This book is a who's who of the true spirit of American rock'n'roll--never mind that the average person on the street couldn't tell you who Johnny Thunders, Stiv Bators, Dee Dee Ramone or Richard Hell are. What a marvelous way of writing history--we see how the outrageous stories collide and intersect; we get to "hear" the youthful energy and enthusiasm first-hand; we gain fresh insights into folks we thought we'd learned all about years ago. People like Joey Ramone and Iggy Pop are, of course, heroes to me--to see them brought to such life here as real people is an absolute joy. I got to meet Legs and Gillian on their tour for the book several years ago and they are the epitome of COOL, as are the people in this book. Pix are good too, I especially dig the one of Johnny Thunders, Richard Hell and Sid Vicious out on bail. Poor kid. I don't care if the majority of music listeners don't know who these folks are--rock'n'roll wouldn've died out years ago if it hadn't been for their reckless, drug-fueled ferocity and their maniacal genius raw power. Buy this and "England's Dreaming" and that's punk baby! LAMF Forever!

A facsinating account of pre-punk and early punk scene starting in NYC. The book is written by combining interviews and writings of different people in the early scene. Tons who were there comment on what happened. The book runs like a conversation. The effect is mesmorizing. People are crazy, yet increadably verbose. Even if you aren't into punk rock, individuals such as Andy Warhol, Iggy Pop, Lou Reed, Joey Ramone, Patti Smith, etc will whirl you round their world. Although the book is wonderful, it is also easy to put down. It traps you for a while, but then you zone out. So it isn't a book that you will finish in a night, but it is definately worth the read.

I vaguely remember the punk rock movement when I was in school. But where I grew up, you didn't hear any of the music. So it was with great interest that I picked up this book and I have to say, it is one of the best tomes I have read in a long time.

What made this work for me was the different voices and takes on the movement by the people who actually lived it, not the pontifications of self-important rock critics. By reading the accounts, I got a better idea of why the music was as it was, where the inspirations came from, how it was to live the life of an underground musician at a time when rock and roll stars took themselves too seriously.

The sadness, the insanity of it all came across very vividly. No doubt some people I know would be shocked at some of the confessions and language, but so wonderful to see how people really feel.

If you are a fan of rock history like me...GET THIS BOOK! But be forewarned, it is not for the faint of heart, or the easily offended. But what is life without a little shock?