"Stoned" by Andrew Loog Oldham is an incredible memoir that takes readers on a captivating journey through the golden era of the Rolling Stones. As the band's first manager, Oldham offers a one-of-a-kind insider's perspective on their rise to fame and the tumultuous rollercoaster that followed.
What sets this memoir apart is Oldham's ability to provide honest introspection and reflection on both his own successes and failures, as well as those of the band and their entourage. His raw and unfiltered account of the rock 'n' roll lifestyle of the 1960s gives a unique insight into the price of fame and the consequences of living life in the fast lane.
Oldham's storytelling is engaging and vivid, transporting readers back to a time of rebellious youth, wild antics, and groundbreaking music. Through his personal anecdotes, he paints a vivid portrait of the band members, their relationships, and the challenges they faced along the way. From their humble beginnings in small venues to conquering the world stage, Oldham details the band's meteoric rise with great detail and a deep understanding of the era.
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Beyond the rock 'n' roll lifestyle, "Stoned" delves into the sociopolitical issues of the time, such as the impact of the counterculture movement and the challenges faced by the band in an ever-changing music industry. Oldham's insights offer a valuable historical perspective, providing a deeper understanding of the era and its influence on the Rolling Stones' music and image.
Overall, "Stoned" is an enthralling memoir that perfectly captures the essence of the Rolling Stones and the turbulent era they lived in. Andrew Loog Oldham's keen observations and storytelling prowess make this book a must-read for any music enthusiast or fan of the iconic British band.
What are readers saying?
"Stoned" by Andrew Loog Oldham has received a range of reviews from readers, with some expressing admiration for Oldham's personal account of his time as the manager of The Rolling Stones. They found his insights into the challenges and successes of managing such an iconic rock band to be captivating and appreciated the candid approach taken in the book. Readers enjoyed the behind-the-scenes stories and felt they provided a valuable glimpse into the band's early years.
On the other hand, there were readers who felt that the book lacked focus and coherence. They found the jumping between anecdotes and topics without sufficient context to be confusing. The writing style was also criticized as disjointed and in need of better editing. Another point of contention was that some readers felt the book focused too much on Oldham himself, overshadowing the achievements of The Rolling Stones and creating a somewhat self-centered narrative.
Despite these criticisms, many readers still found value in Oldham's unique perspective and passion for the music industry. They were enthralled by his firsthand accounts of working with The Rolling Stones and found them to be both engaging and revealing.
In conclusion, while "Stoned" by Andrew Loog Oldham provides a firsthand account of managing The Rolling Stones, some readers found the book to be lacking in structure and focus. It may appeal to those interested in the band's history, but it may not fully satisfy those seeking a comprehensive and objective overview of their journey.