Anthony Kedis warts and all (Scar Tissue - Anthony Kiedis)

Member Name: allybally

Product:	Scar Tissue - Anthony Kiedis
Date:	30/07/07 (129 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Deeply honest, funny, fascinating history

Disadvantages: Not much regarding the band

Author: Anthony Kedis/Larry Soloman
Genre: Autobiographical
Pages: 480
RRP: £9.99 Amazon Price: £6.99

***Who is Larry Soloman***
Larry Soloman who lives and works in New York, is a well-respected autobiographer who has worked with a host of artists including David Blaine, Bob Dylan and even twice with shock-jock Howard Stern.

What is perhaps most relevant is the relationship he builds with the focus of his autobiographies. His books are very much a combined effort with Soloman working more as a guide than as author. The personal affection many of those who have worked with Soloman appear to stand strong long after the book has been published and the money have come rolling in. These relationships, and the trust he gains allows for his books to be honest pieces of works with a fresh and open perspective. He allows the artists to tell their stories freely in the manner they wish to instead of carving out a tale he expects the fan base to want to read.

***Who is Anthony Kedis***
Anthony Kedis has been the front man for successful and unique band the Red Hot Chilli Peppers for roughly 25 years. At the age of 45 he is still found to rock the stage with his individual and energetic style and writing all the lyrics to the bands music.

Kedis, born in Michigan in 1962 has had a checkered past with run-in’s with the police and early introductions to drugs and sex as well as some wonderful opportunities that allowed him to explore his creativity and make something of it.

***About the book***
Written in collaboration with Larry Soloman, this autobiography, is refreshingly honest, funny and endearing.

For those of you looking for a band biography, this is not the book for you, although obviously the development of the band and the rollercoaster ride they have all been on plays a major part.

At times it is vulgar and shocking and in other areas it is laugh out loud funny. It would be easiest to describe this as the story of Anthony Keidis's drug habit and sex life, but in my eye this would totally over-simplified - although both play an extremely prominent role in the story.

He talks freely about his relationships, whether with his drug dealing father, his long-suffering mother, girlfriends such as Ione Sky and Sinead Oconor and band member past and present. He talks about experiences - some of which are more than a little shocking, like losing his virginity to his dad's girlfriend after getting high with them at the age of twelve. What grabbed me the most was how casually he told the tale as if nothing was a big deal. He paints a picture of himself as a bubble of ideas waiting to hatch. At the same time, his laid back attitude and, as he admits himself, his laziness were often his downfall.

What I found refreshing about Keidis’s story, is not once does he make excuses or try to justify some of his in-excusable behaviour. There is no blame or passing the buck. Instead he simply lays out the facts and allows the reader to pass judgment.

There are some fantastic and intriguing pictures included ranging from shots of RHCP performing in dingy clubs to the everlasting image of Anthony toking his first joint at the kitchen table at the age of twelve.

***My thoughts on the book***
This is a thoughtful, candid, and entertaining story for anyone who appreciates honesty, not just for his fan base.

Keidis has been sober now for over six years, thought to be his longest dry spell. In that time he seems to have matured and grown into himself. Lets hope this man is around for a long time to come as there is no doubt of the talent and ability he as a man, as well as part of the Chilli Peppers has to offer.

Summary: Anthony Kedis shows us what made the man