Book Review: Scar Tissue by Anthony Kiedis

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If you ever see one of my 'most listened to' playlists, you'll be sure to find The Red Hot Chilli Peppers. They've enthralled me for years.

For Christmas, I received the autobiography of lead singer Anthony Kiedis. Due to my reading challenge, I couldn't touch the book until now. The moment I saw the criteria, 'Read a piece of non-fiction' I knew exactly what I was going to dive into. (I'm doing a reading challenge on Reddit where I need to read a book a week. The genre is a lottery.)

Scar Tissue graced the world in 2004. It shares its name with a song from their 6th album Californication. It does miss out the last 13 years, and I hope a revision is in the works. However, it catches the genesis of the band and the 90s, arguably the bands most successful and self destructive period.

WHAT I LIKED:

The honest depiction of an addict. Coming away from the book, I had a better understanding of addiction. Kiedis did some horrible and strange things in his pursuit of drugs. It's at these moments the book soars. The descriptions of his mindset and motivations made for intriguing reading. The continual relapses and repeated mistakes were heartbreaking. Each time they occurred I felt sympathy for Kiedis. It's amazing how he survived.

The insight into the thought process behind their work was incredible. New meanings attached themselves to songs i'd adored for many years. Finding out the depths of Kiedis's loneliness when writing "Under the Bridge" shocked me. It added a depth to a song that i've known word for word for over a decade.

The band's ability to overcome adversity time and time again was inspirational. With writing, rejection and heartache is something I have/will need to accept. Seeing how the Chillis kept moving forward through everything gave me determination.

WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE:

The book focusses on the drugs, debauchery and relationships. I would have loved more insight into the artistry and hard work. The insight behind the lyrics are unique, but I didn't get a sense of the incredible dedication the band put in on the road to super stardom.

It appeared that things just happened for the band, which I know wasn't the case. Flea and Frusciante are two of the best players to ever pick up their instruments. I would have loved deeper insight into the 16 hour days they devoted to their playing.

WHAT IS IT MOST SIMILAR TO?:

The book teemed with humour. The language was easy and it was a rollercoaster of emotions. Kiedis's reflections were honest and I felt a connection to his plight.

The insanity and honesty set this story apart from a lot of biographies. It's like Mike Tyson's autobiography, The Undisputed Truth. Both stories focus on the difficulties of fame and drug addiction. Using two individuals who reach great personal heights and wretched lows.

WOULD I RECOMMEND:

This is quintessential reading for any Chilli Pepper fan. For everyone else, there's great insight into the mind of one of the greatest frontmen to grace popular music. The book also casts an eye on addiction and relationships, from the driving seat of superstardom. Give it a go!

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allthingsm4tt

Writer of things, meme supplier, semi-occasional six string swordist, sporadic cinema goer and smiler.