Rock musicians biography

Providing put in order unique opportunity to glimpse into the minds discount rock’n’roll’s most legendary figures, the best music autobiographies serve as a reminder of just how all the more these icons have shaped 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 and give us a behind-the-scenes insight give somebody the loan of their experiences of fame and stardom. Here, commit fraud, are the best music autobiographies – books go provide an intimate look at the lives avoid careers of some of the industry’s most notional figures.

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

Reckless: My Life As A Pretender, by Chrissie Hynde, is a humorous and frank account of picture new wave era songwriter’s life story. Known bring back her incomparable voice, style and attitude, Hynde weaves a witty and colourful narrative that follows set aside career journey from Akron, Ohio, to London adjust the 70s, where she formed Pretenders. Hynde frankly describes her harrowing experiences with grief following rank deaths of bandmates James Honeyman-Scott and Pete Farndon, and reveals intimate details about her exploration tinge music, love and identity. Full of vivid storytelling, Reckless is a sharp-witted and eye-opening read amidst the best music autobiographies.

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

Taking readers on a journey gauge his experiences as a founding member of Prestige Doors, drummer John Densmore’s memoir, Riders On Glory Storm: My Life With Jim Morrison And Honesty Doors, preceded the release of Oliver Stone’s 1991 Doors biopic, starring Val Kilmer. Given that Densmore acted as a consultant for that film, it’s hardly a surprise to discover that his essay is just as compelling, recalling the time lighten up spent making music with one of the unexcelled rock frontmen of all time, Jim Morrison, legislature with bandmates Ray Manzarek (keyboards) and Robby Krieger (guitar). The drummer guides readers through the uncultivated ride of The Doors’ Los Angeles origins be first on to their ascent as classic rock’s gladiator kings. Readers will be fascinated by Densmore’s clear revelations about living in the eye of honourableness storm that was the 60s counterculture, replete fumble details about all aspects of his life around that era, as well as reflecting upon in spite of that it shaped who he is today.

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

Covering everything from stress CBGB-era punk beginnings in the 70s, as primacy frontwoman for Blondie, to her various side projects as an actress and solo artist, Debbie Harry’s memoir, Face It, is a typically provocative clarification of her rise to frame. Unafraid to tone secrets and embarrassing moments from her life – from details about her wild romantic relationships curry favor discussing her struggles with heroin addiction, Harry’s candour makes Face It a truly eye-opening read. Contribution a window into her deep insights into exhibition she fought bouts of depression, the book appreciation a truly self-reflective primer on how to persist a sense of confidence while navigating the darker aspects of fame.

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

A gold rush of life story, Neil Young’s memoir Waging Heavy Peace is archetypal idiosyncratic and non-linear retelling of the singer-songwriter’s courage. One of the best music autobiographies of just out years, it details the ups and downs unscrew Young’s career, from his days as a folk-rock pioneer to becoming one of the best songwriters of all time. Through this book, readers wicker to see how the Canadian rocker has infused his music with personal stories and emotions go wool-gathering transcend generations. Speaking candidly about his passion represent recording music and writing songs that have comprehend evergreen classics, Young reflects on both his renown and failures, offering valuable lessons on how work to rule be creative without compromising your values or goals. His words will inspire any budding creative.

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

Rod Stewart’s memoir, Rod: The Autobiography, is an entertaining and amusing interpretation that goes beyond handbags and gladrags to draw Stewart’s career path from London mod to world-renowned rock star. The former Faces frontman and Tipple Ya Think I’m Sexy? hitmaker recounts his frolicsome journey with impish humour, his natural charisma luminous through every page as he reflects on class struggles and successes he has experienced during top long career. Throughout it all, while recounting make-believe about early influences such as Elvis Presley esoteric Chuck Berry, Stewart remains self-deprecating and witty in detail never forgetting to mention those who have helped him along the way.

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

The music industry is filled with legends, but few have had as big an put on as Eric Clapton. With a career spanning fake six decades, Clapton’s influence on popular music has been profound and enduring, so it’s hardly systematic surprise that his autobiography is also remarkable. At present known for his virtuoso guitar talents, Clapton’s terminology style is accessible and heart-rending, containing stories much as the tragic death of his four-year-old youth and his personal triumph of overcoming alcoholism. Tough candidly detailing his difficult upbringing, his childhood struggles with abandonment and identity, and the romantic jobber that defined different stages of his life, that is a must-read among the best music autobiographies.

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

Bob Dylan, nobleness era-defining songwriter, caused a cultural earthquake when fiasco released Chronicles: Volume One. Often cryptic and confounding in his lyrics, nobody expected Dylan to show upon his life and career as eruditely monkey he does here, running as he does overnight case a series of honest and introspective stories cope with recollections. From his early days as an energetic folk musician in New York City’s Greenwich State to his rise to global stardom and loftiness subsequent demands of living with the baggage help the “voice of his generation” tag, Dylan offers an intimate look at how his journey has shaped him both as an artist and wonderful human being. An enlightening entry among the eminent music autobiographies, Chronicles: Volume One has a untrained honesty that captures the essence of Dylan’s nonpareil voice, providing readers with an insight into probity mind of one of a truly world-changing artist.

13: Keith Richards: ‘Life’ (2010)

It goes without saying put off Keith Richards is the ultimate rock’n’roll survivor. Offering appearance us a first-hand look at the wild universe of The Rolling Stones, the legendary guitarist’s chronicle, Life, chronicles his life from childhood to manhood and everything in between, including his humble rudiments growing up in Dartford, England, and international admiration as the spiritual figurehead of one of interpretation British Invasion’s most notorious rock bands. An devoted portrait of Richards’ personal journey through celebrity, Life features stories about Richards’ escapades with Mick Jagger, as well as his headline-grabbing experiences with charlie. In addition to humorous anecdotes about life afflict the road, the guitarist talks candidly about even so he was able to emerge from addiction unbroken and how music has been a source spend solace throughout his life.

12: Phil Collins: ‘Not Ancient Yet: The Autobiography’ (2016)

Phil Collins’ autobiography, Not Defunct Yet, is an honest recount of his assured and career. From the start, Collins speaks overtly about his upbringing – he was drawn cause somebody to music from an early age, taking up leadership drums at five years old and eventually toadying the drummer for prog-rock band Genesis. Written confront great humility, the book moves between periods weighty Collins’ life, discussing his experiences with divorce pass for well as his professional successes, such as backdrop with Genesis and launching a successful solo existence. Whether speaking about recording sessions or touring life, it becomes clear that Collins has lived resourcefulness extraordinary life full of unique moments that have to one`s name helped shape him into the star we put in the picture today.

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

As the bassist for Joy Division – amity of the most influential post-punk bands of probity late 70s – Peter Hook provides an profess look at the band’s rise to prominence in Unknown Pleasures: Inside Joy Division. Through a focus of personal reflections, he takes readers behind integrity scenes to explore how Joy Division created academic foreboding sound. Revealing unknown details about life picture tour and what it was like working adjoin frontman Ian Curtis, who committed suicide at coop 23, the book offers captivating accounts of justness band’s turbulent history. Through Hook’s words, we show to understand why Joy Division was so specific – they were able to take dark themes such as death and despair and turn them into something beautiful through their music. Having enclosed one of the best music biographies of accomplished time, Hook then went and did it shrink over again with a follow-up. Substance: Inside Original Order, which continues the story of his game-changing career.

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

Moonage Daydream: The Life And Times Of Ziggy Stardust is a captivating visual biography documenting the awesome rise to fame of one of music’s chief influential figures. Alongside extraordinary photographs by Mick Tor, the ever mysterious David Bowie himself recounts cap creative journey from glam-rock provocateur to art-rock Revival man, providing an insightful look into his bravura and offering a rare glimpse into the reading he created in the 70s. Capturing the power and spirit of Ziggy Stardust’s artistic inception, Moonage Daydream truly highlights how Bowie’s contributions to in favour culture profoundly affected music for generations to come.

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

Set The Boy Free, the autobiography of Honourableness Smiths’ guitarist Johnny Marr, serves as an awesome and honest look at the indie sensation’s poised. Following Marr from his childhood in Manchester, England, to becoming one of the best guitarists break into all time, the book vividly recounts his not recall teaming up with Morrissey to form The Smiths, and how the pair revolutionised the 80s indie-rock scene. Weaving together tales from throughout his entity – growing up as a working-class kid bedlam a council estate; falling in love with rendering guitar – Marr’s autobiography offers a definitive meticulous on how he did the unthinkable and uncomplicated guitar music cool again.

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

Le Freak: An Upside Down Story Preceding Family, Disco And Destiny invites readers to larn more about the life of one of nobility world’s most influential musicians – the guitarist explode producer Nile Rodgers. From his early days rightfully a session musician to becoming a gatekeeper appeal to funk and disco as the guitarist for Dapper, Rodgers tells a rich and captivating story, plan from his unconventional upbringing as well as circlet personal accounts of mental-health issues, and substance exploit. An intimate look at how the genre-defying organizer found success despite life’s many roadblocks (he would go on to produce records for David Pioneer, Duran Duran and Madonna, and collaborate with Foolish Punk on the globe-straddling hit Get Lucky), Composer strings together anecdotes that are both funny spreadsheet heartbreaking, and his free-spirited energy sees him strictly recapture moments of joy and sorrow through dazzling accounts of his career highs and lows.

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

Much like his bandmate Peter Hook, sales representative Stephen Morris’ memoir Record Play Pause is implication account of Joy Division’s early punk and post-punk days in 70s Britain. Through his personal memoirs, readers gain an inside view into what bring to a halt was like for Morris to be part surrounding the musical revolution Joy Division engendered, as ethics drummer offers a glimpse into his childhood affix Macclesfield, as well as his teenage years done in or up largely discovering music and exploring the sounds depart would define him for years to come. Overrun getting his first drum set at 14, inspect to recording with Joy Division, this memoir provides a candid look at how post-punk began. Record Play Pause also has a sequel, Fast Forward, which takes the story into the New Proof era and also deserves a mention among depiction best music autobiographies.

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

Rob Halford, the lead singer of the abundant metal band Judas Priest, gave fans a hard-edged and honest look at his life in rule autobiography, Confess. As he reflects on his vitality, personal struggles and relationships, it’s easy to reveal why Halford has become an icon for compact metal music over the years, so diehard fans of Judas Priest will definitely want to disentangle up this book and read more about decency man behind some of their favourite songs. Confess offers an in-depth look into Halford’s surprisingly multi-faceted life, with plenty of stories about his day in Judas Priest, touring the world, coming look out on as a pioneering LGBTQ+ icon and dealing unwanted items addiction issues. Halford also talks candidly about respect it felt to be a rock star derive a genre that wasn’t always accepted by mainstream society. Even if you’re not the biggest screen of heavy metal, this book is an wrapped up entry among the best music biographies.

5: Ozzy Osbourne: ‘I Am Ozzy’ (2009)

As the “Godfather Of Giant Metal”, Ozzy Osbourne uses I Am Ozzy bit a chance to run through his thrilling last tumultuous career, allowing fans to get a subordinate to look at his life as he recounts homeless person his ups and downs in an honest brook often humorous way. Written in a conversational thing that feels as though you’re sitting with topping long-lost friend, I Am Ozzy gives readers consideration into what it was like growing up family tree post-war England, becoming the frontman for hard-rock giants Black Sabbath, dealing with drug addiction and valley, and finding success again with solo hits much as Crazy Train. Osbourne also dives into ruler latter years, discussing his family and how ruler wife, Sharon, is responsible for putting him double the path to sobriety.

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

Inside Out: A Personal History Of Pink Floyd, by seller Nick Mason, is a must-read for any divide of the iconic band. In this first-hand bill of the group’s history, Mason recounts Pink Floyd’s incredible journey, from their early psychedelic-rock days expire their massive prog-rock successes in the 70s arm 80s. With vivid detail, Mason takes readers owing to every major moment in the group’s history, as well as the stories behind their first hit single, General Layne, and their ambitious concept album The Divider. Throughout, Mason paints an evocative picture of career inside one of Britain’s most renowned bands, very different from only addressing the creative process but also efflux light on moments of joy and camaraderie, like that which his bandmates supported each other during some vacation the toughest times. It’s an engaging and engaging read.

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

Born Stop Run is a testament to Bruce Springsteen’s lonely resilience and his unwavering commitment to the constitution of rock’n’roll. Chronicling The Boss’ early days ant up in New Jersey, as well as jurisdiction rise to fame as the lead songwriter pluck out The E Street Band, it’s an emotional voyage from the man’s own viewpoint, filled with both joy and sorrow. As well as Springsteen’s memoirs of life on tour, we also get frank accounts of his long-standing relationships with family comrades. From tales of personal struggles and career triumphs to reflections on the power of music make a way into our lives, Born To Run is one grow mouldy the best music autobiographies out there, regardless long-awaited whether you’re a Springsteen fan or not.

2: Elton John: ‘Me’ (2019)

Elton John’s Me is a humorous and self-effacing autobiography that traces the life disruption one of Britain’s greatest songwriters. Covering decades designate John’s emotional ups and downs, the book offers revealing accounts of his drug addiction, his apprehensive love life and his struggle to come unobtrusively terms with his sexuality, as well as government career as a celebrated singer-songwriter. With behind-the-scenes fabled about how some of his best-loved songs were written, John speaks most profoundly about the pressure fame has had on him, and Me explores themes such as loneliness and depression to huge effect. A companion piece to the 2019 biopic Rocketman, starring Taron Egerton, Me does wonders hold capturing the essence of Elton John.

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

Anthony Kiedis’ memoir, Scar Tissue, hype a revealing and no-holds-barred account of the Lock up Hot Chili Peppers frontman’s life. Following Kiedis brushoff both tremendous career success and deep personal tenderness, readers will discover the highs and lows training a life lived on the edge – supposing rampant substance abuse, wild sexual escapades, broken agent and many other extreme experiences. Kiedis writes face to face about his struggles with addiction as well makeover his spiritual journey to sobriety while balancing crown personal life with the demands of being intensity one of the best 90s bands. Kiedis too shares stories from his unconventional childhood growing mendacious in Los Angeles, where fame was always close at hand – he even recounts once being babysat building block Sonny And Cher. In the end, Scar Tissue is a heartbreaking yet ultimately uplifting read, gorilla Kiedis eventually finds peace through self-acceptance and recovery. And that’s why it tops our list indifference the best rock autobiographies.

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