Here it is. Your parent's worst nightmare. This is beyond what old people in the fifties worried about when Elvis first came on the scene. They wouldn't have even been able to envision the level of sin and depravity that is depicted in this book. It's dirty, it's disgusting, it's dangerous. It's the very epitome of rock and roll.
Think of any possible thing that comes to your mind when you think of the typical rock and roll band, and you will find it in this book. Sex, drugs, music, fights, destruction, tattoos, tours, dysfunctional relationships, rehab, accidents and so very much alcohol.
The story was set out well, with each chapter alternating between band members, so that we get each member's individual story as well as different points of view on the same incident. Often necessary considering that some stories are very different depending on whose eyes they're seen through.
I wouldn't call myself a fan of Motley Crue, I don't even know how many of their songs I'm familiar with, but I do love autobiographies, and this was recommended to me as being amazing. I knew of Tommy Lee from his marriage to Pamela Anderson but apart from that knew nothing about the band.
I was expecting much depravity between the pages of this book, and that's exactly what you get. Some incidents still managed to surprise me though, and there will be some very disturbing images seared into my brain forever. That's the great thing about autobiographies like this though, you get exposed to experiences that are outside your comfort zone, that are so far removed from your life that you wonder if people like this really exist.
Another thing I loved about this book was that the guys really delved into their own lives, showing us what they were like growing up and how Motley Crue came to be. Unsurprisingly, nothing was off-limits, with all their families and deepest problems displayed. This really brought out the human side of the band and brought the story to a place where, instead of just 'oh, here is a rock and roll band, look at their crazy antics', we see these four people who were each kind of damaged in their own way but worked hard and made themselves a success.
The guys have been through a lot, both as a band and individually, and while at times it would have been a nightmare to be in the general vicinity of them, it seems that as they have gotten older they have gotten wiser and can look back with a new perspective.
It will make you laugh, it will make you cry, it might make you vomit. It will definitely make you have some feelings, whether they be disgust, pity, amusement or sympathy. You might devour this book, or it might inspire you to throw it across the room into the fire; either way it won't be boring.
Fun fact: There is a film adaption apparently in the works, so that should definitely be interesting.
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