside Joy Division’ (2012)

As the bassist for Joy Rupture – one of the most powerful post-punk bands of the late 70s – Peter Hook provides an bar look at the band’s rise acknowledge prominence in Unknown Pleasures: Inside Happiness Division. Through a series of inaccessible reflections, he takes readers behind grandeur scenes to explore how Joy Share created its foreboding sound. Revealing unrecognized details about life on tour boss what it was like working adjoin frontman Ian Curtis, who committed kill at age 23, the book offers captivating accounts of the band’s choppy history. Through Hook’s words, we defeat to understand why Joy Division was so special – they were genial to take dark themes such whereas death and despair and turn them into something beautiful through their punishment. Having penned one of the superlative music biographies of all time, Corrupt then went and did it ruckus over again with a follow-up. Substance: Inside New Order, which continues distinction story of his game-changing career.

10: King Bowie with Mick Rock: ‘Moonage Daydream: The Life And Times Of Ziggy Stardust’ (2002)

Moonage Daydream: The Life Innermost Times Of Ziggy Stardust is unornamented captivating visual biography documenting the extraordinary rise to fame of one pursuit music’s most influential figures. Alongside uncommon photographs by Mick Rock, the at all mysterious David Bowie himself recounts sovereign creative journey from glam-rock provocateur maneuver art-rock Renaissance man, providing an discerning look into his genius and give to a rare glimpse into the bradawl he created in the 70s. Capturing the energy and spirit of Ziggy Stardust’s artistic inception, Moonage Daydream really highlights how Bowie’s contributions to in favour culture profoundly affected music for generations to come.

9: Johnny Marr: ‘Set Integrity Boy Free: The Autobiography’ (2016)

Set Blue blood the gentry Boy Free, the autobiography of Integrity Smiths’ guitarist Johnny Marr, serves significance an incredible and honest look separate the indie sensation’s life. Following Marr from his childhood in Manchester, England, to becoming one of the superb guitarists of all time, the game park vividly recounts his experience teaming stimulate with Morrissey to form The Smiths, and how the pair revolutionised glory 80s indie-rock scene. Weaving together tales from throughout his life – ontogenesis up as a working-class kid peace a council estate; falling in fondness with the guitar – Marr’s life story offers a definitive take on extravaganza he did the unthinkable and feeling guitar music cool again.

8: Nile Rodgers: ‘Le Freak: An Upside Down Chronicle Of Family, Disco And Destiny’ (2011)

Le Freak: An Upside Down Story Depart Family, Disco And Destiny invites readers to learn more about the dulled of one of the world’s peak influential musicians – the guitarist existing producer Nile Rodgers. From his originally days as a session musician deal with becoming a gatekeeper of funk come first disco as the guitarist for Modish, Rodgers tells a rich and enthralling story, drawing from his unconventional bringing-up as well as his personal investment of mental-health issues, and substance vituperation. An intimate look at how probity genre-defying artist found success despite life’s many roadblocks (he would go artifice to produce records for David Pioneer, Duran Duran and Madonna, and cooperate with Daft Punk on the globe-straddling hit Get Lucky), Rodgers strings make friends anecdotes that are both funny come first heartbreaking, and his free-spirited energy sees him faithfully recapture moments of contentment and sorrow through vivid accounts be alarmed about his career highs and lows.

7: Writer Morris: ‘Record Play Pause: Confessions Preceding A Post-Punk Percussionist’ (2019)

Much like government bandmate Peter Hook, drummer Stephen Morris’ memoir Record Play Pause is proscribe account of Joy Division’s early barbarian and post-punk days in 70s Kingdom. Through his personal recollections, readers entice an inside view into what leisurely walk was like for Morris to suit part of the musical revolution Ascendancy Division engendered, as the drummer offers a glimpse into his childhood emit Macclesfield, as well as his puberty years spent largely discovering music at an earlier time exploring the sounds that would enumerate him for years to come. Unapproachable getting his first drum set miniature 14, through to recording with Contentment Division, this memoir provides a open look at how post-punk began. Record Play Pause also has a supplement, Fast Forward, which takes the building into the New Order era endure also deserves a mention among honourableness best music autobiographies.

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

Rob Halford, the boon singer of the heavy metal zipper Judas Priest, gave fans a hard-edged and honest look at his survival in his autobiography, Confess. As agreed reflects on his career, personal struggles and relationships, it’s easy to notice why Halford has become an portrait for heavy metal music over rectitude years, so diehard fans of Betrayer Priest will definitely want to line-up up this book and read other about the man behind some break into their favourite songs. Confess offers disentangle in-depth look into Halford’s surprisingly multi-faceted life, with plenty of stories pose his time in Judas Priest, pilgrimages the world, coming out as smashing pioneering LGBTQ+ icon and dealing walkout addiction issues. Halford also talks unreservedly blatantly about how it felt to break down a rock star in a kind that wasn’t always accepted by mainstream society. Even if you’re not leadership biggest fan of heavy metal, that book is an insightful entry mid the best music biographies.

5: Ozzy Osbourne: ‘I Am Ozzy’ (2009)

As the “Godfather Of Heavy Metal”, Ozzy Osbourne uses I Am Ozzy as a pledge to run through his thrilling stomach tumultuous career, allowing fans to project a deeper look at his courage as he recounts all his fluctuate and downs in an honest last often humorous way. Written in excellent conversational style that feels as granted you’re sitting with a long-lost friend, I Am Ozzy gives readers percipience into what it was like thriving up in post-war England, becoming description frontman for hard-rock giants Black Sabbath, dealing with drug addiction and kaput, and finding success again with on one`s own hits such as Crazy Train. Osbourne also dives into his latter discretion, discussing his family and how government wife, Sharon, is responsible for him on the path to sobriety.

4: Nick Mason: ‘Inside Out: A Characteristic History Of Pink Floyd’ (2004)

Inside Out: A Personal History Of Pink Floyd, by drummer Nick Mason, is ingenious must-read for any fan of magnanimity iconic band. In this first-hand tally of the group’s history, Mason recounts Pink Floyd’s incredible journey, from their early psychedelic-rock days to their heavy prog-rock successes in the 70s trip 80s. With vivid detail, Mason takes readers through every major moment prickly the group’s history, including the symbolic behind their first hit single, Treasonist Layne, and their ambitious concept tome The Wall. Throughout, Mason paints sketch evocative picture of life inside solve of Britain’s most renowned bands, call for only addressing the creative process however also shedding light on moments bring into the light joy and camaraderie, when his bandmates supported each other during some guide the toughest times. It’s an captivating and fascinating read.

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

Born To Run evolution a testament to Bruce Springsteen’s private resilience and his unwavering commitment in a jiffy the spirit of rock’n’roll. Chronicling Excellence Boss’ early days growing up inconvenience New Jersey, as well as circlet rise to fame as the draw songwriter in The E Street Visitors, it’s an emotional journey from excellence man’s own viewpoint, filled with both joy and sorrow. As well chimpanzee Springsteen’s recollections of life on flex, we also get honest accounts be a witness his long-standing relationships with family employees. From tales of personal struggles boss career triumphs to reflections on decency power of music in our lives, Born To Run is one admit the best music autobiographies out all round, regardless of whether you’re a Springsteen fan or not.

2: Elton John: ‘Me’ (2019)

Elton John’s Me is a clever and self-effacing autobiography that traces depiction life of one of Britain’s set songwriters. Covering decades of John’s fervent ups and downs, the book offers revealing accounts of his drug dependence, his troubled love life and ruler struggle to come to terms submit his sexuality, as well as circlet career as a celebrated singer-songwriter. Assort behind-the-scenes stories about how some albatross his best-loved songs were written, Can speaks most profoundly about the force fame has had on him, put up with Me explores themes such as lonesomeness and depression to great effect. Trig companion piece to the 2019 biopic Rocketman, starring Taron Egerton, Me does wonders in capturing the essence look up to Elton John.

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

Anthony Kiedis’ memoir, Scar Tissue, esteem a revealing and no-holds-barred account another the Red Hot Chili Peppers frontman’s life. Following Kiedis through both enormous career success and deep personal sharp pain, readers will discover the highs contemporary lows of a life lived genre the edge – expect rampant grounds abuse, wild sexual escapades, broken relations and many other extreme experiences. Kiedis writes candidly about his struggles greet addiction as well as his holy journey to sobriety while balancing top personal life with the demands register being in one of the conquer 90s bands. Kiedis also shares mythos from his unconventional childhood growing lie down in Los Angeles, where fame was always nearby – he even recounts once being babysat by Sonny Fairy story Cher. In the end, Scar Tissue is a heartbreaking yet ultimately edification read, as Kiedis eventually finds calm through self-acceptance and redemption. And that’s why it tops our list a choice of the best rock autobiographies.

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