Published: July 21, 2010
Words: 68,464 (approximate)
Language: English
ISBN: 9781452340265

Short description

A quick scan of the pages herein revealed that the contents of this book lie somewhere between a Bukowski novel and the lyrics of Prince’s Little Red Corvette. As I pressed onward, a small voice in my head got louder and louder until I could no longer ignore the question. Why in the world would anyone want to read a story about Bobby Devito? This is the tale of an atypical wannabe rockstar!

Extended description

BURNED is the story of a young guitarist as he navigates his way through the music business. Starting in the 80s in a New Wave band, then Rock bands in the 90s, he gets signed to a major label deal and tastes success. But he also tastes a bit more than he bargained for, ending up in multiple rehabs and eventually a mental ward. He then recovers and looks back on a life run wild.

"As Hunter S. Thompson said, 'The music business is a hallway filled with snakes and whores…and there’s a negative side too'."

Many online oriented gear heads are familiar with Bobby D's colorful effects pedal & gear demos at youtube.com/roccotanto. Bobby and Gearmanndude are perhaps the web's most likable, laid back and colorful characters when it comes to making clips that aren't cold, dry & sterile. (Read more) BURNED is the story of a young guitarist as he navigates his way through the music business. Starting in the 80s in a New Wave band, then Rock bands in the 90s, he gets signed to a major label deal and tastes success. But he also tastes a bit more than he bargained for, ending up in multiple rehabs and eventually a mental ward. He then recovers and looks back on a life run wild.

"As Hunter S. Thompson said, 'The music business is a hallway filled with snakes and whores…and there’s a negative side too'."

Many online oriented gear heads are familiar with Bobby D's colorful effects pedal & gear demos at youtube.com/roccotanto. Bobby and Gearmanndude are perhaps the web's most likable, laid back and colorful characters when it comes to making clips that aren't cold, dry & sterile.

My ongoing rapport with Bobby D brought me an invitation to review his newly released book about the life of a working, touring guitar player in the 80's & 90's.

And although it may be no surprise that the story includes the stereotypical lifestyle excesses ultimately leading to rehab, the level of humor and lust for life Bobby injects throughout makes it impossible put down... Even in the roughest parts.

Unlike similar books by rock superstar legends, this one wasn't written by or for one of those. But DeVito's bio is about being so close to legendary that you can taste it-- sometimes tasting too much.

Having read Clapton's bio, "Up & Down With The Rolling Stones", "Miles" and Aerosmith's "Walk this Way" I can honestly say this book was the fastest paced of all the above. And Bobby's life experiences from a nomadic childhood to touring Italy with Texas Bluesman Sherman Robertson, to studying Aleister Crowley, to living & playing on the Santa Monica Pier, to a mental hospital along with some intense spiritual epiphanies are as interesting and compelling as the best of 'em. And the humor throughout reveals an artist willing to experience a broad spectrum of living despite the costs.

This book is dedicated to my friend Mike Starr from Alice in Chains, who recently passed away. He is one of the characters in my book, we spent a great deal of time together playing music and fighting our demons. R.I.P. my brother, I hope you have found some peace...I am still down here fighting the good fight, and will never forget you.
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Adult-content rating: This book contains content considered unsuitable for young readers 17 and under, and which may be offensive to some readers of all ages. For more information, see the Support FAQ.

Tags

music, recovery, biography, david sedaris, alcoholics anonymous, autobiography, rock star, rehabilitation, rock and roll, recovery books, rock band, tesla, music business distribution retail distribtuion cds digital music selling, music therapy, musicians life, rehab, sobering, augusten burroughs, music romance, recovery groups, alice in chains, layne staley, james frey, rock history, music business, autobiographyhistory, sober, 80s rock, 90s rock, warrant, new wave music, narcotics anonymous, celebrity rehab, hatterfox, the xstatics, biogrpahy, charles bukowski, christopher campion, mike starr

Available ebook reading formats

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Plain Text (view) (viewable as web page)	Buy	No sample available

Videos

Bobby Devito playing live in 1991
This is a video from my "Live at Morrisound" radio show in 1991, back in my Tampa Bay Days.

Reviews

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Review by: Jeroen Naus on Aug. 23, 2010 :
This book is about a personal journey of trials and tribulations and dealing with addiction. As your read this book you get a view into the world of emotions and compulsive behaviour of an addict and some cool stories along the way. Great read...
(reviewed long after purchase)

Review by: andreas71 on July 31, 2010 :
A great book about the not-so-glamourous sides of rock, addiction and recovery. I read it straight through, and will re-read it soon. Highly recommended!
(reviewed within a month of purchase)

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