1. How long did it take you to write the book?

It was longer than I envisioned it would be. I wasn’t as hands on as I thought I would be regarding the layout. The photos have very big part to the book. They are a huge part of the story. It was different to me because I was doing radio for all these years where it was so immediate when you say something everyone hears about it. Doing television it lives on forever. You start on it you spend six months on the book. Then there is another six months before the draft… there is a long process there.

2. Are you ever nervous interviewing rock stars?

No. I’ve done it for so long most of them (rock stars) I can say have become friends or if not friends people I know very well I know where we can and cannot go… there is a great comfort zone so no I don’t get nervous.

3. Who was the most surprising rock star you ever meet or interviewed?

The one I get the most asked about was in 2006 when Axl Rose walked into to my radio station. That would qualify as surprising because we never knew he was coming in. Obviously, it is something people still take about. That is one instant that I was a little nervous because I don’t know Axl. One thing I know is that he can be a little edgy and you never know what is going to tweak him and make him want to leave so you want to make him comfortable. Having him sitting next to me and having a bunch of people in the studio that night to navigate that was a challenge but it was fun.

4. Would you ever considered going back and working for a record label?

Sadly, there is not a lot of them left. The record industry has changed so much since I have worked in it. The industry has completely turned on its head. Funny you asked me that question because it’s not a question I have heard in awhile. The answer is yes! I am enjoying what I am doing now being on the other side of it. I enjoy and am thankful for the fans I have and the relationships with the artists and is certainly don’t want this ride to end. I feel like I have a lot more to contribute a lot more work that I want to do to spread the word about this music and these bands and hopefully entertain people and give these artists platforms TV and radio to talk about their careers and I don’t want that to end. Obviously, the world of media is changing too. If I did find myself in the position (to work at a label) I would not rule that out. I think that I could be valuable to companies and there have been companies that have reached out to me about possible consultant roles, brand things with my name and possible imprint record label stuff like that. All of it sounds interesting and I entertain the idea of it, but I never want to do it just to do it or just for ego. I want to do it and if I have a record label and I want to be confident that I have a great label that is going to give these artists a real shot. Just to put my name out there doesn’t mean a lot to me.

5. Do you think that your knowledge for trivia is like someone’s knowledge for trivia stats for baseball?

Sure, whatever your expertise is whatever you are known for. I think there is a parallel for sports in general with it because there are a lot of baseball, football fans whatever they are that’s there forte that is what they are known for. People like to argue and debating it just like rock ‘n roll. People say all the time, “Oh, I can’t believe how much you know.” Two things, I don’t think I know it all by any stretch when it comes to music. Secondly, I probably know a little more than the average guy when it comes to music but I think of people who are doctors, surgeons and scientists I just don’t think about guys that know a lot about music.

6. What do you know for sure personally and professionally?

I am sure on a professional level at this point in my life I am a pretty good interviewer. Even somebody like Dick Cavett has told me that. I am pretty sure of my ability to talk to anybody about anything. Even artists that I don’t know or I am not fans of. I can strike up conversation and see what makes them tick. I really pride my ability on being able to talk on general and create a comfort zone for these artists so they open up without alienating them. I am sure of my professionalism too. I have been in this business a long time and I never got into drugs, never ran with the wrong crowd. I never been high or late or not functional at work I have always been grateful for the work I have gotten. I have never gotten into contract squabbles. I show up I get the job done. I do it to the best of my abilities. I don’t take it for granted. I make sure I do the best with every opportunity I have.

7. Is there any truth about AC/DC hiring Brian Johnson who they met as a limo/or cab driver?

I don’t know that. Brian who I know and is a wonderful guy. Brian sang in a band named Geordie prior to getting the job with AC/DC. He was a singer and Bon Scott saw him perform before he died and said if I wasn’t around that guy (Brian Johnson) would be a great singer. Bon Scott gave him his blessing. I am sure at one point in his life Brian Johnson might have had a job as a cab driver.

8. Did you know that Vinnie Appice (Black Sabbath) worked for Verizon?

That is very possible… There is a perception that if you are in the rock business at any level then you are immediately rich successful and you don’t need to work. The cold hard truth is that is not reality. People think that if you ever put a record out you’re set and if you ever have a video out on MTV back in the day you’re set. That couldn’t be farther from the truth. The music business the second word business is the really important part of the equation. Everybody runs their business in different way. Some guys are hired session guys where some guys are not band members where they only appear in the pictures – they are just employees of the band. Everybody has a different deal if you are one of the key guys and you own part of the band or have the publishing and you have a lot of success then that could really carry you. You might be a salary guy and the money ran out a long time ago… There are plenty guys out there that have day jobs that people would be shocked to find out about.

9. How come you didn’t include Ironman on your list of best songs by Black Sabbath?

Every list on the Play list intentionally excludes the bands well-known songs. “Welcome to the Jungle” is not listed on the Gun’s N Roses best list, “Rock ‘N Roll All Night” is not listed on the KISS list. To me those lists were about exposing other songs that people should check out that they might not know. Everybody knows hits. Playlists were a very tricky part of the book. There were a ton of songs that had to be cut back because of space. The songs are not in any order. Number one is not the best song it is just the way the layout had to be. It was just a fun thing to show the deeper tracks I think people should check out. I don’t ever play their well-known hits from these artists on my radio show. I am about trying to expose other stuff.

10. I was surprised to read that Paul Stanley and Ozzy Osbourne were standoffish with you?

In the case of Ozzy I don’t know if Ozzy knows about it it is his wife and manager Sharon. I don’t know Sharon that well she would stop Ozzy from doing anything with me. I haven’t had any interaction like that and it makes it extremely frustrating. Because if you don’t have direct conversation like that you are only guessing and I honestly have no idea what it is? Do I have opinions about what Ozzy has done and has not done. Absolutely, as has any critic in the world. So what’s the big deal? Ozzy has stated that himself. That I don’t understand and it’s pretty baffling to me. There has not been any direct communication so there’s not much to do about it.

The thing with Paul Stanley is kinda strange to me because I have been a massive supporter of the band for thirty years. 99% support I have for that band has been extremely positive and I am still the only person in their hometown that actually plays their music. But have I been critical of what they have done recently? Absolutely! As a fan I find it hard to look at what they are doing with the band now. But if people are fine with it that’s great I gave my opinion. I am a fan! I am entitled to give an opinion and I don’t think anyone should be afraid to give their opinions. And if you don’t agree with it come on discuss it, debate it, let’s talk about it. There are plenty of artists that have been on my radio show and TV show who I have been very critical about things they have done throughout their career There is nobody that is a fan of music that hasn’t said that they liked one thing or another. What makes my show work and makes it successful is we not afraid and don’t pull punches we say how we feel as fans. We get into debating it ourselves. We fight with ourselves about this stuff. It’s not right or wrong it’s having the discussion and the debate. Most of the artists get that and appreciate it and respect that. Others, unfortunately don’t see it that way and if you say one thing negatively they make the wrong conclusions walk away from you. As I say to everybody my door is open to everyone and hope that they will eventually come around and have a discussion and debate it. I have the upmost respect for people like Lars Ulrich the Def Leppard guys, so many of these guys that I have been critical about they have never held it against me still invite me to their shows. Rush the same thing… many times I said about Rush I wish they played edgier music in the ‘80s. Alex Lifeson came up to me and said that he agree with me 100%. You never know where it’s coming from you just have to do what you do and hope it all works out in the end. To me the most important thing on that thought is having dialogue not talking to other people, not reading stuff online, did this person say this or that not reading chat rooms or postings but have direct contact have direct communication. If you have a problem with something a person said come speak to the person directly. Have a discussion. Don’t buy second or third hand stuff. That’s the one thing I find mind really boggling.

11. What are your new favorite bands?

There are a number of them out there… I guess my favorite new band is Black Country Communion. I love those guys they made two records less than a year and both are really good records. I am a big Glenn Hughes fan, Jason Bonham, Derek Shennian, and Joe Bonamassa are remarkable. They are a new band but each of the guys have a history.

12. Is there anything you would like to include in this conversation?

I am grateful for the support of the book and people who have gotten it so far absolutely love it and it’s been unanimously really well received. I appreciate in the bigger picture of everybody and anybody that cares what I do. Up on thirty years and I don’t take it for granted. I am grateful and appreciative I have put a lot of work into this to build this whatever this is. I never get to high or too low. I am just appreciative about the people I have met that appreciates what I do. Thanks to them. Keep fighting the fight and hoping these bands have platforms and keep getting their do and people can discover some great music.

A Journey Through the Michigan Underground 

Written by Brett Callwood

Foreword by Alice Cooper

Afterword by Glenn Danzig

Available September 2011, Published by Wayne State University Press

Size: 6 x 9, Pages: 200, Illustrations: 14

 ”With each ‘Stooge’ getting close to equal billing, Callwood’s research results in a thorough exploration-and explanation-of the band’s seismic importance to the
Detroit music scene. Interesting, amusing, and engaging, The Stooges: Head On will enlighten even the biggest Stooges fan. -TL, Rhythm

“The drugs! The debauchery! The decadence! The wild-man performances from Iggy Pop, a man with a taste for peanut butter-not to eat, but to smear on his chest-and broken glass, which he likewise worked into his flesh while on stage. It’s all here in Brett Callwood’s exhaustive account of the rise and demise of the Stooges, the Michigan band who effectively invented punk rock.” -David Cheal, Telegraph

“It’s a good book. I thank you for writing it.” – Iggy Pop

If the MC5 were Detroit’s political spokesmen for the disenchanted youth of the 1960s, then the Stooges were the loutish kids, heckling from the back of the room. While conventional wisdom says they could barely play their instruments, the Stooges left an indelible mark on the world of punk rock, and the band’s initial three albums-The Stooges, Fun House and Raw Power-are bona fide classics. In The Stooges: Head On author Brett Callwood treats the band’s story not just as an early chapter in the career of its famous front man, Iggy Pop, but from the Stooges’ beginnings at the end of the 1960s, to its end in the early 1970s, and to its reunion in 2003 through the present.   “Writing a Stooges biography was a no-brainer for me,” Callwood states. “My first book is about the MC5 and in researching that while still living in London, I had traveled to Detroit / Ann Arbor and fallen in love with the whole area and its music. I had made many friends and established many contacts that were and are associated with both the MC5 and the Stooges, so that made the process easier to get started. Also, when I wrote this book there wasn’t a decent Stooges book on the shelves. There are a lot of Iggy books out there, but mine is the first full Stooges biography.”   In compiling this exhaustive account of the band’s history, Callwood interviewed all of the central and sometimes Stooges members, including Iggy Pop, Ron and Scott Asheton, James Williamson, Mike Watt, Steve Mackay, and Scott Thurston, and largely lets the band tell its own story in numerous long quotes. Callwood details the band’s genesis as teenage friends in Ann Arbor, their time living together in their legendary party houses in the 1960s, and the recording of the three original Stooges albums. He examines the addition of James Williamson to the band on Raw Power and how it changed the band’s sound and dynamic, along with the band’s fateful meeting with David Bowie on its first British tour.   As Iggy broke out as a solo artist during the 1970s and 1980s, Callwood charts the Asheton brothers’ post-Stooges experiences, with Ron’s turns in The New Order, Destroy All Monsters, and Dark Carnival, and Scott Asheton’s time with the Farleys and Sonic’s Rendezvous Band. He also provides an overview of Iggy’s solo career, the seeds of a reunion that were planted with a collaboration on Iggy’s Skull Ring album, and the eventual reformation of the band and the recording of their fourth album, The Weirdness, in 2007.   Originally published in the U.K. in 2007, The Stooges: Head On has been revised to expand on the original story and also to consider Ron Asheton’s untimely death in 2009 and his musical legacy, the band’s fate without Ron, and the Stooges’ long-overdue introduction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010.   “Scott didn’t want to talk at all for the first edition… He rarely does interviews,” said Callwood. “However, after his brother passed away and I was writing for this American edition, he talked to me and really opened up. It was a very moving, humbling experience.”   Wayne State University Press is a distinctive urban publisher committed to supporting its parent institution’s core research, teaching, and service mission by generating high quality scholarly and general interest works of global importance. Through its publishing program, the Press disseminates research, advances education, and serves the local community while expanding the international reputation of the Press and the University.   Photos, Author Bio, Additional Assests:  http://wsupress.wayne.edu/books/1212/Stooges   #          #          #

Steven Adler is ready to put the past behind him and make 2011 a banner year for the veteran rocker. “I made a 180 degree turn in my life,” Adler says of his most recent appearance on Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew Pinskey and Bob Forrest, “It was the best thing I ever did for myself.  I have a wonderful wife, a house, 2 cars in the garage, 3 dogs and money in the bank.  It genuinely feels like I’m living the ultimate American dream, not only that, but I’m loving it!”

Adler’s autobiography tracks the roller-coaster years since he and junior high classmate Slash joined Izzy Stradlin, Duff McKagan and W. Axl Rose to form Guns N’ Roses and create some of the most indelible heavy music of the late 20th Century.  “That book shows all the warts and tattoos and scars of my life in rock and roll,” Adler says. “I’ve burned the candle with superstars and survived to share the story with you. My book came out when we were on tour—I read the book, went home, built a big fire in my fireplace, and I threw my book in it. That’s my past. I want to leave it and move on to the future.”

Steven’s band, Adler’s Appetite, features Michael Thomas on lead guitar, Lonny Paul on rhythm guitar, Chip Z’nuff on bass, Adler on drums, and Patrick Stone on vocals.  “We are all excited about bringing the big rock show to our fans on the upcoming tour!” While the live Appetite show rests solidly on G N’ R classics co-penned by Adler, such as “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” the band has also released three new songs and are on sale on iTunes.  Their latest single is titled “’Alive,’ Adler says, as in “it’s good to be alive,” while the complete album should drop by the end of the year.

Tour dates are as follows:

May

City/State/Venue

05
Redondo Beach, CA Brixton

06
Santa Ana, CA Galaxy Theater

07
Las Vegas, NV Vamp’d

09
Kennewick, WA Rocker Reactor

10
Seattle, WA Hard Rock Cafe

11
Portland, OR Dante’s

12
Bend, OR Domino Room

13
Boise, ID Knitting Factory

14
Idaho Falls, ID Rock n’ Rally/Kingston Plaza

15
Fort Collins, CO Crazy Jacks

18
Wapakoneta, OH Route 33 Rhythm & Blues

19
Indianapolis, IN The Vogue

20
Greenberg, PA 42nd Street Sports Bar & Lounge

21
Bensalem, PA TD Amphitheater

22
Luzerne, PA Brews Brothers West

25
Mt. Clemens, MI Hayloft

26
Menasa, WI Waverly Beach

27
Danville, IL David S. Palmer Arena

28
Conseville, IA Hog Wild Rodeo-Circleof Pride Rodeo

29
North Kansas City, MO VooDoo Lounge

30
Wilmington, IL Freaksters Roadhouse

June

City/State/Venue

01
Crystal Lake, IL Buzz Lounge

02
Austin, MN Torge’s Live

03
Minniapolis, MN Hell’s Kitchen

04
Sturgis, MI Hamilton Harley Davidson

06
Baltimore, MD Quarter Room @ Bourbon

08
West Greenwich, RI The Rock House

09
Norway, ME Crazy 8’s

10
Farmingdale, NY Crazy Donkey

11
Newark, DE The Cube

12
Greensboro, NC Arizona Pete’s

15
Buford, GA 37 Main

16
Columbus, GA Spicolis

17
Augusta, GA Jessye Norman

18
Daytona Beach, FL Sickboys

21
Texarkana, AR Road Map Bar

22
Wichita Falls, TX Iron Horse Pub

23
Corpus Cristi, TX Revolution

24
Temple, TX Lone Star Sports Bar & Grill

25
San Antonio, TX Click’s Live

26
Houston, TX Press Box

28
Mesa, AZ UB’s Bar

29
San Diego, CA 4th & B

July

City/State/Venue

01
San Francisco, CA Red Devil Lounge

02
Gilroy, CA 9 Lives

03
Las Vegas, NV Diablos

16
West Hollywood, CA Key Club

More dates being added, please keep checking for updates near you!

http://www.facebook.com/stevenadlersite2
http://www.adlersappetiteonline.com

Sixx:A.M.’s “THIS IS GONNA HURT” CD OUT TODAY

Lead Single, “Lies of the Beautiful People”

Top 5 Rock Radio Hit

One would probably never think of an audio technician’s guide as being a thrilling page-turner, but here is one that is exactly that. ‘Rockin’ Your Stage Sound’ is an engaging, well-crafted book that invites a new generation of audiophiles to learn the technical, practical, and political aspects of the job, from customizing mixing approaches and choosing the right equipment to working with artists and other engineers.  Author, Rob Gainey compiles many top rate musicians’ favorite tips, not yet shared with anyone. He balances a lively writing style with essential details, including complete gear lists and informative sidebars that offer specific advice on how to get started and how to get and keep the gig. He successfully links the bridge amid the constant ‘love-hate’ relationship between musicians and sound engineers and the communication gaps between them.

Surprisingly devoid of technical gibberish, the book reads in a very accessible, casual, down-to-earth way, but it’s the sharply observed detail and intensity that matter.“Rockin’ Your Stage Sound” would be of great help to any musician handling their own stage sound, as well as aid their relationship with their sound techs. The straightforward introduction to audio techniques guides the beginner through principles such as tone, set up, monitor systems, input sources, organization and sound checks. An understanding of the basic principles is essential to anyone wishing to make successful live sound. However, “Rockin’ Your Stage Sound” isn’t only for beginners – this is one of those books that tells you a little more than you thought you knew, even if you thought you knew it all! This book explains the principles of sound, perception, audio technology and systems. Whilst offering vital reading for audio students and trainee engineers. This guide is ideal for anyone concerned with audio, sound and recording, beginners and professionals alike.

Gainey pleads that his readers not skip ahead as they read through the book, although they’ll probably find it impossible not to. It’s very hard to resist the insightful, sometimes bizarre, and always entertaining anecdotes and experiences about the climb to the big time throughout the book. Fans will surely find these tips informative and entertaining. The book brims over with solid advice from professional musicians of all types and styles and world-renown sound engineers. They all offer illuminating insights into how the pros make live shows sound as good as they do.

This handy manual contains valuable information on using EQ, speaker specifics, mics, and techniques for small club and large concert sound, control reverberation, interference, noise distortion much more, without page-filling formulas or mind-boggling abstractions. “Rockin’ Your Stage Sound” includes helpful diagrams, an index and an interactive-web resource so readers can practice the techniques demonstrated in the book. The illustrations and detailed explanations guide the reader to a full understanding of the usage and operation of the different types of equipment used. The ‘In Conclusion’ sections give succinct information on the areas covered, address key points and aid learning process. There are also some good sections where the author politely and effectively debunks possible preconceptions that readers might have.

Without question, “Rockin’ Your Sound Stage” is mandatory reading for anyone who mixes live sound or anyone involved with recording or reproducing audio. My personal opinion, anyone working in the music business needs to read this book.

www.rockinyourstagesound.com

THE ULTIMATE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY  

By Phil Sutcliffe  

<!–[endif]–>FIRST COMPLETE ‘ILLUSTRATED RETROSPECTIVE’ BOOK ON ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR BANDS IN ROCK HISTORY, CELEBRATES 4 DECADES IN WORDS AND PHOTOS  

MINNEAPOLIS ? Voyageur Press has joined forces with renowned rock journalist Phil Sutcliffe for the brand new book, AC/DC – HIGH-VOLTAGE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL: The Ultimate Illustrated History. This lovingly assembled tome — the first complete illustrated history published about this legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee — arrives October 15^th, 2010 to celebrate four decades of simply ass-kicking rock n’ roll, perfectly mixing expertly researched text and many never-before-seen photos. This heavy duty 224-page volume follows AC/DC’s long-and-winding career, from the early days as a bar band in Australia, through the tragic passing of singer Bon Scott, and of course, their massive comeback success with one of rock’s all-time classic (and best-selling) albums, Back in Black.  

AC/DC is currently comprised of Brian Johnson (vocals), Angus Young (lead guitar), Malcolm Young (rhythm guitar), Cliff Williams (bass), and Phil Rudd (drums). Formed in Australia during the early 1970s, the group — then lead by hard-living frontman Bon Scott — became a regional sensation with a brand of tough, bluesy hard rock, that soon translated globally, on the strength of such classics as “T.N.T.,” “Dirty Deeds,” “Whole Lotta Rosie,” “Sin City,” and “Highway to Hell.” But on the eve of becoming a worldwide arena headliner, Scott died in 1980 after a hard night of drinking. Replaced by Johnson, the group issued Back in Black just a few months later, and has been rightfully considered one of rock’s all-time great recording and live acts.  

Featuring over 400 illustrations (including handbills, posters, backstage passes, and vinyl from around the globe, as well as rare candid and performance photography), and a special “spinner” cover image of Angus Young, AC/DC – HIGH-VOLTAGE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL: The Ultimate Illustrated History is sure to appeal to both the longtime fan and the newcomer. Sidebars by rock’s finest journalists weighing in on various eras of the AC/DC are included throughout the book, as well as an album-by-album analysis, and info on the guitar gear championed by the Young brothers. While many AC/DC fans have heard and experienced the group live on stage numerous times over the years, there has simply never been a book which has chronicled the group’s entire history as vividly as AC/DC – HIGH-VOLTAGE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL: The Ultimate Illustrated History.  

In addition to the AC/DC book, Voyageur Press will be issuing another major rock title this fall, Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot’s THE BEATLES VS. THE ROLLING STONES: Sound Opinions on the Great Rock n’ Roll Rivalry. These titles join Voyageur Press’ other most recent “Illustrated History” releases, Dan Durchholz’s and Gary Graff’s NEIL YOUNG: Long May You Run,Jon Bream’s NEIL DIAMOND IS FOREVER: The Illustrated Story of the Man and His Music , Phil Sutcliffe’s QUEEN: The Crown Kings of Rock, and Jim DeRogatis’ THE VELVET UNDERGROUND: An Illustrated History of A Walk on the Wild Side. All are jam-packed with photos, artifacts, and comprehensive histories of each artist.  

ABOUT VOYAGEUR PRESS:

 Since 1972, Voyageur Press has published high-quality books and calendars in a variety of subjects, including nature and science, regional interest and travel, American heritage and country life, crafts, sports, and more.  

ABOUT PHIL SUTCLIFFE:  

London-based freelance journalist Phil Sutcliffe has been writing about rock since 1974 and has interviewed greats like Paul McCartney, Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen, Pink Floyd, Kate Bush, Radiohead, Nirvana, Nick Cave, and Queen. His work has appeared in myriad publications, including Mojo, Q, the Los Angeles Times, Blender, Sounds, and more. Phil’s back catalog is mostly available on the world’s best archive of music writing: www.rocksbackpages.com. Phil is also the author of Voyageur Press’ Queen: The Ultimate Illustrated History of the Crown Kings of Rock. 

For more information on these and other Voyageur titles, go to www.voyageurpress.com.

My rating points: 9 out of 10

Hermosa Beach, California is where new coming novelist, J. Matthew Nespoli resides, with his loving wife and newborn son, Mr. Nespoli has spent his time traveling, meeting new people, and keeping himself occupied at all costs, and now he’s finally cranked! Well sort of, with his debut efforts entitled “Broken”.

Mr. Nespoli takes us into the lives of thirteen complete strangers whose lives have become entangled in a mix-matched misfortune of unforgiving tragedy. Chronicling their journey as they seek what most would want more than anything in a crisis such as theirs…. happiness. Take Skye for instance, she’s a teenager on the rise of rock stardom. Suffering the despair of becoming homeless let alone battling the fence addiction of being a drug addict, this rock star will forever live a dreamless land of unattainable misery. Whilst Amber, a young mother on the run, is running for her life from two dangerous men from her past, who of course want nothing more than to have their way with this little dismal in distress. But will they have their chance?

It’s untelling what might happen but then again you never know until you read in and see for yourself. But enough about the girl’s lives what about the men? Indeed these two young women do befriend one another building an unforgettable bond unlike any other. Whereas Dylan and TJ suffer their own misfortunes, Dylan being a pseudo-intellectual-Chuck Palahniuk wanna-be type, not to mention being a total cynic. While his roommate TJ takes the night shift flipping burgers at the local mall stand while struggling to full fill his dream of becoming the next world famous actor. Both these men haven’t gotten a clue as to how their lives will end up.

In the end, “Broken”, walks away with being that must read book of the New Year – having won an award for being the best short story from Joyous Publishing in 2006, but has also been adapted as a screenplay currently being shopped around the Hollywood turf. Fans of such films as Crash, and Fight Club will easily fall head over heels.

My rating points: 9 out of 10

Ozzy Osbourne has taken us through a wonderful in-depth journey that has been his life. When I picked up the book, I knew that I’ll find it to be very interesting, but I can honestly say that it exceeded all my expectations.

Ozzy has told his story in two parts, part 1 ‘In The Beginning …’ in which he talks about everything from his childhood to his getting fired from Black Sabbath in 1979 while part 2 ‘Starting Over’ takes us from there to his own band’s quest and brings us almost to the present day Ozzy. The book also contains an awesome collection of pictures. Part 1 is the real gem here. For a Black Sabbath and Ozzy fan, it is nothing short of priceless.

He starts off by telling us the various ways in which he tried to earn money and support his family in his childhood days, some of which will leave you go, ‘Wow! Ozzy did THAT?’ He gives a greatly detailed account of whatever happened to him and around him in those days, including his stint in prison. He also gives glimpses of his addictive personality from a very early age. From there the book moves on to the most amazing, endearing story about the formation of Black Sabbath through the ‘Ozzy Zig Needs Gig; owns PA’ advert and their early before naming the band Black Sabbath, taking just one day to record the first album. Ozzy not only talks about what it took to get all this done, meet the other members of the original line-up and get a record deal, but also reveals a lot about Geezer, Tony and Bill from back in the formative years.

The rest of part 1 gets more and more fascinating as you continue reading it, never wanting to put the book down. It is full of ridiculously funny incidents and anecdotes that are sure to leave you in splits. I have literally never had so much fun reading a book before, laughing out loud at countless instances. It was more about how much shock value their music had in those days and the hilariously described reactions among the crowd wherever they played. Besides this, there are also instances where the band members play pranks on each other and get unbelievably high on drugs and alcohol. The lunatic Satan worshippers who mistook Sabbath for a Satanist band have been mentioned as well. One particular hotel story involving Ozzy’s way of dealing with them and another one about his attempt to hide the coke from the cops will have you falling out of your chair or bed laughing all the way.

On the down side, such things like touring hardships, encounters with record companies, lawsuits puts things into perspective quite a bit and Ozzy makes sure to let us know that being in Black Sabbath was not always about the ‘Rock N Roll’. The kind of effort which they put in to travel across Europe for the first time really tell us what it took to become a successful band in those days. For Ozzy, it would have been a lot easier to recall the good memories rather than the bad ones, but he has done a great job in recollecting both kinds, specially towards the end of part 1 which deals with his crazy drunken outbursts, failing marriage, the decline of Black Sabbath and his firing from the band.

Part 2 continues describing the countless drunken escapades he had. This is also where he talks about his love affair with Sharon and how she was the one responsible to pull him together and get his band going. The part about him meeting Randy Rhoads and hiring him isn’t as detailed as the story about the Sabbath guys, but it really was the part I was most looking forward to read and it still leaves a charming impact on the reader. The description of Randy’s fatally tragic accident left me quite upset and a picture of him and Rachel Youngblood, their costume and make-up specialist, just before they boarded that plane, almost brought a tear or two.

The story goes a little bit into Ozzy’s gigs for his own band and how outrageous they were to how Sharon got Ozzfest going and impacted Ozzy’s career, but generally it mentions less and less about the band and more about Ozzy’s personal life, his health problems due to the ridiculous amounts of drug and alcohol consumption, the birth and growing up of his children, the fights with Sharon, his rehab stories and of course the infamous dove and bat eating episodes. The way he and his family dealt with the reality show and the attention from the press and public goes to show how much Ozzy hated it and the fact that he did it for the sake of Sharon and the kids.

I would mention very few points of criticism that I have for this book, mainly the almost zero mention of Zakk Wylde, the absent explanation of what happened at Ozzfest 2005 with Iron Maiden and the lack of mention given to the various musicians who played in the band after the Randy Rhoads years. These are just about the only things that are preventing me from giving this a perfect 10.

Overall, I am simply amazed by how much Ozzy has been able to remember to put it down as ‘I Am OZZY’, despite, in his own words, “being loaded on booze, coke, acid, Quaaludes, glue, cough mixture, heroin, Rophynol, Klonopin, Vicodin and too many other heavy-duty substances to list, and on more than a few occasions all at the same time”. At this point, until some of the other people mentioned in the book come out in the press or in their own books with contradictions, I am inclined to believe whatever he has said in this book. An absolute must-read and must-have for any rock music fan. Two thumbs up!!

www.ozzy.com