It's Only Rock 'N' Roll

This is why you should read this book about the Rolling Stones. First of all, this books contains no gratuitous references to sex, drugs, scandals of any sort, or other naughty bits commonly associated with rock and roll's most notorious band.

So reads the first sentence of the "Introduction" for It's Only Rock 'N' Roll. It's a good opening, if not exactly accurate. There are many references to drugs and scandals. A large part of the book talks about the bands (mainly Keith's) drug problems. A copy of Keith's arrest report from Toronto is included at the back of the book.

Chet Flippo is a funny guy and a great writer. He knows and loves his subject. He toured with the Stones many times as a journalist. Stones tours have been known to have a high body count. They burn people out at an alarming rate. Flippo states that "... after all my careful research, I have yet to find a single instance of any person being forced at gunpoint to go on a Rolling Stones tour."

Most fans of the Stones have a fantasy about going out on the road with them. Touring is a very intimate business. It's basically a group of people living in each other's pockets for an extended period of time. Things get up close and personal real fast. Flippo's book demonstrates this beautifully. Through his eyes, Stones tours are seen for what they are: a lot of work, a lot of fun and a lot of weirdness.

In the beginning of the book, Flippo calls the Stones "notorious" and by the end of the book you'll have solid examples of why. Most of the stories will not surprise fans of the band. Many of them are rather funny - or sad depending on your point of view. I found various Keith drug and booze stories both funny and incredibly sad. The book doesn't have much new information, but it does provide a new view of the band.

It's Only Rock 'N' Roll is out of print but I recently found a copy in the Bargain Book Bin at my local Safeway. You might want to keep an eye out at your local used book store. Many stores will let you know if they get what you want in. This book is well worth the bother

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