Showing posts with label Books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Books. Show all posts

October 18, 2010

Street Player: My Chicago Story by Danny Seraphine

Next to the Beach Boys, Chicago is the top selling American rock group with well over 100 million albums sold worldwide.  While a couple of books have been written about them over the years, many of those books had to pass the muster of the band and thus the portrayal of the band's history was rose-colored at best and revisionist at worst.  Depending on what history you've read of this band and when the roles of different band members were either substantial or inconsequential.  Finally having a book written by a founding former member, a disgruntled one at that, is long overdue and something many fans have been waiting for!
I had the opportunity to interview Mr. Seraphine via e-mail about 13 years ago.  At the time he was living a self-imposed exile in Colorado after his acrimonious split from the band in 1990.  He struck me as still smarting from the wounds of his departure from the band, understandably so, and it's only been within the past four years or so that he's returned to the music scene with his new band, California Transit Authority.

Chicago was featured in a VH1 Behind the Music special in 2000 that focused primarily on the untimely accidental death of guitarist Terry Kath and the departure of Peter Cetera.  Danny was included in that special and his comments regarding his former bandmates more than hinted at his continued hostility.

That being said, I'm really looking forward to this book as it touches on a lot of the behind the scenes stories about Terry's death, rubbing elbows with rock greats like Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin, rumors of the band's ties to the mob, and even the story behind Seraphine's own acrimonious departure from the band.

If you're looking for a good rock and roll autobiography to add to your Christmas Wish List this may be it!

For more info click here

February 26, 2010

Must Have Book for All Bruce Springsteen Fans!



Lawrence Kirsch has done it again.  In his latest book he brings together photos, memorabilia and memories to recreate the feel for what is often considered an unparalleled  tour in Springsteen history.  Written by the fans, for the fans take a step back into 1978 and experience:

The Darkness on the Edge of Town tour!

For those lucky (and old!) enough to have been there, this book will be like re-living a great moment with friends.  For those of us who missed it, this could very well be the next best thing to being there.


Having been a fan for thirty plus years, I have read or perused countless books about Bruce and only three have made it onto the list of "Must Own", needless to say I highly recommend the new book!

Here are my three picks:



Songs, by Bruce Springsteen









For You, by Lawrence Kirsch

 

Thank you, Lawrence, for your generosity! 

May 2, 2009

The Light in Darkness, by Lawrence Kirsch


Lawrence is creating his second book about Bruce and its sure to be as excellent as his first one, For You. This book is called "The Light in Darkness". He's looking for contributions so stop by his site and share your thoughts! I contributed to the last one and its kind of a thrill to see your name in such a high quality collection of tributes from Bruce's fans.

Here is a description of the new book:

Featuring stories and recollections by Bruce's legendary fans. Plus... Incredible never-seen-before original concert photos from the 1978 tour.

Bruce Springsteen's Darkness on the Edge of Town broke new ground for The Boss in 1978.
A counterpoint to the operatic elegance of Born to Run, the album was an angry, raw record that burst forth after a three-year hiatus.

Because of its darker tones, Darkness is a difficult album for the casual listener, but for Bruce's legion of dedicated fans, it is a cherished gem.
The Light in Darkness is a forthcoming book that celebrates this classic Springsteen work.

This new book allows fans to tell their tales of incredible shows from the 1978 tour and recount how this great Springsteen album has touched their lives.

Contribute your story now!

(I agree with my friend over at Blogness on the Edge, Clarence really needs to wear red more often!)
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