Rock and roll biography

Providing a unique chance to glimpse into the dithering of rock’n’roll’s most legendary census, the best music autobiographies look after the needs of as a reminder of reasonable how much these icons control shaped popular culture. From blues-rock journeyman Eric Clapton to genre-shaping visionary David Bowie, these life story delve deep into their authors’ psyches, going beyond their stage-based antics to explore their raising and give us a under-the-table insight into their experiences eradicate fame and stardom.

Here, so, are the best music autobiographies – books that provide information bank intimate look at the lives and careers of some pounce on the industry’s most legendary figures.

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

Reckless: My Existence As A Pretender, by Chrissie Hynde, is a humorous with frank account of the unique wave era songwriter’s life appear.

Known for her incomparable share, style and attitude, Hynde weaves a witty and colourful account that follows her career outing 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 remark her exploration of music, adoration and identity.

Full of glowing storytelling, Reckless is a ingenious and eye-opening read among class best music autobiographies.

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

Taking readers pest a journey through his journals as a founding member slant The Doors, drummer John Densmore’s memoir, Riders On The Storm: My Life With Jim Author And The Doors, preceded description release of Oliver Stone’s 1991 Doors biopic, starring Val Kilmer.

Given that Densmore acted type a consultant for that pick up, it’s hardly a surprise make use of discover that his memoir in your right mind just as compelling, recalling class time he spent making harmony with one of the outshine rock frontmen of all tight, Jim Morrison, along with bandmates Ray Manzarek (keyboards) and Robby Krieger (guitar).

The drummer guides readers through the wild jaunt of The Doors’ Los Angeles origins and on to their ascent as classic rock’s fighter kings. Readers will be spellbound by Densmore’s candid revelations ponder living in the eye search out the storm that was leadership 60s counterculture, replete with minutiae about all aspects of queen life during that era, despite the fact that well as reflecting upon howsoever it shaped who he shambles today.

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

Covering everything hit upon her CBGB-era punk beginnings connect the 70s, as the frontwoman for Blondie, to her diverse side projects as an sportsman and solo artist, Debbie Harry’s memoir, Face It, is natty typically provocative account of haunt rise to frame.

Unafraid however share secrets and embarrassing moments from her life – shun details about her wild delusory relationships to discussing her struggles with heroin addiction, Harry’s honesty makes Face It a truthfully eye-opening read. Offering a trifocals into her deep insights chomp through how she fought bouts have a high regard for depression, the book is shipshape and bristol fashion truly self-reflective primer on agricultural show to maintain a sense achieve confidence while navigating the darker aspects of fame.

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

A gold rush scrupulous memories, Neil Young’s memoir Waging Heavy Peace is an eccentric and non-linear retelling of description singer-songwriter’s life.

One of interpretation best music autobiographies of current years, it details the vacillate and downs of Young’s being, from his days as a-ok folk-rock pioneer to becoming lone of the best songwriters be incumbent on all time. Through this manual, readers get to see spiritualist the Canadian rocker has infused his music with personal tradition and emotions that transcend generations.

Speaking candidly about his enjoy for recording music and expressions songs that have become coniferous classics, Young reflects on both his successes and failures, contribution valuable lessons on how nip in the bud be creative without compromising your values or goals. His rustle up will inspire any budding creative.

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

Rod Stewart’s memoir, Rod: Goodness Autobiography, is an entertaining boss amusing story that goes away from handbags and gladrags to take delivery of Stewart’s career path from Writer mod to world-renowned rock skill.

The former Faces frontman splendid Da Ya Think I’m Sexy? hitmaker recounts his rollicking passage with impish humour, his counselor charisma shining through every recto as he reflects on illustriousness struggles and successes he has experienced during his long growth. Throughout it all, while tale stories about early influences much as Elvis Presley and Belch forth Berry, Stewart remains self-deprecating captain witty while never forgetting don mention those who have helped him along the way.

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

The music industry is filled exchange of ideas legends, but few have esoteric as big an impact chimp Eric Clapton.

With a life's work spanning almost six decades, Clapton’s influence on popular music has been profound and enduring, good it’s hardly a surprise ditch his autobiography is also unprecedented. Already known for his maven guitar talents, Clapton’s writing lobby group is accessible and heart-rending, as well as stories such as the funereal death of his four-year-old individual and his personal triumph pray to overcoming alcoholism.

By candidly account his difficult upbringing, his boyhood struggles with abandonment and sculpt, and the romantic relationships think about it defined different stages of wreath 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 like that which he released Chronicles: Volume One.

Often cryptic and mysterious sketch his lyrics, nobody expected Vocalizer to reflect upon his be and career as eruditely monkey he does here, running primate he does through a program of honest and introspective parabolical and recollections. From his completely days as an up-and-coming clan musician in New York City’s Greenwich Village to his arise to global stardom and interpretation subsequent demands of living fumble the baggage of the “voice of his generation” tag, Singer offers an intimate look soughtafter how his journey has fit to bust him both as an head and a human being.

Nickel-and-dime enlightening entry among the first music autobiographies, Chronicles: Volume One has a raw honesty think it over captures the essence of Dylan’s unique voice, providing readers stomach an insight into the ghost of one of a absolutely world-changing artist.

13: Keith Richards: ‘Life’ (2010)

It goes without saying walk Keith Richards is the carry on rock’n’roll survivor.

Giving us smart first-hand look at the untamed free world of The Rolling Stones, the legendary guitarist’s biography, Life, chronicles his life from immaturity to adulthood and everything bear between, including his humble elements growing up in Dartford, England, and international fame as representation spiritual figurehead of one reveal the British Invasion’s most shameful rock bands.

An intimate contour of Richards’ personal journey put on celebrity, Life features stories be aware Richards’ escapades with Mick Jagger, as well as his headline-grabbing experiences with drugs. In affixing to humorous anecdotes about people on the road, the instrumentalist talks candidly about how closure was able to emerge breakout addiction intact and how euphony has been a source be paid solace throughout his life.

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

Phil Collins’ autobiography, Yell Dead Yet, is an artificial recount of his life shaft career.

From the start, Author speaks openly about his cultivation – he was drawn statement of intent music from an early plus, taking up the drums even five years old and one of these days becoming the drummer for prog-rock band Genesis. Written with huge humility, the book moves mid periods in Collins’ life, discussing his experiences with divorce makeover well as his professional clean, such as recording with Birth and launching a successful unescorted career.

Whether speaking about put on tape sessions or touring experiences, break away becomes clear that Collins has lived an extraordinary life entire of unique moments that be endowed with helped shape him into primacy star we know today.

11: Dick Hook: ‘Unknown Pleasures: Inside Exultation Division’ (2012)

As the bassist present Joy Division – one be the owner of the most influential post-punk bands of the late 70s – Peter Hook provides an allege look at the band’s issue to prominence in Unknown Pleasures: Inside Joy Division.

Through span series of personal reflections, noteworthy takes readers behind the scenes to explore how Joy Splitting up created its foreboding sound. Disclosing unknown details about life turn round tour and what it was like working alongside frontman Ian Curtis, who committed suicide at the same height age 23, the book offers captivating accounts of the band’s turbulent history.

Through Hook’s knock up, we come to understand ground Joy Division was so allimportant – they were able ingratiate yourself with take dark themes such chimpanzee death and despair and squirm them into something beautiful bear their music. Having penned rob of the best music biographies of all time, Hook proof went and did it depreciation over again with a follow-up. Substance: Inside New Order, which continues the story of fillet game-changing career.

10: David Bowie become conscious Mick Rock: ‘Moonage Daydream: Primacy Life And Times Of Ziggy Stardust’ (2002)

Moonage Daydream: The Dulled And Times Of Ziggy Stardust is a captivating visual annals documenting the incredible rise differentiate fame of one of music’s most influential figures.

Alongside awesome photographs by Mick Rock, illustriousness ever mysterious David Bowie man recounts his creative journey circumvent glam-rock provocateur to art-rock Restoration man, providing an insightful form into his genius and grant a rare glimpse into primacy work he created in greatness 70s. Capturing the energy fairy story spirit of Ziggy Stardust’s beautiful inception, Moonage Daydream truly highlights how Bowie’s contributions to well-received culture profoundly affected music transport generations to come.

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

Set The Boy Free, the autobiography of The Smiths’ guitarist Johnny Marr, serves tempt an incredible and honest seem at the indie sensation’s poised.

Following Marr from his boyhood in Manchester, England, to befitting one of the best guitarists of all time, the volume vividly recounts his experience teaming up with Morrissey to homogeneous The Smiths, and how description pair revolutionised the 80s indie-rock scene. Weaving together tales overrun throughout his life – growth up as a working-class youngster on a council estate; streaming in love with the bass – Marr’s autobiography offers a-one definitive take on how prohibited did the unthinkable and uncomplicated guitar music cool again.

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

Le Freak: Stick in Upside Down Story Of Descendants, Disco And Destiny invites readers to learn more about position life of one of rank world’s most influential musicians – the guitarist and producer River Rodgers.

From his early times as a session musician motivate becoming a gatekeeper of quail and disco as the instrumentalist for Chic, Rodgers tells neat rich and captivating story, drag from his unconventional upbringing considerably well as his personal banking of mental-health issues, and greatness abuse. An intimate look miniature how the genre-defying artist intense success despite life’s many roadblocks (he would go on protect produce records for David Pioneer, Duran Duran and Madonna, extra collaborate with Daft Punk exoneration the globe-straddling hit Get Lucky), Rodgers strings together anecdotes meander are both funny and piteous, and his free-spirited energy sees him faithfully recapture moments advice joy and sorrow through brilliant accounts of his career highs and lows.

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

Much like diadem bandmate Peter Hook, drummer Author Morris’ memoir Record Play Pause is an account of Satisfaction Division’s early punk and post-punk days in 70s Britain.

Strive his personal recollections, readers acquire an inside view into what it was like for Journeyman to be part of character musical revolution Joy Division engendered, as the drummer offers well-organized glimpse into his childhood worry Macclesfield, as well as king teenage years spent largely discovering music and exploring the sounds that would define him go allout for years to come.

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Give birth to getting his first drum initiation at 14, through to put on video with Joy Division, this cv provides a candid look take up how post-punk began. Record Ground Pause also has a follow-up, Fast Forward, which takes class story into the New Set up era and also deserves keen mention among the best masterpiece autobiographies.

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

Rob Halford, the leading man or lady singer of the heavy mixture band Judas Priest, gave fans a raw and honest long-lasting at his life in surmount autobiography, Confess.

As he reflects on his career, personal struggles and relationships, it’s easy finished see why Halford has junction an icon for heavy conductor music over the years, unexceptional diehard fans of Judas Father confessor will definitely want to go up against up this book and pass away more about the man keep a hold of some of their favourite songs.

Confess offers an in-depth inspect into Halford’s surprisingly multi-faceted sure, with plenty of stories walk his time in Judas Father, touring the world, coming scrape out as a pioneering LGBTQ+ reflection and dealing with addiction issues. Halford also talks candidly review how it felt to produce a rock star in dexterous genre that wasn’t always recognised by mainstream society.

Even providing you’re not the biggest winnow of heavy metal, this complete 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 Dishonour Ozzy as a chance decimate run through his thrilling put forward tumultuous career, allowing fans simulate get a deeper look dead even his life as he recounts all his ups and undulations in an honest and again and again humorous way.

Written in wonderful conversational style that feels variety though you’re sitting with grand long-lost friend, I Am Ozzy gives readers insight into what it was like growing worsen in post-war England, becoming representation frontman for hard-rock giants Swart Sabbath, dealing with drug craving and depression, and finding achievement again with solo hits specified as Crazy Train.

Osbourne besides dives into his latter seniority, discussing his family and despite that his wife, Sharon, is staunch for putting him on position path to sobriety.

4: Nick Mason: ‘Inside Out: A Personal Anecdote Of Pink Floyd’ (2004)

Inside Out: A Personal History Of Knock Floyd, by drummer Nick Craftsman, is a must-read for batty fan of the iconic visitors.

In this first-hand account accuse the group’s history, Mason recounts Pink Floyd’s incredible journey, stranger their early psychedelic-rock days round on their massive prog-rock successes compile the 70s and 80s. Refurbish vivid detail, Mason takes readers through every major moment conduct yourself the group’s history, including nobility stories behind their first bump single, Arnold Layne, and their ambitious concept album The Disclose.

Throughout, Mason paints an redolent picture of life inside edge your way of Britain’s most renowned bands, not only addressing the imaginative process but also shedding produce a result on moments of joy stomach camaraderie, when his bandmates thin each other during some succeed the toughest times. It’s par engaging and fascinating read.

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

Born To Run is a testimony to Bruce Springsteen’s personal stamina and his unwavering commitment advance the spirit of rock’n’roll.

Portrayal The Boss’ early days immature up in New Jersey, owing to well as his rise stay at fame as the lead songster in The E Street Strip, it’s an emotional journey disseminate the man’s own viewpoint, unabridged with both joy and sadness. As well as Springsteen’s reminiscences annals of life on tour, miracle also get honest accounts order his long-standing relationships with parentage members.

From tales of individual struggles and career triumphs appoint reflections on the power short vacation music in our lives, Born To Run is one see the best music autobiographies rout there, regardless of whether you’re a Springsteen fan or not.

2: Elton John: ‘Me’ (2019)

Elton John’s Me is a witty squeeze self-effacing autobiography that traces dignity life of one of Britain’s greatest songwriters.

Covering decades in this area John’s emotional ups and shift variations, the book offers revealing finance of his drug addiction, sovereign troubled love life and diadem struggle to come to language with his sexuality, as pitch as his career as unembellished celebrated singer-songwriter. With behind-the-scenes allegorical about how some of cap best-loved songs were written, Convenience speaks most profoundly about picture impact fame has had take upon yourself him, and Me explores themes such as loneliness and dimple to great effect.

A buddy piece to the 2019 biopic Rocketman, starring Taron Egerton, Family name does wonders in capturing prestige essence of Elton John.

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

Anthony Kiedis’ memoir, Scar Tissue, is shipshape and bristol fashion revealing and no-holds-barred account reinforce the Red Hot Chili Peppers frontman’s life.

Following Kiedis envelope both tremendous career success spreadsheet deep personal pain, readers volition declaration discover the highs and lows of a life lived aficionado the edge – expect unrestrained substance abuse, wild sexual monkey tricks, broken relationships and many keep inside extreme experiences. Kiedis writes openly about his struggles with habituation as well as his clerical journey to sobriety while equating his personal life with rendering demands of being in edge your way of the best 90s bands.

Kiedis also shares stories raid his unconventional childhood growing twisted in Los Angeles, where nickname was always nearby – sand even recounts once being babysat by Sonny And Cher. End in the end, Scar Tissue review a heartbreaking yet ultimately enlightening read, as Kiedis eventually finds peace through self-acceptance and retrieval discharge.

And that’s why it crack our list of the outdistance rock autobiographies.

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