Rod

The Autobiography

By: Rod Stewart

Narrated by: Simon Vance

Length: 11 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's summary

The extraordinary life and career of music legend Rod Stewart, in his own words for the first time. With his soulful and singular voice, narrative songwriting, and passionate live performances Rod Stewart has paved one of the most iconic and successful music careers of all time. He was the charismatic lead singer for the trailblazing rock and roll bands The Jeff Beck Group and The Faces, and as a solo artist, the author of such beloved songs as "Maggie May," "Tonight’s the Night," "Hot Legs," "Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?," "Young Turks," "Forever Young," and "You Wear It Well." Now after more than five decades in the spotlight, he is finally ready to take a candid and romping look back at his life both on and off the stage. From his humble British roots to his hell-raising years on tour with his bandmates, not forgetting his great loves (including three marriages and eight children) and decades touring the world, Rod delivers a riveting ride through one of rock's most remarkable lives.

©2012 Rod Stewart (P)2012 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“Funny, self-deprecating and a whole lot less boastful than he could be, Mr. Stewart offers a string of Grade-A rock ‘n’ roll debauchery stories and…makes them charming.” (The New York Times)

“In an action-packed memoir, Stewart explains how he survived the excesses of Seventies rock stardom…full of bad behavior and enough ex-wives to fill an entire soccer side.” (Rolling Stone)

“The best news about Stewart’s autobiography is that it revives the rollicking humor and self-deprecating personality of his early career. It takes the jolly perspective of a guy who knows he’s one of the world’s luckiest men, and the result proves infectious.” (New York Daily News)

Pleasantly Surprised

Would you listen to Rod again? Why?

I very much enjoyed this book. I'm not a big follower of all the glitz and glamour of Rod's life - sure I remember stories being told and it always seemed he had another beautiful blonde on his arm, but I never wasted too much time on that tabloid stuff. I'm also not a huge fan of his music. I like it all right and I saw him in concert once (it was a very good show), but he's not in my top 10 artists.
After listening to this, I have two reactions. Rod is a lot more 'human' than people would have thought. And, I think I need to go back and reacquaint myself with his older music - his first solo stuff as well as the work with The Faces.
There's a lot more depth and more soul to him than I would have thought from the headlines. He's got that dry British humor (or is it Scottish?). He's somewhat self-deprecating and a bit humble. He also seems to realize that he's lucky to have had the career and life and doesn't take much for granted now.

What about Simon Vance’s performance did you like?

I actually picked this book in part because Simon Vance was the narrator. I had just finished The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest and I really enjoy listening to him narrate. So, I searched Audible for other books he's read and decided on this one. Mr. Vance does a great job and, again, I find myself enjoying his narration.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Rod's dry humor and self-deprecation made me laugh a number of times.

Any additional comments?

This is the third "celebrity" autobiography I've listened to - Tiny Fey and Rob Lowe being the other two. I've really enjoyed all three. Rod's and Rob's were interesting because both of them have spent a fair amount of time in the tabloid headlines and I always find it interesting to hear their sides - to get the actual story behind those headlines.

Worth listening to

If you could sum up Rod in three words, what would they be?

Funny, entertaining, fast-paced

What did you like best about this story?

Rod is an interesting person with more to him than I'd anticipated.

Which scene was your favorite?

Hearing about his relationship with Britt Eckland

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me laugh

Any additional comments?

Great narration - Simon Vance nailed it!

Good book, bad narration

What did you love best about Rod?

I enjoyed the insights into the origins of Rod Stewart's music and his candor.

What didn’t you like about Simon Vance’s performance?

It was a dry and lifeless performance. Rod Stewart is a colorful person and this Simon Vance's narration was completely beige.

Entertaining life story

Admittedly, I’m not the biggest Rod Stewart fan, but I love musician biographies so I gave it a shot. Overall, it was an enjoyable listen with excellent narration.

Must read!!

Excellent! The storytelling, wit and humor are top notch! Highly recommend! Definitely a must read!

Incredible story...Incredible man!

Would you consider the audio edition of Rod to be better than the print version?

The audio edition is a MUST. The narrator was perfect - he definitely captured Rod's personality and at times...I really thought it was Rod telling the story himself.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Rod?

Discovering where his songs came from....those moments of his life that were put into music.

What about Simon Vance’s performance did you like?

It certainly was NOT a boring narration as some audible books tend to be. His accent, play on words, and his incredible timing made you feel like you were sitting across from him while he was telling the story.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Mod Rod

Any additional comments?

This is an AUDIBLE MUST! I recently downloaded another biography of a famous rock and roller, but within a day or two I returned it. It was so dreadfully boring and horribly narrated.

Rod

This is a great book i grew up listening to his music and seen him proform i love this book can't wait till part 2 A must read

I'd love to have a beer with our 'ol pal Rod!

Glad rags to glad rags and back again
Thanks! Got to know an 'ol pal. Hope to read a part two, someday.

Very Proud Fan 💕

I loved reading Rods life story. It was all so interesting, humorous, revealing and emotional for me. I've always loved him and now I feel so so proud of him because his story could have gone real bad so often. At every chance, he picked himself up and came out further on top than he was before. Its weird but I feel like as a fan of his, he did me well and Im so very proud of him for it all. I love you Rod and have enjoyed you being in my life as one of my all time favorites. One more thing I have to mention that in your fashion choices along the route you have ended up a real class act, thanks and love for all the feelings 💕💕💕

Sex, Soccer and Rock & Roll

Sex, Soccer and Rock & Roll - pretty much in that order. One of the funniest autobiographies I’ve read.