Customer Reviews

The First Rock 'n' Roll Bodyguard: Alf Weaver

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Alf claims to be the first rock n' roll bodyguard and it's interesting to read how he fell into the job. A nice guy and a nice read but if you are buying this to read controversial info on celebrities, you will disappointed.

Alf describes his early life, history in the service and boxing followed by his foray into the life of a bodyguard. Alf has great history with the Beatles particularly, but also the Stones, Led Zeppelin, Cher and Frank Sinatra as well as many others. While he talks about the good traits, there is no dirt or secrets about these people.

Probably the most interesting relationship he has is with Mike Nesmith of the Monkees. Mike comes across as an interesting guy stuck in a bubble gum band that wants to evolve on a higher level musically.

While this is an enjoyable read, there is no real meat to the book that would need to be there to sell in large numbers.

Alf Weaver tells it like it is. No bull****, no boring stories, but ballsy writing and a whole bunch of stuff about all your favourite rock 'n' roll stars.

Lots of former friends of the stars write kiss and tells, but forget about the kissing and the telling. Weaver ain't one of them. He's got the juice on everyone from Frank Sinatra to The Beatles and also a lot of interesting stuff about The Monkees, Led Zeppelin and all the great bands from the 60s and 70s.

Too little insight into the big stars he worked for, but fun quick read and glimpse into the "you should have been there" years of classic rock and roll. My favorite part was at the end of the book where Alf gives his hard-won advice on how to be a good "minder." If you like VH1 Behind the Scenes-type exposes, then this book is for you. Warning for the faint-hearted: Alf pulls no punches (so to speak) with language, although he does hold his tongue when it comes to revealing intimate celebrity secrets.

You can pretty much read his in one afternoon. The style of writing is essentially oral history. You also get some great British slang thrown in. All in all, a bit choppy, but worth the effort due to no real literary competitors.