A Music Biography Spotters Guide

During a recent stroll through my local bookstore (not that I've had much time for recreational reading lately) I noticed the new Metallica biography was instore and made a mental note to purchase. This had me thinking that this type of tome was just the sort of thing that could easily end up in Christmas stockings within the coming month. It also occurred to me that as so many different types of music biographies exist in the world these days the novice might have difficulty in distinguishing the Good from the Bad or Ugly. As a conni-sewer of the genre, I hereby offer a quick guide to the types of music books likely to be found at your local vendor and some of the pros and cons associated with each.

The Authorised Biography
Sometimes labelled 'The Official Story of...' type. In this model an authorised voice (either a journalist or an employee of the artist) presents a history from the artist's point of view. Such a biography can be a useful source of information, particularly on early history and fun anecdotes from the road/studio. However, the downside is that controversies and conflicts can be downplayed or glossed over to the point of driving true fans to the point of insanity. If anyone presents you with The Official Authorized Biography of KISS it should be filed with the matches beside the fireplace.

The Unauthorised Biography
Composed with little (or no) cooperation from the artist or their management/record company. Well established facts are rehashed and vast amounts of speculation are entered into based on gutter journalism of the worst kind and witnesses that rarely stand close scrutiny. At best a few salient observations are made. Approach with caution.

The Tour Diary
Probably my favourite type. A particular album-tour period is taken in great detail. Lots of observations of the artists in situ. Casual conversations recounted verbatim. Side characters become personalities of their own. The artist becomes an actor in a production bigger than themselves that remains hidden from the audience. Cracks appear and myths are challenged. Robert Greenfield's A Journey Through America with the Rolling Stones and Ratso Sloane's On The Road with Bob Dylan are classics and should be in every serious music fan's library. Be aware, however, that the author is usually a willing participant in backstage antics including the consumption of (shock horror!) illicit substances that may or may not cloud their recollections.

The Group Effort
This is a format that has come into play since the late 90s and there should be more of them. Usually works for a band with strong personalities. Each member gives an independent account of the history to a coordinating writer who then takes portions from each to weave together a narrative. This can have interesting results when the recollections don't quite match up and the reader must make up their own mind. The Dirt by Motley Crue is a must-have in this category.

The Insider Out
A band member takes it upon themselves to 'tell their side of the story'. If the band member is a reputable character this can give a perpective on band dimensions that would never see the light of day. Stone Alone by Bill Wymann is particularly good despite now being 20 years old owing to Bill's obsessive-compulsive nature on keeping a copy of every bit of paper to do with the band. I see that Steve Adler from Guns 'n Roses has his book out now. I am less optimistic about his recollections.

The Outsider In
Not the artist themselves but a 'trusted insider' tells their story of life in the rock 'n roll world. The characters of the artists are observed over a long period and events are reported from an 'objective' veiwpoint. Some of these accounts can be tawdry, vindictive, or wildly inaccurate. Tony Sanchez's account of life with Keith Richards is all of the above. On the other hand stories can be told with a lot of both love and honesty. Richard Cole's Stairway To Heaven should be taken very seriously, as should Steve Parish's Home Before Daylight.

These represent the major categories. There will always be variations on the themes and additional works, particularly with the more 'cerebral' artists who tend to attract a fair amount of socio-rhetorical criticism (if you're into that sort of thing). Remember also that music biographies always operate under the 'when the legend becomes fact, print the legend' mentality. Happy reading!