Tag Archives: biography

(book review) Lonely Boy – Tales from a Sex Pistol

I admit that punk rock 77 style and all those early bands except maybe Damned are not my thing, nor they have ever been. I grew up into more of California skate punk and hardcore bands, and all that British punk legends were just too boring and slow with their punk rock anthems and disgusting vocals, like Johhny Rotten, singer of Sex Pistols, his goat like singing is still something that makes me puke.

So, I decided to learn more and get this book, written by guitarist of Sex Pistols, one of the most known and legendary first wave punk bands ever. In this book, he deals with his life, from upbringing as poor boy, lonely and abused, to playing with Pistols and all the wild years of punk, drugs and rock n roll, to his later work and bringing himself up from the gutter to host popular radio show and deliver some solo work and guest guitar playing to some of the biggest rock stars. Book is divided into three parts, before Pistols, during and after. What I do mind about this man is total rock star attitude, spitting on all punk ideals and proclaiming that all punks who stick to the ideals and free philosophy are losers and that all is about money and nothing is about music. The guy is obnoxious, full of himself and I totally dislike him. But, like they say, never trust a junkie, huh? Okay book about an asshole who has illusions of grandeur.

(books) Andrew O´Neill – A history of heavy metal

I know what most of you think when you see the title of this book and review. Oh no, not another heavy metal history book about this beloved genre of music and there were tons of them written before. No, this one is a keeper. Andrew O´Neill is metal and hardcore punk musician who did a comedy show called A History Of Heavy Metal about this music by fan for fans and done in humoristic, refreshing and also informative way. This book is an expanded edition of that show. There are chapters from literally heavy metal done by neanderthals to Black Sabbath, doom thrash, black metal, death metal, even plagues such as metalcore and nu metal. I caught myself laughing many times while reading this and I really enjoyed every second and page turning eager to see what is next. This is a crazy, hilarious and superb book for all metal fans, but those who are not into metal could read it to. But they will not understand it. Or maybe? There are anecdotes, facts and humor all in one place. A heartfelt recommendation for this one.

10/10

(book review) Do What You Want The Story Of Bad Religion – Jim Ruland and Bad Religion

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I have waited for a long time to read this one and now that I have, I must say that I am satisfied with this book. Bad Religion are one of the most important punk rock bands in the world and especially in melodic punk hardcore genre and they recently celebrated 40 years in the scene. This book is an autobiography of all ups and downs, from early days till today. Depicts all line-up changes and heartbreaks, alcohol and drug abuse problems and major label controversy. Also, this book has healthy dose of anecdotes that I wanted to read about mixed with more historical contents, like the rise of Epitaph Records and all that punk rock boom in the nineties. This band was always special to me, because through their album Generator I discovered melodic punk and skatepunk scene and my life hasn´t been the same since, that being my other love besides metal. This book is easy to read, it is interesting and doesn´t let up until the very end making you go play all your favorite BR records and songs over and over again celebrating this great band. I saw them play live only once in 2018 and I will definitely check them out as soon gigs and festivals start again. Until then, go get this nice book.