Who I Am by Pete Townshend

Who I Am by Pete Townshend 538 pages

So apparently, Pete Townshend was in this band called the Who...

Yeah, just kidding.  For those of you who are unaware, Pete Townsend is the guitarist, lead songwriter, and one of the founding members of the super famous rock group known as the Who.  "Who am I," Townshend's autobiography is a brilliantly written account of the legend's entire life up to the book's publishing in 2012, so there are now written accounts of the groups performance at the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London, but whatever.  Generally speaking, the book is very detailed, covering Townshend's entire life, as an autobiography should.  Also, as a plus, the audio version is read by the man himself, so it's almost as if Pete himself is talking in the room with you, or so I imagine as I read the print version.

As a Who fan, I found this book to be quite gripping, especially to find out how different Townshend's onstage and offstage persona's were.  As an admirer of classic rock, I found it very interesting to see how just about all the big bands back in the 60's and into 70's interacted with each other.  If you're a Who fan, read this book (if you haven't already).  If you're a fan of rock 'n roll, read this book.  Otherwise, you probably wouldn't find it too terribly interesting, but then again maybe you would.

Rock 'N' Roll Myths, The True Stories Behind The Most Infamous Legends by Gary Graff and Daniel Durchholz

Rock 'N Roll Myths, The True Stories behind The Most Infamous Legends by Gary Graff and Daniel Durchholz, 232 pages

I really like these kinds of books.  If you are a fan of rock and roll, you will probably enjoy this book.  My favorite myths are the ones that answer the age old question "Did Ozzy Osbourne and Alice Cooper bite the heads off bats and/or chickens?"  Also, the myth about Mama Cass and the ham sandwich is answered.  And, Stevie Nicks and her interesting way of doing coke.  Was it true?  Of course the book also talks about some interesting deaths too.  If you like rock and roll, you will like this book.  It is a very entertaining book with lots of great pictures!!

Mercury, by Lesley-Ann Jones

Mercury: an Intimate Biography of Freddie Mercury, by Lesley-Ann Jones, 368 pages

Freddie Mercury was quite an interesting character who did a lot in his short life.  The title is misleading, however- the author did not know Mercury, and certainly not enough to put "intimate" in the title.  The book is really more of a collection of excerpts from interviews by the author and others- at least, I presume so, since she doesn't include any source notes.  (Unacceptable for non-fiction, in my humble opinion)  There are a few photos of Freddie I've never seen, and a handful of interesting fourth-hand anecdotes, but there must be a better biography of this musical legend out there.

Tattoos and Tequila - Vince Neil

Tattoos and Tequila: To Hell and Back with One of Rock's Most Notorious Frontmen by Vince Neil with Mike Sager - 290 pages

True to Crue fashion, Vince Neil's biography is full of alcohol, drugs, sex, and downright debauchery. From his childhood as a California surfer to his rise to fame as the front man of one rock's most extravagant bands, we see Vince struggle with drugs and alcohol, women, and his fellow band mates. Through his four marriages, the death of his daughter Skylar, and his many stints in rehab the story is told through the voice of Vince from beginning to end and is a must-read for any Motley Crue fan.