Stale Book Review #42: 101 Proof

101 Proof:  The Inside Story of Pantera by Rex Brown

Cost: $4.00US

Page Count: 304

Can't you see? I'm easily bothered by persistence

One step from lashing out at you

You want in to get under my skin and call yourself a friend

I've got more friends like you, what do I do?

Walk - Pantera

It is under my estimation that Walk, by Pantera, is one of the top five metal songs ever written.  It's a classic.  So, during my weekly sojourn at the local used book shop I stumbled across the book written by Pantera bassist, Rex Brown.  I had to have this book.  Of course, I don't ever pay full price…so I had to wait until it hit the used shelves.  Bought it, I did.

Unlike many rock biographies, 101 Proof isn't a redemption story.  It's really just a story.  The tale of one man and his bandmates as they climbed from relative obscurity of the club scene of Dallas, Texas to the untold many millions of records sold.  

The story of Pantera has been told and retold hundreds of times.  So, if you want the Pantera backstory hit Wikipedia or the many myriad of Pantera fan sites scattered across the inter webs.

101 Proof was fairly well-written.  Rex and his co-author did a nice job of piecing together (cobbling together from drunken memories, I assume) the book.  Where some of the books of this ilk are a little roughshod (Zakk Wylde, I'm looking at you and your "book") this one had a good flow and the reader could definitely tell that Rex was withholding a lot of detail.

Which leads me to my problem with 101 Proof.  Rex Brown is hiding a lot.  Maybe it's out of respect for the fallen Dimebag Darrell (RIP) or maybe it's just because Rex seems like a private dude…I don't know why but it seems like Rex is keeping a lot of information back from his fans.  I respect that but I expected some dirt.  Oh well.  A little disappointing but not really surprising.

Being the empath that I am, I can see how writing this book would have been both cathartic AND agonizing for Rex.  So, much respect for even giving it a go.

101 Proof takes you from the dirty? Dallas club scene where Pantera cut their teeth to the many debaucheries of life on the road with the band.  I can imagine that the times on the road were 100x more insane than Rex lets on.  Rumor has it that these guys partied just as hard as they hit it on stage.  I just wanted some of these stories from an insider.

Pantera was a great metal band.  One of the best.  Rex Brown was a large part of that and is a fantastic player in his own right.  He was in the band with some HUGE personalities so a lot his dynamic can get overshadowed.  But, Rex can play.  Just listen.

101 Proof is a good read.  It is essential for Pantera fans.  But, if you are expecting story after drunken story about life on the road with the band…and there are some of those…you may be a little let down. A little.

Stale Book Review #38: Idea Man

Idea Man by Paul Allen

Cost: $4.99US

Page Count: 358

Paul Allen has done so much in his lifetime.  Philanthropy, the Experience Music Project, Vulcan, space travel initiatives, the Brain Institute, and has owned the Seahawks and the Trailblazers.  It really has been a magnificent ride for the man.  Paul Allen has been able to achieve so many things because of one thing:  his relationship with a fellow named Bill Gates.  Gates and Allen got rich as balls together.  Money gives you so much freedom to explore.

You see, back in the day, there was no operating system that resembles what you are reading this blog on.  User interface?  Fuck that.  Computers were for programmers; for nerds.  Paul Allen and Bill Gates changed all that with their fledgling company, MicroSoft.  Maybe you've heard of it?  I thought so.

Like any autobiography, or biography in general, Idea Man goes all the way back to Paul Allen's childhood.  The Allen family were not broke asses but weren't the same as the well heeled Gates family.  Anyway, what I found the most interesting is that Paul's folks always supported what he wanted to explore.  That, to me, is what is the most fascinating aspect of Mr. Allen:  He is ALWAYS willing to explore what moves him.  To me, that is super-rad.

Back to the story.  Paul meets Bill very early on and, even though Paul is older, the two strike up a friendship that will last quite a while.  The two have a love of technology, yes.  But, what is striking is their differences.  Bill Gates is analytical and a wicked talented programmer.  Paul is the big thinker;  seeing what could be and what will eventually come to exist.  Paul Allen was the one who said, "why can't every person have a computer?" during a time when a computer could fill up the entire floor of a university building.  Big ideas for the time that have definitely come to pass.  Shit...I have a computer in my pocket during every minute of the day.  Paul Allen thought of this first, folks!

The duo go on to found Microsoft.  Most of this section of the book soured my perception of Mr. William Gates.  There are adjectives that get thrown around about Bill:  genius, visionary, blah blah blah.  But, as Allen reflects back on those early years of success, one adjective comes to my mind:  asshole.  Bill Gates is a shrewd businessman.  Often in business, that level of shrewd is misconstrued as assholism (can that be a new word?).  I know that these days Gates is a super-philanthopist and that is awesome.  Glad to see that, Bill.

Paul Allen eventually leaves Microsoft with bunches of stock that eventually gets him a net worth somewhere in the neighborhood of many small nations.  This allows him freedom to explore.  The human brain, outer space, rock and roll, football, basketball, yachts...etc.  Paul Allen has had his fingers in so many interesting ventures it really is hard to keep track.  In the book, it appears that Allen has trouble keeping track, too.

Idea Man is a pretty good read.  Paul Allen is one man that is not afraid of risk.  I read somewhere that he has lost many, many millions (like in the hundreds of millions) of dollars taking chances on what he views as worthwhile ideas.  I love that level of risk taking.  It's punk rock, Paul!

The section of the book regarding the purchase and running of the Trailblazers is friggin' hilarious.  It's probably not meant to be, but it made me chuckle.  If you are into professional basketball, I highly recommend at least reading this section of Idea Man.

Well, folks, that's Idea Man.  Interesting life of a risk-taking, philanthropist explorer.

Yes, this is Paul Allen's 'boat'.

Stale Book Review #31: Turned On

Turned On:  A biography of Henry Rollins by James Parker

Cost: $0.75US

Page Count: 248

Yeah, yeah, I promised no more rock books for a while.  Well...I fuckin lied!

I've had Turned On lying around the house for quite a while now and hadn't ever really gotten around to reading the sucker.  Actually, I had a gift card to Barnes and Noble earlier this year and order a copy.  It came and was autographed by Mr. Parker.  I thought that was cool, so it went on my sizable autographed book bookshelf.  There it sat, unread.  I don't read signed books.  It fucks them up.

Anyway, back to the Rollins story.  After reading Turned On, I have my doubts about whether or not James Parker has actually met Henry.  He may have stated that he had not, don't remember.  But, the whole book just seems like anecdotes and interviews pulled from various sources (old magazines, television appearances, internet sources, etc...).  It's not like there is anything wrong with the book.  I was just hoping for more Henry.  Don't know Henry Rollins?  Let me give you the brief synopsis...Hell, after this you may not need to even read this book!

-  Henry Garfield is from Washington DC and grew up in a time where the DC punk movement was just taking foothold.  He is close friends with Dischord founder and Fugazi/Minor Threat frontman, Ian Mackaye.  The two grew up to become part of the underlying fabric of punk rock in the US:  Minor threat (Mackaye) and Black Flag (Garfield - Rollins).  Anyway, Henry was asked to try out to sing for punk heavyweights Black Flag, got the job, changed his surname to Rollins, and hit the road with the band.  This was trial by fire because Black Flag fans don't fuck around and he spent much time taking abuse.  Things happen with Flag.  Greg Ginn (leader of Black Flag) breaks up the band and Henry is left hanging.  So, he continues with spoken word performances, which he still does to this day, and finally gets the Rollins Band off the ground.  They were completely bad ass.  Loved me some Rollins Band.  His crew blows up after it hits Lollapallooza , MTV, blah blah blah and Henry gets famous with the world...not just punkers.  But, I think the Nirvana explosion had a lot to do with the younger generation looking upon Henry as an elder-statesman of alternative music.  Kurt loved Black Flag, therefore his fans loved Flag...but, I digress.  Since then, Henry has been in movies, on television (a lot), and has written numerous books.  I've read most of them and they are pretty rad.  Sure, Henry Rollins is surly and prickly and intense and driven...but, he's just so darn likable at the same time.

That, my friends is basically a synopsis of Turned On by James Parker.  The interview he did with the fellas from Black Flag and the like (or that he "borrowed" from other sources) are actually pretty good.  I also have to give it to Parker, his writing is fairly decent, too.

So, for seventy five cents...totally worth it.  This will take up space on my Music Biography bookshelf until someone wants to borrow it...or have it.

Check out Henry's books and the like at:   http://henryrollins.com/ 
Check out James Parker at:  http://www.theatlantic.com/james-parker/

Stale Book Review #30: Ministry

Ministry: The Lost Gospels According to Al Jourgensen by Al Jourgensen

Cost: $5.00US

Page Count: 272

"Soon I discovered that this rock thing was true

Jerry lee Lewis was the devil

Jesus was an architect previous to his career as a prophet
All of a sudden, I found myself in love with the world

So there was only one thing that I could do
Was ding a ding dang my dang a long ling long"

- Jesus Built My Hotrod

Ministry Cover

Al Jourgensen has achieved just about the impossible:  he's written a book that almost matches the insanity of Motely Cure's The Dirt.  Almost...I mean it's a really close race and I would solidly put Ministry: The Lost Gospels firmly in second place all time rock book reads.  Holy shit, it's really good.

Let's get everyone up to speed (pun intended).  Al Jourgensen is pretty much the mastermind behind the industrial metal band (I really don't know how to describe the group) Ministry.  Ministry...for those that really don't know...is an excellent mix of industrial noise, EDM, and metal.  It's so odd but eclectic and extremely well-done at the same time.  However, there are no Beach Boy hooks to grab a listener and give them a big old hug.  Nope, Ministry is all about a dental drill to your eardrum. The beauty of it is...you will like it.

I promise this will be the last rock and roll related biography for quite a while on Stale Reviews.  It's just that they are so dang easy to read and I plowwwww through them like nothing.  But...no more for a while.  Cross my heart.

Al Jourgensen

In Ministry: The Lost Gospels  Jourgensen holds zero punches and relives what he can remember about  the drug-addled '90's.  Let me break it down:  people in the rock world were getting fucked up.  Al was fueled on heroin and pot and cocaine and alcohol and speed and, well you name it and Jourgensen was using it and then producing and extremely intense brand of music.  The music of Ministry is probably the most intense and anxiety-inducing that I have ever heard.  That is what makes it great.  But, Al went through Hell to be able to create Ministry's sound.  

What is most interesting is Jourgensen's view on the music world:  he hates it because it's so fucked.  For example, Al has Ministry which has won awards, accolades, and is renowned worldwide for being a pioneer in industrial music.  Al equates Ministry with a job.  That was interesting to read.  Ministry, to Al Jourgensen is a 9-5 with all the pressures involved and that shit gives him ulcers.  That can't be any fun.  On the other hand, his side band The Revolting Cocks is one in which he loves.  Al loves RevCo because there is no pressure and it's fun.  The Revolting Cocks is a hilarious band...but, they're really fucking good, too.  The dude is pretty much a musical genius.  Just a twisted one.

Your mother will hate that you read this book. Your mother will hate that you listen to Ministry. 

So, yeah, mama probably don't want to read about how Al was shitting and pissing and throwing up blood because of extreme drug and alcohol abuse over the years.  Mama probably don't want to hear about Al and Courtney Love shooting up together and the disdain that Al has for so many in the music industry.  Tu Madre most likely doesn't want to hear about Al's escapades with Jello Biafra, Tim Leary, and Gibby Haynes.  For the record, Gibby Haynes may actually be insane.   Ministry: The Lost Gospels is one fucked up read but you will absolutely love the ride.  

This is a great read because of two things:  1) Al Jourgensen tells the whole story, holds nothing back, and lets it rip and 2) Al Jourgensen has led one interesting life.  It's a miracle the guy has survived to tell his tale.  

Is he the Keith Richards of his genre?  Read Ministry: The Lost Gospels and find out for yourselves.

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/ministry-frontman-al-jourgensen-on-his-sex-and-drugs-heavy-new-autobiography-20130708

http://noisey.vice.com/blog/outtakes-from-ministry-the-lost-gospels-according-to-al-jourgensen-1

http://www.amazon.com/Ministry-Lost-Gospels-According-Jourgensen-ebook/dp/B00CGNPPJK

Stale Book Review #29: Fall to Pieces

Fall to Pieces by Mary Forsberg Weiland

Cost: $0.75US

Page Count: 288

Very rarely do I ever get to read two books and get two different perspectives about the same subject.  I tend to jump from subject to subject because my curiosity and intellect apparently has the attention span of a gnat.  But, that's ok...at least I read many books on many subjects.  I'm a well-read and well-rounded gnat.  A renaissance gnat.

Fall to Pieces, by Mary Weiland, is the other half of the Scott Weiland (of STP and stale review #27 fame) saga.  She's the yin to his yang, so to speak.  I've got to be honest, normally the memoir of a rock star wife would hold absolutely no interest for me.  For some reason, Fall to Pieces called to me.  So, I figured it was short and it could tell the other side to the STP story.  I actually found Fall to Pieces and the Scott Weiland book, Not Dead and Not for Sale on the same night and spent less than a few bucks for both of them.  Finding this to be a good deal I thought it might be fun to read both biographies and compare notes.  Hint:  Mary is a far superior writer.

Mary is candid.  She holds no punches and appears to tell the whole story.  I totally respect her candor and her bravery to digging into some really deep and really personal issues.  And no, you hound dogs out there, she doesn't talk about her sex life.  Scott was the opposite in his strict adherence to the vague.  Mary's novel was like a Hollywood tragic love story.  Scott's book was a PBS documentary.  But, that's cool and to each their own, right?

Fall to Pieces runs you right through Mary's childhood, her meeting of Scott Weiland (while she was still a child of 16), their falling in love, her modeling career, their drug use and spiral into the drug abyss, the yo-yo of recovery and relapse for both her and Scott, Scott's arrest(s), their collective rock bottom, and finally her diagnosis with bipolar disorder.  Now, this...THIS... turned out to be the interesting part.  Turns out, I have never read anything that could actually portray what it is like within the mind of a person in both a completely manic phase of bipolar and also within their mind during those depressed phases.  To this, I must give Mary kudos. Well done, chick.  Undiagnosed and untreated, bipolar disorder is scary as fuck.  For her to go through the steps to get diagnosed and then a proper dose of the proper meds took a lot of courage and I'm sure hard work.  I'm sure that her being a recovering heroin addict didn't make the process any smoother.

So, Fall to Pieces was not normally what I would read and/or write about.  But, in the end I actually liked the book.  Mary does an infinitely better job at getting into some of the details that I like in a rock book:  she tells a little about the bands and the process of creation.  Even though she wasn't the artist herself (and was probably fucked up most of the time) Mary turned out to be a decent reporter.  

If you can find this book give it a whirl.  Particularly if you are in the mental health field or are interested in learning about bipolar disorder, I would definitely recommend.

*PSA:  If you or someone you know is having difficulty functioning in this world with a mental disorder, please contact a mental health professional.  Thank you and be well, people.

Stale Book Review #27: Not Dead & Not For Sale

Not Dead & Not For Sale by Scott Weiland

Cost: $3.00US

Page Count: 238

Not Dead & Not For Sale is a super-short read.  This is good because there really isn't a whole hell of a lot to this book.  I love rock books.  Seriously, I will post a picture of the shelves that line my walls that contain all the biographies of bands and artists.  I can't get enough.  So, when I saw Stone Temple Pilots/Velvet Revolver singer Scott Weiland's book for sale for a few bucks, I picked it up.  

I'm not sure about how I feel about this book.  Here are a few problems that I had with it:

1.  There was a noticeable lack of detail.  About anything.  Reading it seemed a lot like reading the itinerary for a professional conference.  I did this.  This happened.  This happened.  That's all.  Fuck, it got frustrating.  Tell me MORE, Scott!

2.  Weiland's relationship with Mary is complicated and convoluted.  Her book is the next installment on Stale Reviews.  But, Scott just glosses over it all.  Like it was not that important.

3.  I really enjoy reading about the creative process that is making music.  The interplay between musicians, bandmates.  Nada in this book.

4.  Weiland is a recovering hardcore drug addict.  The fact that he can recall any details at all is probably an amazing thing.  So...I try (TRY) not to be overly critical.  

But, despite these serious stylistic problems, I actually enjoyed reading this book.  Honestly, it was so devoid of any detail I got through the thing in about two hours.  Seriously.  And I'm not really a wicked-fast reader, either.  

In the end, Not Dead & Not For Sale left me feeling empty.  Was this intentional?  Is Scott Weiland some sort of mastermind in making the reader feel as he does most of the time?  If so...well, fucking spot on, dude.  If it wasn't intentional...well, fuck you Weiland.

Read this book if you want to.  If you are a big rock book doofus like me, you probably have already.  But, if you want a really good rock book read Motley Crue's The Dirt...fuck me that was a good read.

On a side note, I saw Stone Temple Pilots when they breezed through Tampa during the Purple Tour.  It was a memorable show becauseI got to see Mick Jones and Big Audio Dynamite and they were totally awesome.  Growing up, I loved the Clash so seeing Jones was a big ass thrill.  STP was really good, too.  In fact, they were WAY better than I expected them to be.  Just a killer set.

Mick Jones

That is all.

Stale Book Review #18: Wouldn't It Be Nice

Wouldn't It Be Nice: My Own Story by Brian Wilson

Cost: $0.75US

Page Count: 390

Wouldn't It Be Nice is the autobiography of the Beach Boy legend, Brian Wilson.  Admittedly, this book took me an abnormally long time to finish.  I will get to my reasons why this was so in a minute.  However, the book covers the early years with the Beach Boys, as well as some early family stuff, which I'm not normally into but, in Wilson's case is critically important to the story.

So, Brian Wilson is a musical genius.  Totally true.  The man has a gift for harmony and putting together pop tunes that were the absolute shit when my mother was a kid.  However, Brian Wilson is totally fucking nuts, too.  Not "Hey watch him snort a line of ants"-nuts...more like, "Hey, the dude hasn't showered in a few weeks nor has he come out of his house in six months"-nuts.  There is a hug difference.  One is amusing, the other is just sad.

This was easily the saddest book I have ever read.  The mental decline of Wilson brought tears to my eyes on more than one occasion.  This, my dear friends, never happens when I read.  Ever.  

Brian Wilson, while I am sure no saint in the eyes of many, is just a tragic figure in pop history.  Albeit homeboy isn't dead yet.  He sure came close, though.  The tragedy of him recounting the successes and meteoric rise of the Beach Boys and then in the same breath reliving his slow descent into madness just made my heart sink.

As far as "music biographies" go, Wouldn't It Be Nice is a good one.  Far heavier than I ever thought it would be, the story is gripping and the characters...well, the characters you should all know by know.  An emotional read, sure.  But, you won't be disappointed in the end.

Here are few random notes after reading:

1.  Brian Wilson was THE reason the Beach Boys were famous.  The others should kiss his nuts whenever they see him.

2.  The Wilson father was a twat.  Greedy, conniving, just a complete douche.

3.  Mike Love came off as another big piece of crap.  Maybe he is or maybe he isn't, but I do like his voice.  However, it's still kind of sad that a 70+ year old man is singing these songs.  But, I guess if Ozzy and the Stones can do it...

4.  Dennis Wilson was friends with the Manson Family.  That is just way too crazy for me.

5.  There was this big hoopla about Wilson's relationship with Dr. Landy.  It was a big part of the book since the man essentially saved Brian's life.  There was also rumor that this book was actually written by Landy and he slapped Wilson's name on it.  That I doubt.  But, the Beach Boys hated this doctor even though he helped their cash cow save himself.  Personally, I didn't find the Dr. Landy thing in the book to be that big of a deal.  Yes, he was important but he wasn't THE story for me.

Cool book.  Very sad but at least it had an uplifting ending.

Stale Book Review #17: Riders On The Storm

Riders On The Storm by John Densmore

Cost: $3.00US

Page Count: 319

Riders On The Storm by the venerable drummer of the rock band The Doors was a refreshing read.  For once, a rock star didn't recount his inability to kick drugs and speak of his ever-so-public fall from fame.  Nope, this was a straight up biopic on the life of Densmore, his career with The Lizard King, and his frustrations in working with such an unstable human (Morrison).

The book is Densmore's account of the band and how frustrations grew within the band because of their troubled lead singer, Jim Morrison.  Unlike No One Gets Out of Here Alive, another book on The Doors, Riders On The Storm is full of flashbacks, flash-forwards, and the narrative is continuously interspersed with a long, heart-felt letter to Morrison.  The effect is kind of trippy and fun.  Sure, at times the overuse of these literary devices bogs the narrative down.  But, at least Densmore is trying something different than what is usually put forth in these music biographies.  Give him props for that.

Riders On The Storm was a great book for a weekend read.  As with most of the books within the genre, it helps if you are or were a fan of the band.  But, with this one...well, it's just pretty good.  So, I don't even feel like you need to be a fan of the band to get some enjoyment from the book.

Through Densmore, you really get a feel of what the other members of The Doors were like during that time period.  Here's kind of a run down of those personalities:

Densmore (Drums):  Fun, lively, creative, and always ready for a new challenge.

Krieger (Guitar):  Talented, quiet, reserved, yet still ambitious.

Manzarek (Keyboard):  Driven, reserved, talented, and exceptionally normal.

Morrison (Vocals):  Fucked-up and confused, genius lyricist.

A little more on Morrison.  Not too much, though, since so many books and articles have been written about the man.  Anyway, it struck me as how naive and "soft" Morrison came off during the early stages of his career.  It was hard for me to read about his decline in mental state and about his inability to separate Jim the performer from Jim the philosopher-dude.  You hate to see that sort of mental decline.  But, there is a fine line between genius and insanity.  A fine line, indeed.

Anyway, Densmore created himself a pretty decent little book.  No, it's not in the same literary vein as Flannery O'Connor or Hemingway, but, it's still pretty fucking good.

Check it out.

Stale Book Review #16: Nobody Likes You

Nobody Likes You by Marc Spitz

Cost: $0.75US

Page Count: 182

Well, we're back here at Stale Reviews.  It's been a long time and there has been some serious reading going on here around the household.  So, there will be a multitudinous splatter of reviews right off the jump.  Hope you are ready.

Nobody Likes You: Inside The Turbulent Life, Times, and Music of Green Day turned out to be a really short and really quick read.  As a fan of the band, it is sad for me to say that there is little in the way of new information revealed within the pages of this text.  The reason it is sad is that I was looking for new insights, something different, anything that would urge me to push forward in my research on the band.  Nope.  The book reads like rehashed Spin articles mixed with a few interviews with some of the folks from the Gilman St. scene.

The added interviews, with the likes of Tim Armstrong, Jessie Michaels of Op Ivy, and Fat Mike, were what kept this relatively uninteresting piece of "literature" moving.  As someone who grew up on this type of music, these were the guys in the punk scene who I looked up to.  Seeing their insights were the highlights of the book.

Thankfully, Spitz didn't go too far into the childhood activities of each of the members of Green Day.  Many biographers will go so far deep into the past of the artist that the text just completely loses interest for me.  Spitz didn't do that.  He gave just enough info and then moved on.

The book itself is lighthearted even if the author didn't mean it to be.  To me, it was the literary equivalent of a VH1 Behind the Music episode.  Quick, to the point...kind of senseless.

For less than a buck, though, this was one worth reading.  That is, if you are a fan of Green Day.  If you are not a fan and view Green Day as your father's or older brother's punk band, move along.  

Stale Book Review #4 - Black Tooth Grin

Black Tooth Grin: The High Life, Good Times, And Tragic End of "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott

by Zac Crain

Cost: $0.75US

Page Count: 301 - Including Index

Another musical biography?  Hell yes...

Black Tooth Grin was a great book.  It read fast, the characters were authentic and hilarious, and the story was tragic.  "Dimebag" Darrell was the lead guitarist for the seminal metal band, Pantera.  Back in the '90s, Pantera was one of the hardest and toughest of all musical acts.  Much of the band rested on the prodigious talent of "Dimebag".  Dime, as his friends and legions of fans called him, was quite the virtuoso on the guitar and there are still, to this day, little metalheads trying to get their sound just like Dime's.

The Black Tooth Grin (which was a drink invented by Abbott) story starts as brothers Darrell and Vincent grew up to become half of a metal franchise.  Sure, there's more to the story than that, but for the sake of space... Anyway, Black Tooth Grin gives the in's and out's of Pantera, touring, recording, and daily lives of the players involved.  The best part of the book, however, is Dime himself.  I'm not sure if it was just the writer's slant but, Dimebag just seemed to be a normal, hard partying, down to earth dude.  Someone you might want to hang out with at a bar at four in the morning.  Or maybe not.  Dime could get crazy.

The end of the story is one that is well documented.  After the breakup of Pantera, Dimebag and Vinnie had a new band, Damageplan, that were starting to get some real attention.  Basically, the fellas had to start over.  Anyway, at a stop on tour (in Columbus, Ohio) a mentally disturbed nutbag walks into the show and onto the stage and blows Dimebag away (along with other's deaths and injuries to many).  Very fucked up.  Right in front of the audience.  It's horrific and really hard for me to imagine or even think about and I didn't know the guy.

Great book.  Great read.  Very well done, sir.

One last thing.  Pantera singer Phil Anselmo comes off as a real twat in this book.  Hopefully, he's not really that much of an asshole.

Stale Book Review #1 - White Line Fever

White Line Fever by Lemmy Kilmister with Janiss Garza

Cost: $0.75US

Page Count: 306

Now, I'll read just about any book that cost less than a buck.  But, White Line Fever was a total bargain for seventy five cents.  For those of you who consider Justin Bieber an actual musician, Lemmy is the bass player/singer/kingpin of the metal band Motorhead.  Flat out, Lemmy is a fucking god in the metal community.  I believe the metal Mount Rushmore of metal singers would have Ozzy, James Hetfield, Rob Halford, and Lemmy.

For fuck sake, the dude's last name is Kilmister (Kill Mister.  Let Me Kill Mister.  Get it?)!

White Line Fever, however fun and easy to read, was a bit of a letdown.  Lemmy is a well-known speed-freak but the book downplays this fact, in total.  I expected a much wilder ride and much wilder stories from someone who has given society the middle finger for just about forever.  Sure, there are some wickedly funny stories involved but, in general, the whole tome just kind of fell flat.  Disappointing?  Sure.  A total waste of time?  No way.

For less than a buck I got to go inside the head of a metal god.  Sort of...