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Hit Hard  By  cover art

Hit Hard

By: Joey Kramer
Narrated by: Holter Graham
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Editorial reviews

Joey Kramer, the drummer in one of the most popular rock bands of the ‘70s and ‘80s, Aerosmith, has undoubtedly lived the rock-and-roll life. And like many who've charted these mythically self-destructive waters, he's been to the brink and back. This memoir puts it all in perspective from the point of view of the shy teenager whose love-hate relationship with his father instilled in him so much self-doubt that even years of stardom, and years of addiction, did little to overcome it. Holter Graham reads this like an insider, giving Kramer's bittersweet words a hard-boiled quality that underscores the message of his cautionary tale: Fame ain't all it's cracked up to be.

Publisher's summary

In 1997, amid Aerosmith's sold-out world tour and number one album release, Joey revealed in an interview his ongoing struggles with depression. The response from fans and people battling those same internal demons was overwhelming. Joey now tells the complete story: the early days of the band, glamorous drug-addled events leading up to their eventual sobriety, battles within his family and among bandmates, and the explosive internal dynamics in Aerosmith that continue to unleash a fury of endless creativity.

Hit Hard unpacks the history of a rock star who became willing to accept help and finally kick a serious alcohol and drug addiction, only to find that the real terrors and hard work were still ahead. Ultimately, Hit Hard is about how Joey recognized his confusion between love and abuse, awakening to the kind of self-acceptance and compassion that make relationships possible in the "real world" as a member of the biggest band in American history.

©2009 Joey Kramer (P)2009 HarperCollins Publishers

What listeners say about Hit Hard

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The things we never knew

I loved this book. I am a drummer and suffer with depression. I do not agree with the drug use and reckless living. I'm glad he got help and was able move past his addiction. Great stories to listen to. All the ups and downs.

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Wow, must read for anyone who has been struggling.

I can't believe it, I bought this book on a whim to see life from somewhere different(my curiosity at work). It turned out to be among the best of books I have ever experienced, and ironically, instead of being shown a different life from a different point of view I truly felt as if I was being shown MY whole life from a different point of view.
To me, this book has been a voice for anyone struggles with taking back control of their life from manipulation, co-dependency, nervous disorder, or just plain lives in retreat from fear.
Bravo Joey Kramer, you are an inspiration to me like never before. Thank you for being so human and vulnerable in writing this book.

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A big inspiration

He’s storytelling is wonderful. I identify with a lot of what he went through. Is insight help me with my struggles. I’m grateful for his honesty. I highly recommend this book

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A must for true Aerosmith fans or anyone suffering with mental health issues

It was hard to listen to Joey’s struggles sometimes but he is so open and honest that it’s not only a beautiful story for Aerosmith fans but also a gift for anyone who struggles with anxiety, depression, or any other negative results of childhood trauma. I know that listening to this book has been freeing for me and has given me a lot to think about in my own journey if healing and moving forward.

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Wonderful

Love his story great book. Great read write another. You did a great job writing and reading your own story. Thank you

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Thank you Joey

I’m a pro drummer. Audio engineer and producer that’s been lucky enough to have some success. Nothing like you but my HP has gifted me a life of music in spite of my character defects. I’m sober 16 yrs and find your story at a time when I can recognize outside mental and emotional issues that I now need to work on. Your story gives me the courage
Thank you

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Drugs!!!

Just seemed that the 1st few hours were so centered around drugs. At first...drugs are great. Next...I have some money now and drugs still rule. Finally...career is on the down slide and now I can't get off of drugs. I finished. I am glad Joey got it under control. I am a rock drummer myself and I really wanted to enjoy it.

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loved it!

A very inspiring tale from one of my favorite drummers in one of my favorite bands

Moreover, this book speaks not only to Aerosmith and Joey Kramer fans, but also to anyone who's grown up in an abusive environment or struggle with mental health issues particularly depression.

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Not what I had hoped for from Joey

Books read by actual writer are much better; little emotion in his voice. He also mispronounced Steven's real surname which is Tallarico; how does an editor not catch these mistakes? Book very scattered. started out a little bit about his childhood, then went to meeting what would be his band members straight to stardom. There's a whole lot of time on all the drug use over and over and over which we all know. Then the remaining of it was like being in the therapist office over and over and over. the part about the death of his father was touching and Joey's getting nearly burned to death when his car caught fire pumping gas, was pretty intense, but otherwise if you're not really an Aerosmith fan, you're probably not going to like it. I had very high expectations after reading Rock's by Joe Perry. Now that's a book worth listening to.

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Good Book

I really enjoyed this book, I think it gave me a different perspective on a rock band. I think that I like because am a recovery addict and been clean for years. And just like Joey, I suffer from depression too. Good Job Joey

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