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6 Must-Read Rock Memoirs

In honor of National Read Across America Day, here’s a short-stack of books that belong on every rock fan’s reading list. The Dirt: Confessions of the World’s Most Notorious Rock…

Ten years ago, Keith Richards spilled it all in is memoir ‘Life.’ We only have two questions: how the hell is Keef still alive after all that and how have you not read his story yet?

In honor of National Read Across America Day, here's a short-stack of books that belong on every rock fan's reading list.

The Dirt: Confessions of the World's Most Notorious Rock Band

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Sure, you've probably watched it on Netflix. But not of Mötley Crüe's legendary debauchery made it onto the screen. You need to dig into the book to get into all the good stuff.


Beastie Boys Book

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I'm only a couple of chapters into this one, and I'm already blown away. It's not just the origins of the Beastie Boys, but a snapshot of the music and culture in New York City, starting in the early 1980s. Fascinating stuff.


Our Band Could Be Your Life: Scenes from the American Indie Underground 1981-1991

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Michael Azerrad profiles 13 bands who helped lay the underground groundwork in the 80s that led to the alternative explosion of the 90s. Think Minor Threat, The Replacements, and Dinosaur Jr.


Slash

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A legendary memoir from a legendary rocker with legendary quotes like: "I had no remorse whatsoever about my overdose — but I was pissed off at myself for having died. The whole hospital excursion really ate into my day off."


Scar Tissue

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Let's be honest: if we're taking the time to read a rock memoir, we want a juicy payoff. Anthony Kiedis of the Red Hot Chili Peppers delivers in spades (read: there's lots of sex).


Life

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Ten years ago, Keith Richards spilled it all in is memoir 'Life.' We only have two questions: how the hell is Keef still alive after all that and how have you not read his story yet?

adam12Writer
Adam 12 is the Program Director of Boston's ROCK 92.9, heard weekdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. He's been flexing his encyclopedic rock knowledge in New England for over 2 decades, both on-air and online, at WBCN, WFNX, Boston.com, and indie617. At ROCK 92.9, he keeps you in the know on the big stories from the Boston music scene and writes about great places to eat, drink (beer), and to spend time outdoors in and around Boston.