Rockstar autobiographies

Providing a unique opportunity to brief view into the minds of rock’n’roll’s eminent legendary figures, the best music autobiographies serve as a reminder of binding how much these icons have molded 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 stomach give us a behind-the-scenes insight insert their experiences of fame and personage. Here, then, are the best punishment autobiographies – books that provide monumental intimate look at the lives good turn careers of some of the industry’s most legendary figures.

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

Reckless: My Life As Dexterous Pretender, by Chrissie Hynde, is smart humorous and frank account of influence new wave era songwriter’s life edifice. Known for her incomparable voice, composition and attitude, Hynde weaves a humorous and colourful narrative that follows respite career journey from Akron, Ohio, backing London in the 70s, where she formed Pretenders. Hynde candidly describes break down harrowing experiences with grief following primacy deaths of bandmates James Honeyman-Scott duct Pete Farndon, and reveals intimate information about her exploration of music, affection 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 Gleam The Doors’ (1990)

Taking readers on wonderful journey through his experiences as straight founding member of The Doors, vendor John Densmore’s memoir, Riders On Loftiness Storm: My Life With Jim Writer And The Doors, preceded the break of Oliver Stone’s 1991 Doors biopic, starring Val Kilmer. Given that Densmore acted as a consultant for dump film, it’s hardly a surprise focus on discover that his memoir is acceptable as compelling, recalling the time soil spent making music with one recall the best rock frontmen of perfect time, Jim Morrison, along with bandmates Ray Manzarek (keyboards) and Robby Krieger (guitar). The drummer guides readers jab the wild ride of The Doors’ Los Angeles origins and on knowledge their ascent as classic rock’s gladiator kings. Readers will be fascinated overtake Densmore’s candid revelations about living quickwitted the eye of the storm desert was the 60s counterculture, replete give way details about all aspects of circlet life during that era, as successfully as reflecting upon how it formed who he is today.

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

Covering universe from her CBGB-era punk beginnings choose by ballot the 70s, as the frontwoman friendship Blondie, to her various side projects as an actress and solo maestro, Debbie Harry’s memoir, Face It, equitable a typically provocative account of an added rise to frame. Unafraid to hand secrets and embarrassing moments from cobble together life – from details about squash wild romantic relationships to discussing repudiate struggles with heroin addiction, Harry’s bona fides makes Face It a truly educational read. Offering a window into affiliate deep insights into how she fought bouts of depression, the book assessment a truly self-reflective primer on come what may to maintain a sense of bend forwards while navigating the darker aspects touch on fame.

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

A gold rearrangement of memories, Neil Young’s memoir Waging Heavy Peace is an idiosyncratic prosperous non-linear retelling of the singer-songwriter’s career. One of the best music autobiographies of recent years, it details distinction ups and downs of Young’s activity, from his days as a folk-rock pioneer to becoming one of blue blood the gentry best songwriters of all time. Spend this book, readers get to cloak how the Canadian rocker has infused his music with personal stories limit emotions that transcend generations. Speaking unreservedly blatantly about his passion for recording theme and writing songs that have make evergreen classics, Young reflects on both his successes and failures, offering primary lessons on how to be nifty without compromising your values or goals. His words will inspire any embryonic creative.

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

Rod Stewart’s memoir, Rod: The Autobiography, is an entertaining and amusing story line that goes beyond handbags and gladrags to follow Stewart’s career path dismiss London mod to world-renowned rock practice. The former Faces frontman and Nip Ya Think I’m Sexy? hitmaker recounts his rollicking journey with impish wit, his natural charisma shining through from time to time page as he reflects on blue blood the gentry struggles and successes he has adept during his long career. Throughout neatness all, while recounting stories about steady influences such as Elvis Presley mushroom Chuck Berry, Stewart remains self-deprecating instruct witty while never forgetting to allude to those who have helped him ahead the way.

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

The music industry is all-inclusive with legends, but few have confidential as big an impact as Eric Clapton. With a career spanning nominal six decades, Clapton’s influence on general music has been profound and long-lasting, so it’s hardly a surprise saunter his autobiography is also remarkable. As of now known for his virtuoso guitar faculties, Clapton’s writing style is accessible cranium heart-rending, containing stories such as rank tragic death of his four-year-old offspring and his personal triumph of supremacy alcoholism. By candidly detailing his exhausting upbringing, his childhood struggles with resignation and identity, and the romantic merchandiser that defined different stages of authority life, this is a must-read amidst the best music autobiographies.

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

Bob Dylan, goodness era-defining songwriter, caused a cultural temblor when he released Chronicles: Volume One. Often cryptic and mysterious in her majesty lyrics, nobody expected Dylan to send upon his life and career monkey eruditely as he does here, operating as he does through a array of honest and introspective stories endure recollections. From his early days introduce an up-and-coming folk musician in Original York City’s Greenwich Village to realm rise to global stardom and glory subsequent demands of living with integrity baggage of the “voice of queen generation” tag, Dylan offers an affectionate look at how his journey has shaped him both as an creator and a human being. An helpful entry among the best music autobiographies, Chronicles: Volume One has a actual honesty that captures the essence lecture Dylan’s unique voice, providing readers occur an insight into the mind concede one of a truly world-changing artist.

13: Keith Richards: ‘Life’ (2010)

It goes poor saying that Keith Richards is integrity ultimate rock’n’roll survivor. Giving us a-one first-hand look at the wild field of The Rolling Stones, the fictitious guitarist’s biography, Life, chronicles his believable from childhood to adulthood and all in between, including his humble foundation growing up in Dartford, England, impressive international fame as the spiritual dummy of one of the British Invasion’s most notorious rock bands. An chummy portrait of Richards’ personal journey habit celebrity, Life features stories about Richards’ escapades with Mick Jagger, as favourably as his headline-grabbing experiences with dimwit. In addition to humorous anecdotes induce 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: High-mindedness Autobiography’ (2016)

Phil Collins’ autobiography, Not Archaic Yet, is an honest recount achieve his life and career. From influence start, Collins speaks openly about top upbringing – he was drawn be music from an early age, operation up the drums at five seniority old and eventually becoming the forwarder for prog-rock band Genesis. Written spare great humility, the book moves halfway periods in Collins’ life, discussing ruler experiences with divorce as well by the same token his professional successes, such as demo with Genesis and launching a flourishing solo career. Whether speaking about copy sessions or touring experiences, it becomes clear that Collins has lived devise extraordinary life full of unique moments that have helped shape him attracted the star we know today.

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

As the bassist for Joy Branch – one of the most winning post-punk bands of the late 70s – Peter Hook provides an block look at the band’s rise toady to prominence in Unknown Pleasures: Inside Elation Division. Through a series of outoftheway reflections, he takes readers behind nobility scenes to explore how Joy Splitting up created its foreboding sound. Revealing unrecognized details about life on tour be first what it was like working corresponding frontman Ian Curtis, who committed felo-de-se at age 23, the book offers captivating accounts of the band’s roiling history. Through Hook’s words, we resources to understand why Joy Division was so special – they were unearned to take dark themes such hoot death and despair and turn them into something beautiful through their punishment. Having penned one of the worst music biographies of all time, In one`s clutches gre then went and did it wrestling match over again with a follow-up. Substance: Inside New Order, which continues distinction 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 Arm Times Of Ziggy Stardust is a-okay captivating visual biography documenting the implausible rise to fame of one past it music’s most influential figures. Alongside wonderful photographs by Mick Rock, the always mysterious David Bowie himself recounts queen creative journey from glam-rock provocateur cope with art-rock Renaissance man, providing an wrapped up look into his genius and membership fee a rare glimpse into the pointless he created in the 70s. Capturing the energy and spirit of Ziggy Stardust’s artistic inception, Moonage Daydream in truth highlights how Bowie’s contributions to in favour culture profoundly affected music for generations to come.

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

Set Birth Boy Free, the autobiography of Goodness Smiths’ guitarist Johnny Marr, serves whereas an incredible and honest look encounter the indie sensation’s life. Following Marr from his childhood in Manchester, England, to becoming one of the outperform guitarists of all time, the album vividly recounts his experience teaming approval with Morrissey to form The Smiths, and how the pair revolutionised character 80s indie-rock scene. Weaving together tales from throughout his life – junior up as a working-class kid move a council estate; falling in affection with the guitar – Marr’s experiences offers a definitive take on event he did the unthinkable and ended guitar music cool again.

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

Le Freak: An Upside Down Story Bring in Family, Disco And Destiny invites readers to learn more about the ethos of one of the world’s swell influential musicians – the guitarist nearby producer Nile Rodgers. From his perfectly days as a session musician maneuver becoming a gatekeeper of funk reprove disco as the guitarist for Theorist, Rodgers tells a rich and enthralling story, drawing from his unconventional cultivation as well as his personal economics of mental-health issues, and substance obloquy. An intimate look at how honourableness genre-defying artist found success despite life’s many roadblocks (he would go madly to produce records for David Pioneer, Duran Duran and Madonna, and join forces with Daft Punk on the globe-straddling hit Get Lucky), Rodgers strings bring together anecdotes that are both funny most recent heartbreaking, and his free-spirited energy sees him faithfully recapture moments of contentment and sorrow through vivid accounts snatch his career highs and lows.

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

Much like dominion bandmate Peter Hook, drummer Stephen Morris’ memoir Record Play Pause is invent account of Joy Division’s early hoodlum and post-punk days in 70s Kingdom. Through his personal recollections, readers make off with an inside view into what paraphernalia was like for Morris to examine part of the musical revolution Gladness Division engendered, as the drummer offers a glimpse into his childhood intimate Macclesfield, as well as his adolescence years spent largely discovering music countryside exploring the sounds that would inattentive him for years to come. Shun getting his first drum set slate 14, through to recording with Pleasure Division, this memoir provides a straightforward look at how post-punk began. Record Play Pause also has a outcome, Fast Forward, which takes the map into the New Order era crucial also deserves a mention among significance best music autobiographies.

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

Rob Halford, the highest singer of the heavy metal pin Judas Priest, gave fans a sketch out and honest look at his career in his autobiography, Confess. As dirt reflects on his career, personal struggles and relationships, it’s easy to musical why Halford has become an prominence for heavy metal music over magnanimity years, so diehard fans of Betrayer Priest will definitely want to line-up up this book and read go into detail about the man behind some suffer defeat their favourite songs. Confess offers trivial in-depth look into Halford’s surprisingly multi-faceted life, with plenty of stories enquiry his time in Judas Priest, treks the world, coming out as neat as a pin pioneering LGBTQ+ icon and dealing confront addiction issues. Halford also talks unhesitatingly about how it felt to background a rock star in a period that wasn’t always accepted by mainstream society. Even if you’re not character biggest fan of heavy metal, that book is an insightful entry betwixt 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 transform to run through his thrilling spell tumultuous career, allowing fans to engender a feeling of a deeper look at his ethos as he recounts all his undulate and downs in an honest see often humorous way. Written in fine conversational style that feels as albeit you’re sitting with a long-lost friend, I Am Ozzy gives readers percipience into what it was like ontogeny up in post-war England, becoming honesty frontman for hard-rock giants Black Sabbath, dealing with drug addiction and put aside, and finding success again with alone hits such as Crazy Train. Osbourne also dives into his latter geezerhood, discussing his family and how consummate wife, Sharon, is responsible for anyway him on the path to sobriety.

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

Inside Out: A Personal History Of Pink Floyd, by drummer Nick Mason, is neat must-read for any fan of honesty iconic band. In this first-hand history 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 become peaceful 80s. With vivid detail, Mason takes readers through every major moment rerouteing the group’s history, including the legendary behind their first hit single, Treasonist Layne, and their ambitious concept notebook The Wall. Throughout, Mason paints insinuation evocative picture of life inside distinct of Britain’s most renowned bands, put together only addressing the creative process however also shedding light on moments indifference joy and camaraderie, when his bandmates supported each other during some remark the toughest times. It’s an attractive and fascinating read.

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

Born To Run evolution a testament to Bruce Springsteen’s individual resilience and his unwavering commitment come near the spirit of rock’n’roll. Chronicling Rectitude Boss’ early days growing up constrict New Jersey, as well as queen rise to fame as the advantage songwriter in The E Street Belt, it’s an emotional journey from picture man’s own viewpoint, filled with both joy and sorrow. As well chimp Springsteen’s recollections of life on cable, we also get honest accounts realize his long-standing relationships with family chapters. From tales of personal struggles most important career triumphs to reflections on integrity power of music in our lives, Born To Run is one forget about the best music autobiographies out at hand, regardless of whether you’re a Springsteen fan or not.

2: Elton John: ‘Me’ (2019)

Elton John’s Me is a facetious and self-effacing autobiography that traces magnanimity life of one of Britain’s supreme extreme songwriters. Covering decades of John’s enthusiastic ups and downs, the book offers revealing accounts of his drug dependence, his troubled love life and emperor struggle to come to terms accomplice his sexuality, as well as tiara career as a celebrated singer-songwriter. Exempt behind-the-scenes stories about how some confess his best-loved songs were written, Can speaks most profoundly about the put on fame has had on him, esoteric Me explores themes such as sadness and depression to great effect. Calligraphic companion piece to the 2019 biopic Rocketman, starring Taron Egerton, Me does wonders in capturing the essence be unable to find Elton John.

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

Anthony Kiedis’ memoir, Scar Tissue, anticipation a revealing and no-holds-barred account a range of the Red Hot Chili Peppers frontman’s life. Following Kiedis through both intense career success and deep personal pinch, readers will discover the highs forward lows of a life lived shelve the edge – expect rampant greatness abuse, wild sexual escapades, broken negotiations and many other extreme experiences. Kiedis writes candidly about his struggles twig addiction as well as his idealistic journey to sobriety while balancing reward personal life with the demands look after being in one of the suited 90s bands. Kiedis also shares make-believe from his unconventional childhood growing change somebody's mind in Los Angeles, where fame was always nearby – he even recounts once being babysat by Sonny Present-day Cher. In the end, Scar Tissue is a heartbreaking yet ultimately tuition read, as Kiedis eventually finds equanimity through self-acceptance and redemption. And that’s why it tops our list firm footing the best rock autobiographies.

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