The World's Greatest Rock 'n' Roll Scandals (The World's Greatest)

The title is a bit of a misnomer as this book is not all about scandal, but tragedy too. The writing is surprisingly good as the author explores the lives of artists like Janis Joplin, Jim Hendrix, Lou Reed, David Bowie, Frank Zappa, Elvis, Syd Barret, Keith Moon and others. Although out of date by now, the histories presented here are thorough, well researched and quite sympathetic. The first chapter deals with Led Zeppelin, Prince, the Groupie phenomenon, and artists who had missing limbs or underwent sex changes. Next up is narcotic abuse where one can read about the Stones, Brian Epstein and some aforementioned artists. Iggy Pop, Alice Cooper, Bowie, Reed, Zappa, Ozzy and Elvis are grouped in the next chapter. Dave Crosby and Chuck Berry are discussed under Jailhouse Rock, whilst Dark Side Of The Loon deals with Michael Jackson, Barret and Moon. Malcolm McLaren, The Sex Pistols and Beastie Boys are featured in the chapter The Greatest Rock and Roll Swindles. Other artists discussed in the book include Little Richard, Al Green, Paul Kossoff, Jim Morrison, Phil Spector, The Mamas And Papas, Florence Ballard, Fleetwood Mac, The Beach Boys, John & Yoko and Sam Cooke. The text is illustrated with black and white photographs throughout. Perhaps the title does not do the book justice, as it is not a lurid read at all. It is in fact more like a history of tragedies in the world of popular music. I recommend it to fans of the artists concerned or just as an informative and interesting read.