Ronnie: The Autobiography by Ronnie Wood
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Book Reviews of Ronnie: The Autobiography
Book Review: Disappointed
Summary: 3 Stars
I was somewhat disappointed in this book because there wasn't any MEAT. I was hoping to get insight into The Faces era and aside from a few vague rowdy hotel stories there really wasn't too much insight, except what you'd imagine yourself. I got ZERO information about his relationship with Ronnie Lane. How could he have played with this musical genius (Lane) and character for years and we learn more about two drug dealers on some island than we do about Lane. Did he really know these guys...? Not very deep. Was there a mention of Kenny Jones in the whole book?? Ian MacLagen has a temper... whoop dee doo
The childhood and some of the early Stones years were interesting but he never talked about how he became the guitar player he is-or was. He praised the members of the Stones and we heard much about Richards\Woods family vacations but again, no facts. I really felt he was kissing the behinds of the people who allow him to earn a payday (Jagger, Richards)more than anything else. As for his demons... not one mention of despair over his addictions or hitting bottom. (except for mentions of days spent in a bathroom which he makes sound more like fun than anything else.)
This book was ok but could've been so much more interesting.
Book Review: Amusing Diversion
Summary: 3 Stars
Ronnie Wood has led an interesting life and his autobiography is an amusing,if selective, recollection of much of it. Whilst no mention of a ghost writer if Ron Wood has written this then he has done a,fair job however it is no "Chronicles- Dylan".
From the start Wood recounts the strong British working class drinking culture he was born into and was to dominate most of his life. His art and music are discovered early and he is on his way.The early years with Jeff Beck and the Faces, one of the best bar rock n roll bands ever, are covered but too briefly I feel.
Apparently, a cheerfull personality, Wood does not dwell on the negative but covers briefly his addictions and amusingly tells of the fortunes squandered over the years and the need to borrow from the Stones war chest from time to time.I can understand now why this Stone needs to keep working. He has a huge lifestyle that requires a strong cash flow to maintain.This is apparently done, not altogether successfully, through the Stones, Art and now writing.
Not a bad read but I still think the best book about the Stones is "Exile on Main Street- A Season in Hell with The Rolling Stones" by Robert Greenfield.
Book Review: not without some merit
Summary: 3 Stars
This is a fun read. Just don't trust any of the dates past 1978. The chronology is definitely jumbled. Perhaps this is understandable considering the copious amounts of drugs that he admits to consuming. However, the fact that no editor corrected statements like Woody saying he did a show with Dennis Wilson in 1985 (he died in '83) is almost shameful...Book Review: rolling stones books
Summary: 3 Stars
Not as exciting as his stage act but a pretty down to earth view
of what must seem a surreal life.
Book Review: Sketchy...
Summary: 2 Stars
It's all in the details for me. I really wanted more detail. What I got was a scattered overview of one of rocks greatest musicians, a few fun stories, some that made little sense. Ron was and is one of my favorite guitarists, his work with The Faces is awe inspiring. I really wanted more detail (as I mentioned) and focus on the music. Not here. It's a quick fun read. For more of what I wanted, check out Ian McLagen's book, AWESOME!