For those living under a rock, Kiedis is the frontman and lyricist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers. You know, the hot one with the formerly waist-length hair and pretty tattoos and who doesn't like to wear a shirt (which is just fine with me). Can you believe guy is ~47 now? Well, anyway, you just can't make this stuff up. Kiedis is extremely forthcoming about his struggle with heroin addiction, strange parenting (the story about his dad getting into Method acting is worth the price of the book), the band’s creative process and his role in it, brushes with the law, etc. Maybe he’s too forthcoming about his romantic entanglements (is it a fricking beautiful spiritual experience every time he shtups some waif?), but that just seems to be the kind of guy he is: naked, you know? The story is compelling and easy to get into. I don’t know who wrote what, but the narrative just flows and it feels like Anthony Kiedis is talking to you. After reading this I’m interested in more autobiographies of artists who should reasonably be dead. I mean, if I did the stuff Kiedis did, sober or lit (e.g., diving into swimming pools from five stories up), I would be dead. ( )

Couldn't stop reading it, but disappointed with the repetitious cycle of drug binge, girlfriend, rehab. Honest, maybe, but doesn't make for exciting reading. Kiedis comes across as vain and yes, deluded, and a little bit dull, really. Maybe that's the point, though? Drugs make you boring in the end...The lyrics really don't have the same impact on the page without the music, and actually highlight the fact that they are largely nonsense. Still love the music though. ( )

A very honest autobiography from a guy who seems to finally have learned his lesson. I love the Chili Peppers' music, but never knew much about the guys. Learning about their extensive history has drawn me even more to their early recordings. It was easy to get pulled into this book because Kiedis is telling you everything without expecting pats on the back or cool points, so when he relapses I felt very involved. One of the best rock autobiographies I've read, I would recommend it to at least other RHCP fans, or rock fans in general. ( )

I found this book annoying. There is so much about the constant drug use and how lucky he was not to really damage himself. He is very vain and self centred. Not enough info about the band, the songs, the shows or the fans. This is more like a diary of a junkie than a rock and roll story ( )

Read with caution.. I used to like the red hot chili peppers. I also liked the idea that by buying a CD I was saying "thanks" even if the band can only share a packet of crisps with the small amount of money that one sale provides. Reading this book - and even thinking about it now - makes me cringe. Worse, it puts me off reading any more rock memoirs - and I love these books. Anthony Kiedis comes across as infantile, deluded and self-centred. Which isn't always a bad thing (Motley Crue's 'The dirt' is similar but massively entertaining too.) Such a shame. ( )