truly a humour classic - Rated 
I loved this book. I have no idea what the reviewer below read but it can't have been this. I'm a rock fan and knew *some* of the stories in here but the point is that they're told with Holmes's voice and point of view and thus they're fresh and very funny. He's a terribly engaging and self-effacing writer. Plus there are plenty of new stories like the one about Blur and certainly the one about Cast and Menswear. And I had no idea about elton john's Candle in the Wind. Oh and the footnotes are a joy - I laughed out loud on the train several hundred times - and at least 2 people asked me what the book was and went off to buy copies. And what on earth do you mean 'spelling mistakes'? Where? No there aren't. (Well, I spotted one.) Buy it. I promise you'll laugh out loud.
A Shoddy Excuse For A Book - Rated 
If you are not a rock fan, then I guess this book will hold some appeal; funny stories about famous wacky rockers will hold sway down the pub, right?
However, if you are a rock fan (and I know, it's not everyone's cup of tea), there is a likelihood that you have not only heard these stories before, but also will have read better material which disproves these mythical tales. Truth is often stranger than fiction, and any semi-serious reader of Q magazine or Classic Rock magazine will already be familiar with the material in this book, and have probably read articles which were more informative in dispelling the myths.
All Jon Holmes has done is collect together some of the most notorious rock fables and present them in one volume, with annoying footnotes which serve only to show us how funny he thinks he is, rather than add to the tales.
In addition, the text could have done with a serious proof-reader, as it's littered with spelling mistakes and factual inaccuracies.
And I never trust a book which has to resort to hand-drawn cartoons by way of illustration as to what 'may have happened'.
Yes, it is humorous, it does make you laugh, and casual acquaintances with the genre should buy and enjoy. But for sad old serious muso's? Please don't waste your money. You probably know more tall tales already than are contained herein.
Brilliant! - Rated
Absolutely hilarious! I am ordering this in bulk, it's perfect to give to all my friends for their birthdays this year. Reminds me a bit of Terry Pratchett with all the footnotes, and it's just as funny.
"HOW TO DISMANTLE A POP STAR'S EGO!" - Rated
This is a really funny book that is full of some incredible rumours about pop stars and their "Spinal Tap" style moments of madness. It's also possibly the only music book to contain chapters on both Bob Dylan and Girls Aloud!
You'll end up wanting to read it out to your friends in the pub. And, the possibly true story that involves a member of The Who, some testicles and a cat caused this reader to laugh out loud on a train, making me seem rather silly!
just hilarious!!! - Rated
I saw Jon Holmes on the Tv talking about this and just had to buy it. Absolutely jaw-droppingly funny! The footnotes are just genius. God knows how he's got away with writing it but I'm glad he did! It's certainly eye opening! (And eye watering in places!) Buy it. Book of the year!
OP
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