Status
Available
Call number
Collections
Publication
Ecco (2011), Hardcover, 400 pages
Description
The frontman of the classic rock band Aerosmith tells his story, including his rise to rock stardom in the 1970s, the band's drop in popularity, and their comeback in the late 1980s and 1990s.
User reviews
LibraryThing member UnderMyAppleTree
I’ve been listening to Aerosmith’s music since the ’70s, way back whenToys in the Attic was first released on vinyl. While I’m familiar with their music through the years, I knew little about the band and expected this to be an informative read for the casual fan. Sadly, I had a difficult
Steven Tyler relates his life story in a very stream of consciousness nature, almost rambling at times, skipping from topic to topic. There was way to much emphasis on drugs, sex, groupies and more drugs. I got the point the first few times he tells us that rock gods such as himself can have their pick of women and it’s easy to obtain all the drugs they desire. While he claims to love and respect women, it doesn’t show through in the tales he tells about life on the road with the band. The language used in this book was very explicit; definitely R rated. I don’t cringe at a few four letter words to add emphasis or meaning but in this case (I listened to the audio) it was excessive.
I wondered if the emphasis on sex and drugs plus the constant explicit language added or subtracted from the book. Does it make it more honest because that is who he is? Toward the end of the book Steven does explain why he included so many of the drug episodes and the colorful language by saying, “I wouldn’t be who I am without the good, the bad and the ugly”. I agree; I wouldn’t want the book to be a sanitized version but a little less of the above and a little more about the band, the songs, his family, friends and perhaps some other anecdotes would have made this a better memoir for me.
The book was narrated by Jeremy Davidson who did an excellent job of sounding like a rock and roller. Ya know, that rock star voice. I can’t describe it but I know it when I hear it. He was easy to listen to and contributed to my decision to keep listening even after I decided this was not my style of book.
While this was not the book for me, I would recommend it to Aerosmith fans and the more avid rock fans, especially those that like an in-your-face, no-holes-barred rock memoir.
Show More
time staying interested in this book. At times it could be witty, funny and engaging, but there were too few of those times.Steven Tyler relates his life story in a very stream of consciousness nature, almost rambling at times, skipping from topic to topic. There was way to much emphasis on drugs, sex, groupies and more drugs. I got the point the first few times he tells us that rock gods such as himself can have their pick of women and it’s easy to obtain all the drugs they desire. While he claims to love and respect women, it doesn’t show through in the tales he tells about life on the road with the band. The language used in this book was very explicit; definitely R rated. I don’t cringe at a few four letter words to add emphasis or meaning but in this case (I listened to the audio) it was excessive.
I wondered if the emphasis on sex and drugs plus the constant explicit language added or subtracted from the book. Does it make it more honest because that is who he is? Toward the end of the book Steven does explain why he included so many of the drug episodes and the colorful language by saying, “I wouldn’t be who I am without the good, the bad and the ugly”. I agree; I wouldn’t want the book to be a sanitized version but a little less of the above and a little more about the band, the songs, his family, friends and perhaps some other anecdotes would have made this a better memoir for me.
The book was narrated by Jeremy Davidson who did an excellent job of sounding like a rock and roller. Ya know, that rock star voice. I can’t describe it but I know it when I hear it. He was easy to listen to and contributed to my decision to keep listening even after I decided this was not my style of book.
While this was not the book for me, I would recommend it to Aerosmith fans and the more avid rock fans, especially those that like an in-your-face, no-holes-barred rock memoir.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Darcia
Steven Tyler has a big, flashy personality and his book is no different. He tells it like it is, holding nothing back. We learn about his childhood, his personal life, the making of Aerosmith, his relationship with its members (particularly Joe Perry), his addictions and his songwriting process.
Occasionally Tyler wanders off topic and offers personal insights on life. I noticed this bothered many of the other reviewers who wanted a linear, professional autobiography. Unlike those reviewers, I thoroughly enjoyed his meandering. For me, his writing style and (sometimes) lack of structure felt more personal. We're given a glimpse into the real Steven Tyler, the man behind the lead singer persona. He has packed a lot of living into his 60-plus years and has a lot to say.
I found the book entertaining, sad, silly and poignant. Steven Tyler is far more intelligent than most people give him credit for. He's also over-the-top crazy at times. But isn't that what we love about him?
Show More
Occasionally Tyler wanders off topic and offers personal insights on life. I noticed this bothered many of the other reviewers who wanted a linear, professional autobiography. Unlike those reviewers, I thoroughly enjoyed his meandering. For me, his writing style and (sometimes) lack of structure felt more personal. We're given a glimpse into the real Steven Tyler, the man behind the lead singer persona. He has packed a lot of living into his 60-plus years and has a lot to say.
I found the book entertaining, sad, silly and poignant. Steven Tyler is far more intelligent than most people give him credit for. He's also over-the-top crazy at times. But isn't that what we love about him?
Show Less
LibraryThing member themiraclesnook
I have to say I enoyed this book. I like Steven Tyler and his music but was not thrilled with some of the things I found out. I was amazed to see just how fragile his realtionship was with Joe Perry. This is a good read.
LibraryThing member Jarratt
Steven Tyler’s “Does the Noise in My Head Bother You” was the drug-filled, curse-filled, rather incoherent rambling you might expect. I’ve liked Aerosmith since the 80s, and enjoyed the relatively few times in the book where he’d link a song’s lyrics to a story he just told. While the
I was rather surprised he skipped over the whole Run DMC version of “Walk This Way” as I believe it was the primary reason for the band’s renewed success. Had talked very little of “Permanent Vacation” or “Pump”—two of Aerosmith’s greatest “comeback” albums—and spent far more time on later releases, which weren’t up to par IMO.
Tyler’s certainly talented and I enjoyed listening to the narrator read the book as he seemed to be having a ball reading it. But in terms of the flow and some of the content covered, it was disappointing. After several stories of going into rehab, falling off the wagon, going back into rehab, falling off the wagon again…well…it’s the “Same Old Song and Dance.”
Show More
majority of the book is told in chronological order, he’ll take tangents that are sometimes hard to follow. Then the anecdote abruptly finishes and he’s back to going about wherever he left off from.I was rather surprised he skipped over the whole Run DMC version of “Walk This Way” as I believe it was the primary reason for the band’s renewed success. Had talked very little of “Permanent Vacation” or “Pump”—two of Aerosmith’s greatest “comeback” albums—and spent far more time on later releases, which weren’t up to par IMO.
Tyler’s certainly talented and I enjoyed listening to the narrator read the book as he seemed to be having a ball reading it. But in terms of the flow and some of the content covered, it was disappointing. After several stories of going into rehab, falling off the wagon, going back into rehab, falling off the wagon again…well…it’s the “Same Old Song and Dance.”
Show Less
LibraryThing member Berly
Steven Tyler: Does the Noise in My Head Bother You?" by none other. Filled with sex and rock 'n' roll. Not too far into this memoir, Steven recounts how he used to make love to this radio DJ he was dating while she was on the air and try to mess up her lines. Well, okay then.... I gave it a good
Show More
try. Really. Read a 100 or so pages. My favorite part was when he was writing about the beauty of silence when he was a kid out in nature, and then he compared it to being on acid. Wait a minute! The writing is awful, filled with exclamation points (a bad habit I have and will now try to kick! oops!!) and CAPITALIZATIONS. I am not quite sure what his co-writer David Dalton contributed. I shudder to think Dalton toned it down and what it was like beforehand! (I know, but that really does need an "!".) Two Stars. Show Less
LibraryThing member Tanya-dogearedcopy
If you've ever been caught singing "Dream On" while strumming on an air guitar and listening to your Walkman...; If you were one of those staring in hurt bewilderment at a Joe Perry Project logo stenciled into the sidewalk outside of the Narcissus nightclub in Boston...; If your heart soared at the
Ostensibly the memoir of Aerosmith's lead singer, Steven Tyler, there is no denying that it has to be a history of the band as well if only because Steven Tyler has been the lead singer for over two-thirds of his life. DOES THE NOISE IN MY HEAD BOTHER YOU? is a recounting of a life of seeming cliche: drugs, sex and rock 'n' roll; but it is much more because it is the story of an icon who helped forge the cliche into the consciousness of every burgeoning American adolescent mind. The excesses described are not for the prudish. Hardly an apologia, Steve Tyler describes his rock 'n' roll lifestyle and the circuitous route to the man he is today. It's a fascinating look into Steven Tyler's mind, like dipping your toe into a stream of unconsciousness.
Jeremy Davidson does a remarkable job, for all that he is not Steven Tyler, of narrating this memoir. While purists may prefer authors to narrate their autobiographies, the choice of Jeremy Davidson is a solid one. Mr. Davidson has a more distinctive New York (?) accent than Steven Tyler, but the spirit of Steven Tyler's oral history is so strong, the free-form scat so distinctive, that the listener can hear Steven Tyler through Jeremy Davidson. Jeremy Davidson speaks clearly, attentively and, does not get in the way of the text.
There is a bit at the end if the book in which Steven Tyler talks about the book itself. While superficially seeming to be a free-associative ramble, the monologue is actually structured to highlight the key themes of the book. It also inadvertently gives props to David Dalton for organizing Steven Tyler's story into the book and, to Jeremy Davidson's clear rendition of the same text. Early in the listening experience of the memoir itself, one might think that Steven Tyler's words were tempered by either/both David Dalton and Jeremy Davidson; but it becomes clear in the monologue that both men served the text well and were about as transparent in delivering their respective trade crafts as you could want. Steven Tyler might have brought in some added value as the narrator of his own memoir, but while he could probably have gotten away with singing the lyrics embedded in the text; he wouldn't have been singing the whole text, i.e. Steven Tyler is a singer, not a narrator. His distinctively raspy voice and verbal pauses might not have worn well over the thirteen hours. It's also had to imagine him being tethered to his own text, even if he did write it himself!
Redacted from the original blog review at dog eared copy, Does the Noise in My Head Bother You?. 06/16/2011
Show More
sight of a flying piano... DOES THE NOISE IN MY HEAD BOTHER YOU? is for you!Ostensibly the memoir of Aerosmith's lead singer, Steven Tyler, there is no denying that it has to be a history of the band as well if only because Steven Tyler has been the lead singer for over two-thirds of his life. DOES THE NOISE IN MY HEAD BOTHER YOU? is a recounting of a life of seeming cliche: drugs, sex and rock 'n' roll; but it is much more because it is the story of an icon who helped forge the cliche into the consciousness of every burgeoning American adolescent mind. The excesses described are not for the prudish. Hardly an apologia, Steve Tyler describes his rock 'n' roll lifestyle and the circuitous route to the man he is today. It's a fascinating look into Steven Tyler's mind, like dipping your toe into a stream of unconsciousness.
Jeremy Davidson does a remarkable job, for all that he is not Steven Tyler, of narrating this memoir. While purists may prefer authors to narrate their autobiographies, the choice of Jeremy Davidson is a solid one. Mr. Davidson has a more distinctive New York (?) accent than Steven Tyler, but the spirit of Steven Tyler's oral history is so strong, the free-form scat so distinctive, that the listener can hear Steven Tyler through Jeremy Davidson. Jeremy Davidson speaks clearly, attentively and, does not get in the way of the text.
There is a bit at the end if the book in which Steven Tyler talks about the book itself. While superficially seeming to be a free-associative ramble, the monologue is actually structured to highlight the key themes of the book. It also inadvertently gives props to David Dalton for organizing Steven Tyler's story into the book and, to Jeremy Davidson's clear rendition of the same text. Early in the listening experience of the memoir itself, one might think that Steven Tyler's words were tempered by either/both David Dalton and Jeremy Davidson; but it becomes clear in the monologue that both men served the text well and were about as transparent in delivering their respective trade crafts as you could want. Steven Tyler might have brought in some added value as the narrator of his own memoir, but while he could probably have gotten away with singing the lyrics embedded in the text; he wouldn't have been singing the whole text, i.e. Steven Tyler is a singer, not a narrator. His distinctively raspy voice and verbal pauses might not have worn well over the thirteen hours. It's also had to imagine him being tethered to his own text, even if he did write it himself!
Redacted from the original blog review at dog eared copy, Does the Noise in My Head Bother You?. 06/16/2011
Show Less
LibraryThing member pandalovesyou
Bloody brilliant! So honest and raw, no holds barred, no holding back, tell it like it is! Just like The Steven we know and love! Sone of it was kind of out there, but then again, Steven Tyler is kinda out there!
This guy has so much heart and attitude. He has seen it and done it all and lived to
Way to go, Steven, keep it up!
This guy has so much heart and attitude. He has seen it and done it all and lived to
Show More
tell about it. It took him a while, but he seems tto have found his way.Way to go, Steven, keep it up!
Show Less
LibraryThing member VikingBunny
Raw, unabashed, and funny; very much how I would expect Tyler to share his story!
LibraryThing member ChristineEllei
Although I enjoyed some of their music I had not been an over-the-top Aerosmith fan. When I started this book I knew nothing about Steve Tyler, so everything in the book was a revelation. Mr. Tyler tells his story with apparent honesty, humour and sometimes sorrow. Most definitely a rock’n roll
Not too long ago I read Keith Richard’s biography so I could not help but make comparisons. They are similar in many ways but each interesting in their own style. I felt this was definitely written in Mr. Tyler’s voice and overall, I enjoyed it.
Show More
memoir as advertised. Mr. Tyler does not shy away from the difficult topics however, in my opinion; he was sometimes a little too forthcoming in personal details. Did I really need to read anatomical details in inches?Not too long ago I read Keith Richard’s biography so I could not help but make comparisons. They are similar in many ways but each interesting in their own style. I felt this was definitely written in Mr. Tyler’s voice and overall, I enjoyed it.
Show Less
LibraryThing member BooksOn23rd
DOES THE NOISE IN MY HEAD BOTHER YOU?, written by Steven Tyler of Aerosmith fame, along with David Dalton, is Mr. Tyler’s autobiography. As the frontman for one of the United States’ most influential rock bands of the last 30 years, Tyler has a lot to say, and it isn’t pretty.
Along with the
If you grew up listening to Aerosmith and followed along with their infighting you will be somewhat familiar with this recounting of their years together. I did learn more about the behind-the-scenes than I knew before and more about his wives (but not enough!). I understand now how Tyler approaches music, the in-between places that are the magic, the amazement and awe that nature can contribute.
At times the writing sounds like in-your-face Steven, but occasionally it sounds like the co-writer had a heavy hand in the text. Rambling and non-linear, Steven likes rhyming words as he talks.
I was actually hesitant to read this book, as Steven Tyler has always been god-like to me and I didn’t want that bubble to be burst. Fully aware that it could easily be done, I read it anyway and now see that at least one of my worst fears was confirmed; He does think that women are on this planet just to be used for sex and to give him children. Still, I love him, because he’s a freaking genius.
Along with the
Show More
overload of sex, drugs, and other rock’n’roll players, Tyler wants to make certain you understand that HE WAS STABBED IN THE BACK and CHEATED and HE ISN’T THE ONLY ONE IN THE BAND THAT USES DRUGS. Tyler sometimes alludes to certain people both in the band and out as having done him wrong without specifying exactly who did what. Other times he flat-out names names and tribulations.If you grew up listening to Aerosmith and followed along with their infighting you will be somewhat familiar with this recounting of their years together. I did learn more about the behind-the-scenes than I knew before and more about his wives (but not enough!). I understand now how Tyler approaches music, the in-between places that are the magic, the amazement and awe that nature can contribute.
At times the writing sounds like in-your-face Steven, but occasionally it sounds like the co-writer had a heavy hand in the text. Rambling and non-linear, Steven likes rhyming words as he talks.
I was actually hesitant to read this book, as Steven Tyler has always been god-like to me and I didn’t want that bubble to be burst. Fully aware that it could easily be done, I read it anyway and now see that at least one of my worst fears was confirmed; He does think that women are on this planet just to be used for sex and to give him children. Still, I love him, because he’s a freaking genius.
Show Less
LibraryThing member micahmom2002
Was very interested in reading this....however I found it difficult to follow. Got 2/3 through (about 250 pages) and still hadnt really touched much upon the rehabs and fmaily life I was interested in learning more about. It seemed to be more about life on the road and drugs and relationships
Show More
within the band than anything else. May pick it up in the future to finish it. Show Less
LibraryThing member Wilwarin
I was a little bit hard deciding on how many stars this book was gonna get. I made it 2 stars. The reasons for that were that I found the writing of the book a little bit hard to understand and follow. Mind you, my first language isn't English so it might be because of that I sometimes had a hard
The book was... okay. I read it in a few days which says that I was interested and hooked to the story, 'cause I wanted to find out the happenings and it all about Aerosmith and all around it from Tyler's perspective. The beginning with his childhood was interesting - never would've guessed he was a nature boy. His spirituality and thoughts were interesting and sometimes thought worthy (but I found it a bit troublesome to see in his perspective of sex and cheating of wives while on tour). But I think I wanted to go deeper, find out more about himself and his thoughts. Sadly, I thought it was to focussed on sex and drugs. Rambling about the name of the drugs for several sentences. He got deep and interesting sometimes, but mostly it was about the general rock 'n roll life that's isn't big news.
For the Aerosmith fan, as myself, the book could be read and to some length enjoyed, but if you're not that big of a fan I don't think you have anything to get from reading this.
Show More
time understanding what he was saying and follow his sentences. It was jerky, a story within a story, hopping all over the place. The words and phrases all over the place - which on the other hand was cool 'cause it felt like Tyler was talking directly to you with his one words. The book was... okay. I read it in a few days which says that I was interested and hooked to the story, 'cause I wanted to find out the happenings and it all about Aerosmith and all around it from Tyler's perspective. The beginning with his childhood was interesting - never would've guessed he was a nature boy. His spirituality and thoughts were interesting and sometimes thought worthy (but I found it a bit troublesome to see in his perspective of sex and cheating of wives while on tour). But I think I wanted to go deeper, find out more about himself and his thoughts. Sadly, I thought it was to focussed on sex and drugs. Rambling about the name of the drugs for several sentences. He got deep and interesting sometimes, but mostly it was about the general rock 'n roll life that's isn't big news.
For the Aerosmith fan, as myself, the book could be read and to some length enjoyed, but if you're not that big of a fan I don't think you have anything to get from reading this.
Show Less
LibraryThing member thebacklistbook
This autobiographical account of Tyler's life is very illuminating, and brutally honest about what drugs do to a person's life. and what the celebrity lifestyle is really like. at times it is a bitter pill to swallow, and other chapters you sail through faster than a 30 second song. All in all it
Show More
was a delightful read that allowed me into the mind of one of my favorite musicians. Show Less
LibraryThing member AdonisGuilfoyle
Wow. Okay. The title of this autobiography should be taken as a warning, or at least seriously considered by anyone thinking of reading Steven Tyler in his own words (I'm not sure how much Rolling Stone writer David Dalton contributed to making sense of the past, but I would hate to read the
'Fucked-up voices with a ton of character - that's my idea of a great voice', Tyler writes, and that's how I would rank him personality wise too, up there with his idol Janis Joplin, only somehow the Aerosmith singer is still going 70 years on. Descended from Italian immigrant musicians and a pianist father, Steven Tyler has music in the blood, and his band, Aerosmith, came about the old-fashioned way, formed after various failed line-ups and then working their way up from school auditoriums and small clubs to becoming a successful 'multiplatinum band with four albums in the space of three years'. Tyler is a singer-songwriter who seems to truly understand music, often riding the others in the band - guitarist Joe Perry and the LI3 (Least Interesting 3, Joey Kramer, Brad Whitford and Tom Hamilton) - to the point where I wanted to punch him on their behalf. At least he admits to being a knob with 'Lead Singer Disease', though! Tyler also plays drums, piano and harmonica, so he's not just sound and fury. Or at least he wasn't.
What the band is most famous for, however, is addiction. As he says, 'For the whole of the seventies, we were all nicely fucked-up and deep-friend'. Would they have been a better band for longer without the drugs and drink, or did that lifestyle make them who they are? After reading Steven's biography, I'm not sure. At least they're still going, forty years on, bar a few epic break-ups and stints in rehab.
Should you take what Steven can recall of his past with a pinch of salt? Probably. 'Everybody likes to overblow their past, including me—to squeeze out the relevance of what may or may not
have really taken place', he says, including refuting certain claims in the memoirs of his bandmates and past wives and girlfriends. There are two sides to every story, I suppose, and at least Steven is talking about his own life and not waiting for some moneygrubbing 'biographer' to do so for him. He's very proud of his biggest hit, Dream On (admittedly my favourite song too), and repeats himself a lot, but Mr Tyler is definitely entertaining with a unique narrative voice. Worth a read. If you dare.
Show More
unedited version!) Tyler is everything you would expect of the 'Demon of Screamin' and more, way way more, but I will admit to skimming through some of his random ranting. A talented musician and an extraordinary frontman no doubt, but I would hate to be stuck in a lift with the guy.'Fucked-up voices with a ton of character - that's my idea of a great voice', Tyler writes, and that's how I would rank him personality wise too, up there with his idol Janis Joplin, only somehow the Aerosmith singer is still going 70 years on. Descended from Italian immigrant musicians and a pianist father, Steven Tyler has music in the blood, and his band, Aerosmith, came about the old-fashioned way, formed after various failed line-ups and then working their way up from school auditoriums and small clubs to becoming a successful 'multiplatinum band with four albums in the space of three years'. Tyler is a singer-songwriter who seems to truly understand music, often riding the others in the band - guitarist Joe Perry and the LI3 (Least Interesting 3, Joey Kramer, Brad Whitford and Tom Hamilton) - to the point where I wanted to punch him on their behalf. At least he admits to being a knob with 'Lead Singer Disease', though! Tyler also plays drums, piano and harmonica, so he's not just sound and fury. Or at least he wasn't.
What the band is most famous for, however, is addiction. As he says, 'For the whole of the seventies, we were all nicely fucked-up and deep-friend'. Would they have been a better band for longer without the drugs and drink, or did that lifestyle make them who they are? After reading Steven's biography, I'm not sure. At least they're still going, forty years on, bar a few epic break-ups and stints in rehab.
Should you take what Steven can recall of his past with a pinch of salt? Probably. 'Everybody likes to overblow their past, including me—to squeeze out the relevance of what may or may not
have really taken place', he says, including refuting certain claims in the memoirs of his bandmates and past wives and girlfriends. There are two sides to every story, I suppose, and at least Steven is talking about his own life and not waiting for some moneygrubbing 'biographer' to do so for him. He's very proud of his biggest hit, Dream On (admittedly my favourite song too), and repeats himself a lot, but Mr Tyler is definitely entertaining with a unique narrative voice. Worth a read. If you dare.
Show Less
LibraryThing member TheYodamom
I just could not stay focused on his story. i found many parts hard to comprehend, written in riddles/lyrics. I was lost more than not and just gave up. he is an interesting man and has a greats tory to tell it is just not my time to read it. I quit it after 1/3.
LibraryThing member debbie1215
Steven tells it like it is in his own crazy rock star/addict way. He is brutally honest, odd, and mostly raunchy. Nothing less than you’d expect from with his reputation. This read exactly like what I’d imagine it would be to have a conversation with him. All in all an entertaining read from
Show More
one of rocks great ones. Show Less
Language
Original publication date
2011-05
Physical description
400 p.; 9 inches
ISBN
0061767891 / 9780061767890
Local notes
BOOKCASE:
SHELF:
OTHER TITLES BY AUTHOR: Walk this way : Aerosmithin tarina
SHELF:
OTHER TITLES BY AUTHOR: Walk this way : Aerosmithin tarina