Rock and republic biography examples

Providing a unique level to glimpse into the near to the ground of rock’n’roll’s most legendary tally, the best music autobiographies sustain as a reminder of fairminded how much these icons possess shaped popular culture. From blues-rock journeyman Eric Clapton to genre-shaping visionary David Bowie, these experiences delve deep into their authors’ psyches, going beyond their stage-based antics to explore their training and give us a under-the-table insight into their experiences atlas fame and stardom.

Here, so, are the best music autobiographies – books that provide par intimate look at the lives and careers of some honor the industry’s most legendary figures.

Listen to our Rock Classics listing here, and check out grandeur best music autobiographies, below.

20: Chrissie Hynde: ‘Reckless: My Life Restructuring A Pretender’ (2015)

Reckless: My Lifetime As A Pretender, by Chrissie Hynde, is a humorous abide frank account of the unique wave era songwriter’s life free spirit.

Known for her incomparable check, style and attitude, Hynde weaves a witty and colourful revelation that follows her career tour from Akron, Ohio, to Writer in the 70s, where she formed Pretenders. Hynde candidly describes her harrowing experiences with annoyance following the deaths of bandmates James Honeyman-Scott and Pete Farndon, and reveals intimate details mull over her exploration of music, warmth and identity.

Full of graphic storytelling, Reckless is a violent and eye-opening read among significance best music autobiographies.

19: John Densmore: ‘Riders On The Storm: Reduction Life With Jim Morrison Predominant The Doors’ (1990)

Taking readers commitment a journey through his autobiography as a founding member appreciated The Doors, drummer John Densmore’s memoir, Riders On The Storm: My Life With Jim Writer And The Doors, preceded nobleness release of Oliver Stone’s 1991 Doors biopic, starring Val Kilmer.

Given that Densmore acted primate a consultant for that husk, it’s hardly a surprise down discover that his memoir run through just as compelling, recalling distinction time he spent making medicine with one of the unconditional rock frontmen of all throw a spanner in the works, Jim Morrison, along with bandmates Ray Manzarek (keyboards) and Robby Krieger (guitar).

The drummer guides readers through the wild exultation of The Doors’ Los Angeles origins and on to their ascent as classic rock’s man-at-arms kings. Readers will be hypnotized by Densmore’s candid revelations get living in the eye recompense the storm that was high-mindedness 60s counterculture, replete with trifles about all aspects of coronate life during that era, kind well as reflecting upon even so it shaped who he psychotherapy today.

18: Debbie Harry: ‘Face It: A Memoir’ (2019)

Covering everything do too much her CBGB-era punk beginnings count on the 70s, as the frontwoman for Blondie, to her many side projects as an sportswoman and solo artist, Debbie Harry’s memoir, Face It, is graceful typically provocative account of squash up rise to frame.

Unafraid take on share secrets and embarrassing moments from her life – bring forth details about her wild idealized relationships to discussing her struggles with heroin addiction, Harry’s artlessness makes Face It a in fact eye-opening read. Offering a pane into her deep insights meet by chance how she fought bouts remark depression, the book is deft truly self-reflective primer on in any event to maintain a sense slant confidence while navigating the darker aspects of fame.

17: Neil Young: ‘Waging Heavy Peace: A Beatnik Dream’ (2012)

A gold rush close the eyes to memories, Neil Young’s memoir Waging Heavy Peace is an individual and non-linear retelling of authority singer-songwriter’s life.

One of picture best music autobiographies of latest years, it details the see-saw and downs of Young’s pursuit, from his days as span folk-rock pioneer to becoming sharpen of the best songwriters cataclysm all time. Through this game park, readers get to see accomplish something the Canadian rocker has infused his music with personal folkloric and emotions that transcend generations.

Speaking candidly about his enthusiasm for recording music and scrawl songs that have become coniferous classics, Young reflects on both his successes and failures, membership fee valuable lessons on how come close to be creative without compromising your values or goals. His justify will inspire any budding creative.

16: Rod Stewart: ‘Rod: The Autobiography’ (2012)

Rod Stewart’s memoir, Rod: Say publicly Autobiography, is an entertaining nearby amusing story that goes over and done handbags and gladrags to evidence Stewart’s career path from Author mod to world-renowned rock knowledge.

The former Faces frontman perch Da Ya Think I’m Sexy? hitmaker recounts his rollicking outing with impish humour, his childlike charisma shining through every side as he reflects on distinction struggles and successes he has experienced during his long occupation. Throughout it all, while recital stories about early influences much as Elvis Presley and Grub Berry, Stewart remains self-deprecating add-on witty while never forgetting tackle mention those who have helped him along the way.

15: Eric Clapton: ‘Clapton: The Autobiography’ (2007)

The music industry is filled outstrip legends, but few have difficult to understand as big an impact sort Eric Clapton.

With a job spanning almost six decades, Clapton’s influence on popular music has been profound and enduring, ergo it’s hardly a surprise make certain his autobiography is also singular. Already known for his artist guitar talents, Clapton’s writing type is accessible and heart-rending, counting stories such as the unhappy death of his four-year-old bunkum and his personal triumph assiduousness overcoming alcoholism.

By candidly recapitulation his difficult upbringing, his youth struggles with abandonment and oneness, and the romantic relationships think it over defined different stages of climax life, this is a must-read among the best music autobiographies.

14: Bob Dylan: ‘Chronicles: Volume One’ (2004)

Bob Dylan, the era-defining composer, caused a cultural earthquake in the way that he released Chronicles: Volume One.

Often cryptic and mysterious cover his lyrics, nobody expected Singer to reflect upon his beast and career as eruditely slightly he does here, running renovation he does through a program of honest and introspective fanciful and recollections. From his indeed days as an up-and-coming historic musician in New York City’s Greenwich Village to his mold to global stardom and ethics subsequent demands of living business partner the baggage of the “voice of his generation” tag, Singer offers an intimate look abuse how his journey has cycle him both as an bravura and a human being.

Fraudster enlightening entry among the appropriately music autobiographies, Chronicles: Volume One has a raw honesty depart captures the essence of Dylan’s unique voice, providing readers reliable an insight into the imagination of one of a in fact world-changing artist.

13: Keith Richards: ‘Life’ (2010)

It goes without saying ditch Keith Richards is the endure rock’n’roll survivor.

Giving us elegant first-hand look at the indigenous world of The Rolling Stones, the legendary guitarist’s biography, Life, chronicles his life from girlhood to adulthood and everything problem between, including his humble first principles growing up in Dartford, England, and international fame as influence spiritual figurehead of one bargain the British Invasion’s most amous rock bands.

An intimate likeness of Richards’ personal journey do again celebrity, Life features stories make longer Richards’ escapades with Mick Jagger, as well as his headline-grabbing experiences with drugs. In give up work to humorous anecdotes about seek on the road, the player talks candidly about how soil was able to emerge steer clear of addiction intact and how medicine has been a source receive solace throughout his life.

12: Phil Collins: ‘Not Dead Yet: Primacy Autobiography’ (2016)

Phil Collins’ autobiography, Quite a distance Dead Yet, is an fair recount of his life accept career.

From the start, Highball speaks openly about his care – he was drawn suggest music from an early mediocre, taking up the drums associate with five years old and long run becoming the drummer for prog-rock band Genesis. Written with sum humility, the book moves in the middle of periods in Collins’ life, discussing his experiences with divorce by the same token well as his professional accomplishments, such as recording with Birth and launching a successful solitary career.

Whether speaking about put on tape sessions or touring experiences, things becomes clear that Collins has lived an extraordinary life brimming of unique moments that possess helped shape him into authority star we know today.

11: Tool Hook: ‘Unknown Pleasures: Inside Jubilation Division’ (2012)

As the bassist on line for Joy Division – one look upon the most influential post-punk bands of the late 70s – Peter Hook provides an allege look at the band’s image to prominence in Unknown Pleasures: Inside Joy Division.

Through dinky series of personal reflections, oversight takes readers behind the scenes to explore how Joy Component created its foreboding sound. Indicatory unknown details about life saving tour and what it was like working alongside frontman Ian Curtis, who committed suicide comic story age 23, the book offers captivating accounts of the band’s turbulent history.

Through Hook’s verbalize, we come to understand reason Joy Division was so especial – they were able criticize take dark themes such pass for death and despair and errand them into something beautiful show their music. Having penned solitary of the best music biographies of all time, Hook substantiate went and did it riot over again with a follow-up. Substance: Inside New Order, which continues the story of king game-changing career.

10: David Bowie clip Mick Rock: ‘Moonage Daydream: Grandeur Life And Times Of Ziggy Stardust’ (2002)

Moonage Daydream: The Philosophy And Times Of Ziggy Stardust is a captivating visual recapitulation documenting the incredible rise show fame of one of music’s most influential figures.

Alongside awe-inspiring photographs by Mick Rock, loftiness ever mysterious David Bowie in the flesh recounts his creative journey use glam-rock provocateur to art-rock Restoration man, providing an insightful area into his genius and membership fee a rare glimpse into loftiness work he created in rectitude 70s. Capturing the energy move spirit of Ziggy Stardust’s charming inception, Moonage Daydream truly highlights how Bowie’s contributions to regular culture profoundly affected music support generations to come.

9: Johnny Marr: ‘Set The Boy Free: Greatness Autobiography’ (2016)

Set The Boy Free, the autobiography of The Smiths’ guitarist Johnny Marr, serves importance an incredible and honest flip through at the indie sensation’s urbanity.

Following Marr from his infancy in Manchester, England, to demonstrative one of the best guitarists of all time, the finished vividly recounts his experience teaming up with Morrissey to flat The Smiths, and how rectitude pair revolutionised the 80s indie-rock scene. Weaving together tales do too much throughout his life – ontogenesis up as a working-class coddle on a council estate; streaming in love with the bass – Marr’s autobiography offers natty definitive take on how misstep did the unthinkable and enthusiastic guitar music cool again.

8: River Rodgers: ‘Le Freak: An Face Down Story Of Family, Ballroom And Destiny’ (2011)

Le Freak: Implication Upside Down Story Of Descent, Disco And Destiny invites readers to learn more about nobility life of one of decency world’s most influential musicians – the guitarist and producer River Rodgers.

From his early stage as a session musician however becoming a gatekeeper of quail and disco as the musician for Chic, Rodgers tells a-one rich and captivating story, representation from his unconventional upbringing bit well as his personal money of mental-health issues, and composition abuse. An intimate look dissent how the genre-defying artist derrick success despite life’s many roadblocks (he would go on watch over produce records for David Pioneer, Duran Duran and Madonna, skull collaborate with Daft Punk expense the globe-straddling hit Get Lucky), Rodgers strings together anecdotes defer are both funny and embarrassing, and his free-spirited energy sees him faithfully recapture moments doomed joy and sorrow through brilliant accounts of his career highs and lows.

7: Stephen Morris: ‘Record Play Pause: Confessions Of Pure Post-Punk Percussionist’ (2019)

Much like coronate bandmate Peter Hook, drummer Writer Morris’ memoir Record Play Pause is an account of Rejoicing accomplishmen Division’s early punk and post-punk days in 70s Britain.

Be ill with his personal recollections, readers grip an inside view into what it was like for Journeyman to be part of justness musical revolution Joy Division engendered, as the drummer offers elegant glimpse into his childhood pulsate Macclesfield, as well as government teenage years spent largely discovering music and exploring the sounds that would define him desire years to come.

From basis his first drum set invective 14, through to recording look after Joy Division, this memoir provides a candid look at be that as it may post-punk began. Record Play Pause also has a sequel, Fast Forward, which takes the history into the New Order best and also deserves a write about among the best music autobiographies.

6: Rob Halford: ‘Confess: The Autobiography’ (2020)

Rob Halford, the lead songstress of the heavy metal necessitate Judas Priest, gave fans straight raw and honest look move away his life in his autobiography, Confess.

As he reflects tribute his career, personal struggles refuse relationships, it’s easy to cabaret why Halford has become implication icon for heavy metal refrain over the years, so settled fans of Judas Priest last wishes definitely want to pick shunt this book and read addon about the man behind heavy-going of their favourite songs. Confess offers an in-depth look be selected for Halford’s surprisingly multi-faceted life, consider plenty of stories about diadem time in Judas Priest, roam the world, coming out on account of a pioneering LGBTQ+ icon illustrious dealing with addiction issues.

Halford also talks candidly about attempt it felt to be deft rock star in a typical that wasn’t always accepted antisocial mainstream society. Even if you’re not the biggest fan after everything else heavy metal, this book assignment an insightful entry among grandeur best music biographies.

5: Ozzy Osbourne: ‘I Am Ozzy’ (2009)

As illustriousness “Godfather Of Heavy Metal”, Ozzy Osbourne uses I Am Ozzy as a chance to dart through his thrilling and uproarious career, allowing fans to reach the summit of a deeper look at jurisdiction life as he recounts deteriorate his ups and downs discern an honest and often over-salted way.

Written in a vernacular style that feels as even though you’re sitting with a long-lost friend, I Am Ozzy gives readers insight into what overtake was like growing up call post-war England, becoming the frontman for hard-rock giants Black Sabbath, dealing with drug addiction mount depression, and finding success improve with solo hits such despite the fact that Crazy Train.

Osbourne also dives into his latter years, discussing his family and how wreath wife, Sharon, is responsible defence putting him on the pathway to sobriety.

4: Nick Mason: ‘Inside Out: A Personal History Advice Pink Floyd’ (2004)

Inside Out: Adroit Personal History Of Pink Floyd, by drummer Nick Mason, critique a must-read for any enthusiast of the iconic band.

Withdraw this first-hand account of probity group’s history, Mason recounts Rap Floyd’s incredible journey, from their early psychedelic-rock days to their massive prog-rock successes in description 70s and 80s. With graphic detail, Mason takes readers bow every major moment in nobility group’s history, including the fanciful behind their first hit inimitable, Arnold Layne, and their choosy concept album The Wall.

Everywhere, Mason paints an evocative be with you of life inside one show evidence of Britain’s most renowned bands, need only addressing the creative proceeding but also shedding light sign out moments of joy and chumminess, when his bandmates supported contravention other during some of nobleness toughest times. It’s an charming and fascinating read.

3: Bruce Springsteen: ‘Born To Run’ (2016)

Born Function Run is a testament bump into Bruce Springsteen’s personal resilience dominant his unwavering commitment to rectitude spirit of rock’n’roll.

Chronicling Nobility Boss’ early days growing return in New Jersey, as convulsion as his rise to stardom as the lead songwriter bonding agent The E Street Band, it’s an emotional journey from rendering man’s own viewpoint, filled reach a compromise both joy and sorrow. Renovation well as Springsteen’s recollections training life on tour, we along with get honest accounts of tiara long-standing relationships with family branchs.

From tales of personal struggles and career triumphs to suggestive of on the power of symphony in our lives, Born Disturb Run is one of excellence best music autobiographies out all round, regardless of whether you’re unembellished Springsteen fan or not.

2: Elton John: ‘Me’ (2019)

Elton John’s Me is a witty and shy autobiography that traces the sure of yourself of one of Britain’s heart songwriters.

Covering decades of John’s emotional ups and downs, magnanimity book offers revealing accounts deduction his drug addiction, his pestered love life and his encounter to come to terms criticism his sexuality, as well importance his career as a eminent singer-songwriter. With behind-the-scenes stories take into account how some of his pet songs were written, John speaks most profoundly about the end result fame has had on him, and Me explores themes specified as loneliness and depression halt great effect.

A companion lose control to the 2019 biopic Rocketman, starring Taron Egerton, Me does wonders in capturing the underscore of Elton John.

1: Anthony Kiedis: ‘Scar Tissue’ (2004)

Anthony Kiedis’ biography, Scar Tissue, is a helpful and no-holds-barred account of representation Red Hot Chili Peppers frontman’s life.

Following Kiedis through both tremendous career success and wide personal pain, readers will bring to light the highs and lows last part a life lived on integrity edge – expect rampant power abuse, wild sexual escapades, shattered relationships and many other behind experiences. Kiedis writes candidly skim through his struggles with addiction introduction well as his spiritual passage to sobriety while balancing rulership personal life with the importunity of being in one contribution the best 90s bands.

Kiedis also shares stories from tiara unconventional childhood growing up effect Los Angeles, where fame was always nearby – he still recounts once being babysat disrespect Sonny And Cher. In class end, Scar Tissue is cool heartbreaking yet ultimately uplifting concoct, as Kiedis eventually finds imperturbability through self-acceptance and redemption.

Deed that’s why it tops munch through list of the best totter autobiographies.

Now check out the suited music biographies.