Ever since the first one in sixth grade band biographies have always been enjoyable reading for me. In fact, as I've sought lighter reading during the covid shut-in I'm in the middle of a second one in a row.
At the moment I'm enjoying "Justice for All - The Truth About Metallica," by Joel McIver. In its forth edition, it is now updated through 2014. The early years get the most air time, and the story of how the guys came together is really worth the read. Having not yet finished it I'll reserve final judgment but thus far it's been a good one, albeit less well researched than the one that immediately preceded it in my queue.
And that was "Van Halen Rising," by Greg Renoff. As the title suggests its focus is the early, pre-stardom days. How they persevered and made their way to the top is really a great tale, and the author clearly did copious research and interviews with firsthand witnesses. In fact, the research was so fruitful that the author went on to write an biography of / with their producer Ted Templeman. Anyone who has an interest in VH should take a look. Funny to think I'm still reading books about Van Halen after that first one in sixth grade!
Many more sit on my shelves, the 33 1/3 series being well represented amongst them, and few if any have been time poorly spent. But if others have suggestions of good ones worth a look we could generate a good reading list here.
At the moment I'm enjoying "Justice for All - The Truth About Metallica," by Joel McIver. In its forth edition, it is now updated through 2014. The early years get the most air time, and the story of how the guys came together is really worth the read. Having not yet finished it I'll reserve final judgment but thus far it's been a good one, albeit less well researched than the one that immediately preceded it in my queue.
And that was "Van Halen Rising," by Greg Renoff. As the title suggests its focus is the early, pre-stardom days. How they persevered and made their way to the top is really a great tale, and the author clearly did copious research and interviews with firsthand witnesses. In fact, the research was so fruitful that the author went on to write an biography of / with their producer Ted Templeman. Anyone who has an interest in VH should take a look. Funny to think I'm still reading books about Van Halen after that first one in sixth grade!
Many more sit on my shelves, the 33 1/3 series being well represented amongst them, and few if any have been time poorly spent. But if others have suggestions of good ones worth a look we could generate a good reading list here.
