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Rating: A true man for an equally direct and sincere book. Glenn Hughes' autobiography is a book that tells us, without beating around the bush, of the rockstar's descent into the abyss of drugs. A ruthless journey of reflection, cynical and raw in details, without embellishments or rhetoric. He could have recounted his fantastic musical career (Trapeze and Deep Purple primarily), yet this remains deliberately secondary to his personal story; the message is about how drugs can destroy your life, friendships, loves and marriages, and above all, your self-respect. As I was reading, I imagined this man, barely in his twenties, in one of the most famous bands in the world, on stage with an incredible physique, a stunning smirk, and a splendid voice, having the world at his feet, and soon after, finding him locked in his house, prey to hallucinations, carrying a gun out of fear of being surrounded by who knows whom (these tragicomic situations are a daily occurrence!).
The theme is, however, treated with British humor, and importantly, he never speaks of friends or colleagues in extreme situations. Friends contribute with testimonies and thoughts always related to his state in those years (from Jommy to Coverdale, from Ozzy to Rob Halford, and others). Many tried to help him, but drugs had always prevailed over everything. The hand, at the brink of the end, that he grabbed to pull himself out was Coverdale's (he was penniless and not even the substantial Deep Purple royalties were enough to pay for the massive daily dose).
For almost twenty years, he has started a new life, with music always at the center of every project. Fame can kill you, but music can save you. A beautiful book, true and raw story, incredible character, fabulous musician, loyal and generous friend. This is my friend Glenn Hughes, who still moves me with his music like when I was a kid with Trapeze. It would have been much easier to tell when he toured the world acclaimed and adored like a God, but easy and calm things have never appealed to him.
Thank you, Glenn, the white man who sings soul like a black man... "The Voice of Rock"
Happy reading.
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