Keith Richards: The Unauthorised Biography

I have both the Kindle + Audible version BUT they do not sync up so I've absorbed the Audible version only. Victor Bockris has done several bios, which I have not read, but he put in the work and has given KR fans an in-depth Unauthorized bio that I personally enjoyed but the narrator would fit better doing bios about Classical musicians because of his sedated tones. I believe that he recorded this by reading worda and phrases like SIRI or Alexa because he will say "Live" as in 'Love Ya Live' but will read 'Live' as in "He's OK. He'll live''. As for the writer. It lists as 2013 release but oddly, he refers to Little Steve Van Zandt as Miami Steve and Bono as Bono Vox. I mean I'm an old timer so maybe my perception of time is off but I don't remember either of those kats going by those monikers for something like 35 or 40 years. However I don't really follow the "Scene" anymore. If your looking for a fairly complete and pretty honest about our boy Keith, you will be hard pressed to find a more filling title about our "Hero" (snicker).

Well done. Shows the underside of an icon that isn't all fluffy or painted over and lets us see what the man is made if.

Was amazed at how ordinary and down to earth he was and how simple his tastes were also how single minded! Could not put this book down and told everyone who was willing to listern to get hold of a copy.

I read LIFE and this was a quick read too. Keith's book should have been called What a Life, anyway, this book is full of escapades and adventures also. It is always good to get another perspective, authorized or not.

I really did not feel em spired by the book, perhaps the way it was written perhaps a bit disjointed on some places. It failed to hold my interest!

Very entertaining and interesting read!

I've read this twice now! An entertaining read that includes so much history not only of Keith Richards and the Rollling Stones but also rock and roll and the societal changes of the sixties and seventies.

He is an Icon, the best

Just finished reading this Victor Bockris masterpiece on Keith Richards, and what a pleasure it was reading the 317 pages.The author has such an easy, comforting, descriptive way of writing, that he really pulled you into the book, and made its pages fly-by.If you're new to this guitar hero, or just want to read more on the man that is Keith Richards, then this book is the one for you.

A well written book on a fascinating topic is a pretty good recipe for a good read & that's exactly what this is.A brief parish notice before I start - the book I'm reviewing is the 2006 edition which was updated from the original.Weighing in at over 400 pages, this is not a kiss & tell bio but more of an intricate study of an icon of the 60's culture. The detail is impressive &, because it is so thorough, it gives the reader a good idea not only of what life must have been like in the world's #1 band, but also of the culture of the 1960's, how the music industry works, the effect of drugs on KR & his entourage, etc.The book certainly made me appreciate some of the finer points of the key Stones' LP's & had me reaching for the back catalogue to pick up what I perhaps missed first time round e.g. the way that the drums were re-mixed on Tattoo You to create a more "up front" sound & how Start Me Up was originally a Richards' reggae number.Richards' passion for his music comes through time & again as does the way that Ronnie Wood is such an unsung, & unlikely, hero for keeping the band going in difficult times.I also want to go & listen to the other non-Stones stuff Richards has done such was the effect of this biography which is praise indeed for Victor Brockris' work & will also check out his other bio's.Excellent stuff & up there with Free At Last by Steve Rosen as a insight into life within a major rock band.A great read

This book is a must for Keith Richards / Rolling Stones fans. It balances Keiths personal drug fuelled life and resultant problems with his creative career. Whilst any fan is already aware of Keiths professional career and his drug problems this book details them in a non-exploitational way. His drug problems have caused damage to his career and his personal relationships but for all the lows he had great highs. A bit of self control could have alieviated some of the lows. When you know you get searched for drugs at every airport you arrive at why not ensure you do not have your large drug supply on you! If only that thought had occured to Keith. Was canada drug free? Did he have to bring his own supply for the tour? After spending months of hell coming off heroin will it hurt to shoot up one more time with friends within days of getting out of rehab? How many times can he make that mistake? The recording of the albums and tours are also well documented but the drugs have to be mentioned because they impact on the Stones work. Great book.

Keith Richards - what a man and he's still here (which must amaze him on occasion given the amount of drink and drugs he's shifted)!!!This book is a true labour of love and the author leaves no stone unturned (sorry, couldn't resist the pun!) in painting a picture of Mr Richards, warts and all. What came across to me is a man who knows exactly who he is, the good and the bad, and who inspires a lasting affection and respect in people. I loved the book, it really brought the man to life and has obviously been extremely well researched. Keith Richards is a true original, a real life force, and this comes across with every page - he takes no prisoners but, if he is on your side, he is someone you can really count on.One of the best rock biographies I have ever read.