White Line Fever by Lemmy (w/Janiss Garza)
Citadel Press 2002
Lemmy Kilmister is the greatest rocker that ever walked the earth. Most notably through his work with Motorhead and Hawkwind, this man has set the standard for musical excellence over the past several decades. Even more incredible than his streak of flawless music is the life he has led through it all. White Line Fever, Lemmy's autobiography (with an assist from Janiss Garza), documents every high and low of that life--musical and otherwise.
In terms of content, the great one does a good job covering all the bases of his life. Not just about all the bands he has been part of, Lemmy also touches quite a bit on his childhood and adolescence, long before rock n' roll was even in the picture. The things this man has seen, experienced, and lived through over the course of his life makes for an astonishing can't-put-the-book-down kind of read. All this said, the key focus of White Line Fever leans towards all the sex and especially drugs our hero has partaken of over time. Needless to say, the fact this guy has lived as long as he has is a miracle we should all be extremely grateful for.
Stylewise, you couldn't find a better way to present this story. Granted, people who are sticklers for organization and structure might find White Line Fever a bit difficult to digest--Lemmy has a tendency to digress and get sidetracked on other points in the middle of relating certain episodes, though he always rights himself and comes back to the original subject. Really, this isn't as big a flaw as it sounds. On the contrary, the conversational flow of White Line Fever makes it a much more personal feeling read. When you're consuming this book, it's very easy to imagine Lemmy sitting directly across from you at the bar laying out all the sordid details in person over a few beers.
Anyone familiar with the music this man has created over the years--from the Rocking Vickers, to Sam Gopal, to Hawkwind, all the way to Motorhead--should know what an essential read this book is. If you don't already understand Lemmy's importance, suffice to say, White Line Fever will serve as a manditory history lesson for you. All in all, a great document and tribute to the rock n' roll lifer that matters most.
Get info on this book directly from KENSINGTON
|
