Biography rather than autobiog but Bird Lives by Ross Russell: the biography of Charlie Parker which is a pretty no-holds barred account of a man with talent and also problems, in a hostile environment for someone who isn't white. should get it to read again on my kobo for the holidays, it's been 20yrs since I last read it. If you like things like the Ozzy biog then you'd probably enjoy this too.
I read French revolutions but gave me the impression that the author is a ****. Graham Obree's book is one of the best bike rider books.
It goes from utter lunacy to being very poignant, very quickly. Very much a book of two halves
Interesting. I think it was the same book, but I didn't get to the 2nd half it was so badly written.
Agree with the Frank Skinner one (must be quite an old book now) and Danny Baker's are hilarious, if you like Danny Baker.
Oh yes, the one sadexpunk posted is brill if you're from that era. I lost my copy when a woman I dated borrowed it and lent me the Paula Yates one. The woman made me late for a gig once, so I am stuck with the Paula Yates book. True story 😆
Far and away, the most entertaining and memorable autobiography I've ever read is 'The Moon's A balloon' by David Niven. It takes you back to the heydays of Hollywood and is brilliantly written, brutally honest and very, very funny.
In a cycling vein, I found Tyler Hamilton's autobiography to be good. Very informative about how pro cycling was not too long ago, and things like how much weight they aim to lose etc is fascinating. David Millar's was also pretty good
+1 for Viv Albertine (need to get vol 2, thanks for the reminder).
I also liked Kim Gordon’s book (Girl in a Band).
How about Busy Philipps This will only hurt a little?
+1 for Secret Race (even if it is lining a dopers pockets) knocks Millars into a cocket hat (he didn’t have the balls to break the omertà so **** him!).
Joe Browns The Hard Years was enjoyable.
I also liked Bob Dylan’s Chronicles (hardly indie though)
Spike Milligan ... Adolf Hitler My Part in his Downfall /all his war Memoirs
Unreliable Memoirs by Clive James was hugely funny and irreverent. Published in the 80's but will definitely put a big smile on your face.
Currently reading Mark Beaumont's 'Around the World in 80 days' which is a fascinating insight to a herculean and highly improbable objective, and the sheer focus, tenacity and balls to undertake what most people would consider as sheer lunacy.
Autobiographical in a fictional sense would be Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts. A fantastic immersive read.
Laurent Fignon - We were young and carefree
John Lydon - Anger is an energy
OH recommends The Worst Journey In The World by Apsley Cherry-Garrard (documenting the trip to the Antarctic to find Scott's body).
I read French revolutions but gave me the impression that the author is a ****.
He really, really isn't.
A top bloke.
Great stuff, thanks all. Moby looks a good call.
