Music Memoirs I’m Currently Reading

Following on from ‘three rock documentaries you must watch’ are two books that, if you like that kind of thing, you must read. I have been bitten by the reading bug recently, I have to say it’s not like me to be juggling two books on the go but there’s something quite relaxing about spending my lunchtime indulging in somebody else’ world other than my workload.

‘Life’ by Keith Richards There are two indestructible creatures on this planet, the cockroach and Keith Richards. Documenting Richards’ life from a humble upbringing in Dartford to a rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle earmarked by a turbulent relationship with Anita Pallenberg played out alongside 1970’s bohemian culture, pure heroin, and how some of the best Rolling Stones music came about through a partnership with Mick Jagger that outlasted all of the sex, drugs, death, studio 54 and solo careers.

Before engulfing this one, familiarise yourself with Richards’ voice, if you read it as if you were listening to him, the story comes alive making you wish you were either on the road with The Stones or safely tucked up in bed with Horlicks. My favourite element of this book is Richards’ unwavering love for producing great music and the blues heroes that inspired him to do so. With a musical career spanning over 50 years and all of the cultural shifts since the 1960’s, the kohl liner wearing Grandad recalls…Life

‘Play On’ by Mick Fleetwood A band that withstood (almost) as many line ups as the Sugababes, Fleetwood Mac co-founder and percussionist Mick Fleetwood reflects on himself and his part in the most emotionally dysfunctional bands of our time. The intersecting lives of Fleetwood and other rock and roll legends such as Rod Stewart are documented as ‘swinging London’ heightened.

To date Fleetwoods ‘Rumours’ is one of the biggest selling albums of all time. The cement between the band, Fleetwood reflects on (despite financial success through music) multiple bankruptsy. Play On unearths new light on the bands raucous history and unearths the seeds that grew the legendary albums ‘Rumours’ and ‘Tusk.’ I’ve heard that if you’ve read Fleetwood’s 1990s autobiography there’s not much new in this document, but it is certainly well worth a read if you haven’t.