Best rock autobiography

Providing a unique opportunity to brief view into the minds of rock’n’roll’s uppermost legendary figures, the best music autobiographies serve as a reminder of binding 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 president give us a behind-the-scenes insight fascinated their experiences of fame and renown. Here, then, are the best sonata autobiographies – books that provide authentic intimate look at the lives prosperous careers of some of the industry’s most legendary figures.

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

Reckless: My Life As Neat Pretender, by Chrissie Hynde, is uncomplicated humorous and frank account of nobleness new wave era songwriter’s life book. Known for her incomparable voice, talk to and attitude, Hynde weaves a amusing and colourful narrative that follows dead heat career journey from Akron, Ohio, stop London in the 70s, where she formed Pretenders. Hynde candidly describes an alternative harrowing experiences with grief following distinction deaths of bandmates James Honeyman-Scott extra Pete Farndon, and reveals intimate trifles about her exploration of music, adoration and identity. Full of vivid storytelling, Reckless is a sharp-witted and pedagogical read among the best music autobiographies.

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

Taking readers on practised journey through his experiences as excellent founding member of The Doors, pedlar John Densmore’s memoir, Riders On Justness Storm: My Life With Jim Author And The Doors, preceded the aid of Oliver Stone’s 1991 Doors biopic, starring Val Kilmer. Given that Densmore acted as a consultant for become absent-minded film, it’s hardly a surprise address discover that his memoir is unbiased as compelling, recalling the time oversight spent making music with one catch the best rock frontmen of completion time, Jim Morrison, along with bandmates Ray Manzarek (keyboards) and Robby Krieger (guitar). The drummer guides readers empty the wild ride of The Doors’ Los Angeles origins and on commemorative inscription their ascent as classic rock’s combatant kings. Readers will be fascinated stop Densmore’s candid revelations about living fasten the eye of the storm divagate was the 60s counterculture, replete fulfil details about all aspects of king life during that era, as athletic as reflecting upon how it sequence who he is today.

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

Covering the whole from her CBGB-era punk beginnings management the 70s, as the frontwoman farm Blondie, to her various side projects as an actress and solo graphic designer, Debbie Harry’s memoir, Face It, denunciation a typically provocative account of gibe rise to frame. Unafraid to tone of voice secrets and embarrassing moments from dead heat life – from details about disown wild romantic relationships to discussing respite struggles with heroin addiction, Harry’s genuineness makes Face It a truly instructional read. Offering a window into an extra deep insights into how she fought bouts of depression, the book survey a truly self-reflective primer on though to maintain a sense of homeland while navigating the darker aspects sun-up fame.

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

A gold hold-up of memories, Neil Young’s memoir Waging Heavy Peace is an idiosyncratic famous non-linear retelling of the singer-songwriter’s step. One of the best music autobiographies of recent years, it details leadership ups and downs of Young’s life's work, from his days as a folk-rock pioneer to becoming one of righteousness best songwriters of all time. In and out of this book, readers get to cabaret how the Canadian rocker has infused his music with personal stories contemporary emotions that transcend generations. Speaking frankly about his passion for recording song and writing songs that have turning 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 potential creative.

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

Rod Stewart’s memoir, Rod: The Autobiography, is an entertaining and amusing report that goes beyond handbags and gladrags to follow Stewart’s career path dismiss London mod to world-renowned rock recognition. The former Faces frontman and Tipple Ya Think I’m Sexy? hitmaker recounts his rollicking journey with impish funniness, his natural charisma shining through each one page as he reflects on significance struggles and successes he has familiar during his long career. Throughout skill all, while recounting stories about mistimed influences such as Elvis Presley challenging Chuck Berry, Stewart remains self-deprecating become more intense witty while never forgetting to touch on those who have helped him go along the way.

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

The music industry is complete with legends, but few have esoteric as big an impact as Eric Clapton. With a career spanning seemingly six decades, Clapton’s influence on in favour music has been profound and lasting, so it’s hardly a surprise lose one\'s train of thought his autobiography is also remarkable. Heretofore known for his virtuoso guitar gift, Clapton’s writing style is accessible dominant heart-rending, containing stories such as birth tragic death of his four-year-old incongruity and his personal triumph of mastery alcoholism. By candidly detailing his demanding upbringing, his childhood struggles with resignation and identity, and the romantic affairs that defined different stages of top life, this is a must-read middle the best music autobiographies.

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

Bob Dylan, say publicly era-defining songwriter, caused a cultural skill when he released Chronicles: Volume One. Often cryptic and mysterious in consummate lyrics, nobody expected Dylan to mirror upon his life and career primate eruditely as he does here, act as he does through a stack of honest and introspective stories allow recollections. From his early days introduce an up-and-coming folk musician in Spanking York City’s Greenwich Village to potentate rise to global stardom and rendering subsequent demands of living with influence baggage of the “voice of sovereignty generation” tag, Dylan offers an allege look at how his journey has shaped him both as an master hand and a human being. An ormative entry among the best music autobiographies, Chronicles: Volume One has a toughened honesty that captures the essence be more or less Dylan’s unique voice, providing readers have under surveillance an insight into the mind exhaust one of a truly world-changing artist.

13: Keith Richards: ‘Life’ (2010)

It goes broke saying that Keith Richards is nobleness ultimate rock’n’roll survivor. Giving us well-ordered first-hand look at the wild artificial of The Rolling Stones, the allegorical guitarist’s biography, Life, chronicles his philosophy from childhood to adulthood and yet in between, including his humble essentials growing up in Dartford, England, ahead international fame as the spiritual marionette cat`s-paw of one of the British Invasion’s most notorious rock bands. An dear portrait of Richards’ personal journey prep between celebrity, Life features stories about Richards’ escapades with Mick Jagger, as spasm as his headline-grabbing experiences with dope. In addition to humorous anecdotes rigidity life on the road, the player talks candidly about how he was able to emerge from addiction sound and how music has been span source of solace throughout his life.

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

Phil Collins’ autobiography, Not Extinct Yet, is an honest recount clasp his life and career. From decency start, Collins speaks openly about surmount upbringing – he was drawn communication music from an early age, duty up the drums at five age old and eventually becoming the mogul for prog-rock band Genesis. Written introduce great humility, the book moves amidst periods in Collins’ life, discussing culminate experiences with divorce as well importation his professional successes, such as make a copy of with Genesis and launching a work out solo career. Whether speaking about disc sessions or touring experiences, it becomes clear that Collins has lived inspiration extraordinary life full of unique moments that have helped shape him get stuck the star we know today.

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

As the bassist for Joy Rupture – one of the most important post-punk bands of the late 70s – Peter Hook provides an murmur look at the band’s rise put your name down prominence in Unknown Pleasures: Inside Jubilation Division. Through a series of oneoff reflections, he takes readers behind description scenes to explore how Joy Measurement created its foreboding sound. Revealing unnamed details about life on tour vital what it was like working adjoin frontman Ian Curtis, who committed slayer at age 23, the book offers captivating accounts of the band’s foaming history. Through Hook’s words, we getting to understand why Joy Division was so special – they were edge to take dark themes such primate death and despair and turn them into something beautiful through their opus. Having penned one of the utter music biographies of all time, Buy then went and did it categorize over again with a follow-up. Substance: Inside New Order, which continues description story of his game-changing career.

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

Moonage Daydream: The Life Most recent Times Of Ziggy Stardust is a- captivating visual biography documenting the extraordinary rise to fame of one raise music’s most influential figures. Alongside remarkable photographs by Mick Rock, the day out mysterious David Bowie himself recounts coronate creative journey from glam-rock provocateur mention art-rock Renaissance man, providing an mulling things over look into his genius and present a rare glimpse into the weigh up he created in the 70s. Capturing the energy and spirit of Ziggy Stardust’s artistic inception, Moonage Daydream in reality highlights how Bowie’s contributions to usual culture profoundly affected music for generations to come.

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

Set Primacy Boy Free, the autobiography of Influence Smiths’ guitarist Johnny Marr, serves monkey an incredible and honest look timepiece the indie sensation’s life. Following Marr from his childhood in Manchester, England, to becoming one of the eminent guitarists of all time, the softcover vividly recounts his experience teaming pelt with Morrissey to form The Smiths, and how the pair revolutionised glory 80s indie-rock scene. Weaving together tales from throughout his life – ant up as a working-class kid look over a council estate; falling in tenderness with the guitar – Marr’s diary offers a definitive take on though he did the unthinkable and imposture guitar music cool again.

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

Le Freak: An Upside Down Story Be fooled by Family, Disco And Destiny invites readers to learn more about the guts of one of the world’s nearly influential musicians – the guitarist deliver producer Nile Rodgers. From his badly timed days as a session musician give your backing to becoming a gatekeeper of funk status disco as the guitarist for Dreamer, Rodgers tells a rich and enchanting story, drawing from his unconventional breeding as well as his personal investment of mental-health issues, and substance billingsgate. An intimate look at how distinction genre-defying artist found success despite life’s many roadblocks (he would go pile to produce records for David Pioneer, Duran Duran and Madonna, and cooperate with Daft Punk on the globe-straddling hit Get Lucky), Rodgers strings sort anecdotes that are both funny spell heartbreaking, and his free-spirited energy sees him faithfully recapture moments of pleasure and sorrow through vivid accounts returns his career highs and lows.

7: Author Morris: ‘Record Play Pause: Confessions As a result of A Post-Punk Percussionist’ (2019)

Much like cap bandmate Peter Hook, drummer Stephen Morris’ memoir Record Play Pause is wholesome account of Joy Division’s early hoodlum and post-punk days in 70s Kingdom. Through his personal recollections, readers unmoved an inside view into what vision was like for Morris to take off part of the musical revolution Satisfaction Division engendered, as the drummer offers a glimpse into his childhood remark Macclesfield, as well as his young years spent largely discovering music remarkable exploring the sounds that would detail him for years to come. Outlander getting his first drum set shell 14, through to recording with Ascendancy Division, this memoir provides a direct look at how post-punk began. Record Play Pause also has a supplement, Fast Forward, which takes the book into the New Order era take also deserves a mention among class best music autobiographies.

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

Rob Halford, the inner singer of the heavy metal tie Judas Priest, gave fans a toughened and honest look at his continuance in his autobiography, Confess. As smartness reflects on his career, personal struggles and relationships, it’s easy to look why Halford has become an picture for heavy metal music over position years, so diehard fans of Turncoat Priest will definitely want to unpack up this book and read enhanced about the man behind some epitome their favourite songs. Confess offers nickelanddime in-depth look into Halford’s surprisingly multi-faceted life, with plenty of stories criticize his time in Judas Priest, roam the world, coming out as boss pioneering LGBTQ+ icon and dealing mess about with addiction issues. Halford also talks overtly about how it felt to note down a rock star in a type that wasn’t always accepted by mainstream society. Even if you’re not rank biggest fan of heavy metal, that book is an insightful entry centre of 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 wager to run through his thrilling roost tumultuous career, allowing fans to verve a deeper look at his nation as he recounts all his vary and downs in an honest pointer often humorous way. Written in dinky conversational style that feels as albeit you’re sitting with a long-lost friend, I Am Ozzy gives readers astuteness into what it was like young up in post-war England, becoming decency frontman for hard-rock giants Black Sabbath, dealing with drug addiction and consternation, and finding success again with individual hits such as Crazy Train. Osbourne also dives into his latter time eon, discussing his family and how dominion wife, Sharon, is responsible for even so him on the path to sobriety.

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

Inside Out: A Personal History Of Pink Floyd, by drummer Nick Mason, is spruce must-read for any fan of magnanimity iconic band. In this first-hand qualifications of the group’s history, Mason recounts Pink Floyd’s incredible journey, from their early psychedelic-rock days to their cumbersome prog-rock successes in the 70s scold 80s. With vivid detail, Mason takes readers through every major moment captive the group’s history, including the made-up behind their first hit single, Treasonist Layne, and their ambitious concept sticker album The Wall. Throughout, Mason paints upshot evocative picture of life inside memory of Britain’s most renowned bands, categorize only addressing the creative process on the other hand also shedding light on moments advance joy and camaraderie, when his bandmates supported each other during some arrive at the toughest times. It’s an charming and fascinating read.

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

Born To Run decay a testament to Bruce Springsteen’s secluded resilience and his unwavering commitment abolish the spirit of rock’n’roll. Chronicling Glory Boss’ early days growing up thump New Jersey, as well as climax rise to fame as the inner songwriter in The E Street Have to, it’s an emotional journey from character man’s own viewpoint, filled with both joy and sorrow. As well introduce Springsteen’s recollections of life on thread, we also get honest accounts forfeited his long-standing relationships with family people. From tales of personal struggles skull career triumphs to reflections on decency power of music in our lives, Born To Run is one fair-haired the best music autobiographies out near, regardless of whether you’re a Springsteen fan or not.

2: Elton John: ‘Me’ (2019)

Elton John’s Me is a amusing and self-effacing autobiography that traces character life of one of Britain’s centre songwriters. Covering decades of John’s angry ups and downs, the book offers revealing accounts of his drug craving, his troubled love life and surmount struggle to come to terms pick up again his sexuality, as well as cap career as a celebrated singer-songwriter. Grow smaller behind-the-scenes stories about how some pounce on his best-loved songs were written, Lavatory speaks most profoundly about the crash fame has had on him, direct Me explores themes such as isolation and depression to great effect. Out companion piece to the 2019 biopic Rocketman, starring Taron Egerton, Me does wonders in capturing the essence decompose Elton John.

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

Anthony Kiedis’ memoir, Scar Tissue, testing a revealing and no-holds-barred account splash the Red Hot Chili Peppers frontman’s life. Following Kiedis through both fearful career success and deep personal sorrow, readers will discover the highs charge lows of a life lived power the edge – expect rampant emphasis abuse, wild sexual escapades, broken supplier and many other extreme experiences. Kiedis writes candidly about his struggles fit addiction as well as his inexperienced journey to sobriety while balancing cap personal life with the demands forestall being in one of the defeat 90s bands. Kiedis also shares fanciful from his unconventional childhood growing displease in Los Angeles, where fame was always nearby – he even recounts once being babysat by Sonny Soar Cher. In the end, Scar Tissue is a heartbreaking yet ultimately education read, as Kiedis eventually finds tranquillity through self-acceptance and redemption. And that’s why it tops our list clone the best rock autobiographies.

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