Scar Tissue

Its like he is talking to you as a friend, I loved it!
I leaned a lot about myself, and understand more about the dark side of addiction...

Rock biographies are my favorite genre so, eventually, I had to read Scar Tissue. Full disclosure: I've been putting it off for 2 years because I haven't really liked the RHCP since Blood Sugar Sex Magik. (Though I adore Flea.) So, I finally downloaded Scar Tissue. First, let me say, I think the narrator is - while not terrible - certainly not worthy and didn't make me feel like I was listening to the words of Anthony Kiedis. It was like listening to a 17 year old high school junior reading Anthony Kiedis. (Go ahead, listen to the sample.) Because of this, I could never really get completely immersed in the book. His young, squeaky, and innocent voice didn't vibe with the often dark and always debaucherous tales. But if you can past that, which I couldn't quite do all the time, then the story being shared is essentially this: Anthony's dad was the kind of parent who made his kid be his hang out and drug buddy so AK developed unhealthy drug and girl habits very early in life and has pretty much been to be unable to control these urges for most of his life. "OK", you might say. "That's the story of rock-n-roll!" Yeah, true. But usually reading a rock bio makes me like the band and the person even more because I form a connection and deeper appreciation of the artist and the music. Well, perhaps I do feel a bit of that but I was disappointed nonetheless. Kiedis came off as decent guy who's very easily distracted, a little outrageous, and a lot immature. Oh, wait. Maybe that narrator did a good job after all!

THe book was great. Anthony is open and hopefully honest. But I had a hard time with the narrator. He seemed to be reading so slowly with barely any inflection at all and I could see myself nodding off if not otherwise occupied whlie listening.

Not only is this book completely entertaining through out the entire pligrimage of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Kiedis makes you feel as if you were actually right there living the whole experience with him. I have always enjoyed RHCP but now through hearing about his memories and relationships with the band members, I can honestly say that I have a new found appreciation for the band. One thing I also really enjoyed thanks to youtube- is that as you are listening, you can watch parts of concerts or interviews Kiedis refers to in the novel which provides an excellent reality to his work and its really amusing to know what his thoughts are as he's singing or strung out.. Also, the way Anthony describes his struggle with addiction is riviting.. you truly learn what an addict dreams and feels everyday. I would highly reccomend this book to anyone who wants to listen to entertaining book that opens your mind to a story about a struggling drug addict facing the realities of success, fame and funky music :)

Yes

Jimi Hendrix had a similar story

Yes it was a deeply moving story the best I have read yet

Long time RHCP fan. An interesting story but the narration is the worst I've listened too. Poor quality recording, narrators voice is shaky and tries to give all characters different voices but it doesn't work. Hearing pages being turned as he reads is poor sound editing as well. Great story on the development of a great band.

I was not expecting such raw emotion. Anthony Kiedis portrays himself in public as very standoffish when it comes to his personal life. I was blown away at his ability to put it all out there, bad and good. So many times I just started at my car radio with my mouth open. Did he just say that? Yes, he did. I loved how he explained the songs that he was creating and the times around which they were being created. It brought me closer to the music and to understanding how hard those times in his life, as well as so many others, must have been. He shows himself to be human, not just a rock star. And out of that, even though he explains it's always a battle and no easy end, he proves he is also courageous.

I was thoroughly enjoying this book for the first part (approx.6hours), but by the second part (another 6 hours) I was done with the story...I just fastforwarded huge chunks to get to the end. The guy kept relapsing and relapsing. Plus the neverending parade of model girlfriends, used and abused; I just had enough.
*Dull, tedious, and repetitious; lacking in variety and interest.

Think of Kiedis.....Now run in the opposite direction for a few days and there you will find this reader.

this was an awesome audiobook that gave an insight to the world that we know of RHCP!!! I felt like part of the band and the imagery was phenomenal. I can visualize the scene where Kiedis is strung out at a cheap hotel and sees a family car filled with RHCP fans....I created a cd of songs that Kiedis mentioned and listened to them.