The extraordinary life and career of music legend Rod Stewart, in his own words for the first time.
With his soulful and singular voice, narrative songwriting, and passionate live performances Rod Stewart has paved one of the most iconic and successful music careers of all time. He was the charismatic lead singer for the trailblazing rock and roll bands The Jeff Beck Group and The Faces, and as a solo artist, the author of such beloved songs as "Maggie May," "Tonight’s the Night," "Hot Legs," "Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?," "Young Turks," "Forever Young," and "You Wear It Well." Now after more than five decades in the spotlight, he is finally ready to take a candid and romping look back at his life both on and off the stage. From his humble British roots to his hell-raising years on tour with his bandmates, not forgetting his great loves (including three marriages and eight children) and decades touring the world, Rod delivers a riveting ride through one of rock's most remarkable lives.
Rod: The Autobiography
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Review
“Funny, self-deprecating and a whole lot less boastful than he could be, Mr. Stewart offers a string of Grade-A rock ‘n’ roll debauchery stories and…makes them charming.” –The New York Times
“The best news about Stewart’s autobiography is that it revives the rollicking humor and self-deprecating personality of his early career. It takes the jolly perspective of a guy who knows he’s one of the world’s luckiest men, and the result proves infectious.” –New York Daily News
“In an action-packed memoir, Stewart explains how he survived the excesses of Seventies rock stardom…full of bad behavior and enough ex-wives to fill an entire soccer side.” —Rolling Stone
“A he-said romp through a five-decade music career that spawned a string of enduring pop classics…[Stewart is] an entertaining storyteller who admits that at age 67 he still spends time on that bottle-blond, high-maintenance hair. We love him for that.” –The Tampa Bay Times
“Unsurprisingly, Rod Stewart has a few stories to tell…The singer tells them in a charming, often humble and self-deprecating, and always entertaining fashion throughout Rod, his autobiography….A moving read.” –The Buffalo News
“…a life that seems to be one endless romp from hit song to hot date, with a few stylish Italian sports cars and expensive pieces of Pre-Raphaelite art thrown in for good measure. Blondes (Have More Fun), indeed.” –USA Today
"The most outrageous—and wittiest—rock autobiography of the decade." –The Daily Mail
“Amiably and self-knowingly told… the tone [is] pitched right and the jokes good." –The Guardian
"Forget your Salman Rushdie. Put down your JK Rowling. Tomorrow sees the publication of one of the most entertaining, revealing, captivating books of the year-- the autobiography of Rod Stewart. Truly." –The Independent online
“Anyone who wants to be a rock and roll superstar should read this…crazy stories.” –Jimmy Fallon
“A likable, mostly generous and well-written look back at the days of bedding starlets and destroying hotels.” –Kirkus
“Looking at the fall release schedule and seeing memoirs slated from Pete Townshend and Neil Young, who would have tipped Rod Stewart as being the rock graybeard most likely to produce the best book? But he did. Rod: The Autobiography (Crown) is a warm, roguish reminiscence. More playful than Townshend's at times ponderous Who I Am and far more insightful than Young's numbing Waging Heavy Peace, Stewart's memoir has much of the joyful, big-hearted raffishness of the singer's classic early '70s recordings. (It's more "Mandolin Wind" than "Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?" — or anything else of his from the last 35 years or so.) The book is a fun, rollicking read.” —Spin.com
“The best news about Stewart’s autobiography is that it revives the rollicking humor and self-deprecating personality of his early career. It takes the jolly perspective of a guy who knows he’s one of the world’s luckiest men, and the result proves infectious.” –New York Daily News
“In an action-packed memoir, Stewart explains how he survived the excesses of Seventies rock stardom…full of bad behavior and enough ex-wives to fill an entire soccer side.” —Rolling Stone
“A he-said romp through a five-decade music career that spawned a string of enduring pop classics…[Stewart is] an entertaining storyteller who admits that at age 67 he still spends time on that bottle-blond, high-maintenance hair. We love him for that.” –The Tampa Bay Times
“Unsurprisingly, Rod Stewart has a few stories to tell…The singer tells them in a charming, often humble and self-deprecating, and always entertaining fashion throughout Rod, his autobiography….A moving read.” –The Buffalo News
“…a life that seems to be one endless romp from hit song to hot date, with a few stylish Italian sports cars and expensive pieces of Pre-Raphaelite art thrown in for good measure. Blondes (Have More Fun), indeed.” –USA Today
"The most outrageous—and wittiest—rock autobiography of the decade." –The Daily Mail
“Amiably and self-knowingly told… the tone [is] pitched right and the jokes good." –The Guardian
"Forget your Salman Rushdie. Put down your JK Rowling. Tomorrow sees the publication of one of the most entertaining, revealing, captivating books of the year-- the autobiography of Rod Stewart. Truly." –The Independent online
“Anyone who wants to be a rock and roll superstar should read this…crazy stories.” –Jimmy Fallon
“A likable, mostly generous and well-written look back at the days of bedding starlets and destroying hotels.” –Kirkus
“Looking at the fall release schedule and seeing memoirs slated from Pete Townshend and Neil Young, who would have tipped Rod Stewart as being the rock graybeard most likely to produce the best book? But he did. Rod: The Autobiography (Crown) is a warm, roguish reminiscence. More playful than Townshend's at times ponderous Who I Am and far more insightful than Young's numbing Waging Heavy Peace, Stewart's memoir has much of the joyful, big-hearted raffishness of the singer's classic early '70s recordings. (It's more "Mandolin Wind" than "Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?" — or anything else of his from the last 35 years or so.) The book is a fun, rollicking read.” —Spin.com
About the Author
ROD STEWART is a two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and a Grammy Living Legend. In a career spanning five decades, he has sold more than 150 million records and continues to be one of the top-grossing and most beloved live performers in the world. In 2007, the Queen of England bestowed him the prestigious CBE (Commander of the British Empire) for his contributions to music. He lives with his wife, Penny Lancaster, and children in Beverly Hills, California and Epping, Essex.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
52 of 54 people found the following review helpful
By Phil Clapham
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
Way back in the 1970's, I saw Rod Stewart acting like a petulant prima donna on a British TV program, and for a long time thereafter had him pegged as an immature twit, albeit one with a great voice. As someone who went to university in London in the mid-70's and saw just about every rock band that was worth seeing - plus a fair number who weren't - I was never a great Rod Stewart fan. I liked some of his songs - I would have absolutely killed to see the Faces play "Stay With Me" in concert - and appreciated his unique voice, but I never jumped wholeheartedly onto the Stewart bandwagon.
All of which somehow makes this autobiography all the more of a delightful surprise. It's lightly written, funny and informative. It's also charmingly self-deprecating; here is the voice of a former Bad Boy of Rock and Roll, all grown up and now looking back with the balance and wisdom of his later years.
The book is full of good behind-the-scenes stories that tell of bands, songs and relationships. We learn of Stewart's humble origins, his unsteady progress as a singer and harmonica player (he notes wryly that he was playing the latter badly for a year before someone pointed out that you could actually play the instrument by sucking as well as blowing into it), and the ups and downs of various bands and albums before fame and commercial success finally sunk their hooks into him for good. This happened in part because of his classic song Maggie May, which Stewart almost discarded from the Every Picture Tells A Story album because he didn't think much of it:
"When the Beatles finished `Please Please Me', George Martin allegedly clicked on the talkback and said, `Congratulations, boys, you've just recorded your first number one.' What would I have said had I spoken to the studio after finishing Maggie May? Probably, `Well, that's sort of OK, I suppose. Drink, anyone?'"
Originally released as the B side of a single, Maggie May was played widely by radio DJs in the States, and then in Britain, and this finally catapulted both the song and the album to number 1 at the same time in both countries (a feat which, Stewart notes, not even Elvis or the Beatles had managed).
Stewart avoids the temptation to use his autobiography to settle scores, and usually describes conflicts tactfully, despite telling us that, "as everyone in the business of rock'n'roll knows, the rule is as follows: in bands, there's always one c**t who no one gets on with." (Amazon won't allow the c word to be printed, even though it's a quote from the book). That he was a horrible and terminally unfaithful partner to his various wives and girlfriends he openly admits. The caricatured life of a star - literally sex, drugs and rock and roll - was too good to pass up, and Stewart indulged unceasingly and head first. At one point he confesses to spending a week in a prime hotel suite in the south of France, literally flying in one girl after another (his manager would drop off one girl at the airport and then head over to Arrivals to pick up the next to arrive).
And on the positive side, we get some great stories about his closest friends in the business; the tales of his long relationship with Elton John, including their constant practical jokes and one-upmanship, are particularly amusing. Not to mention the so-called Sex Police: members of the band who tried their best to stop any other band member from having sex with whatever groupie he'd brought back to the hotel after a concert. In one case, this involved removing every last piece of furniture from a musician's hotel suite and replacing it with live chickens. The afflicted band member duly returned and, acting as if nothing was amiss, proceeded to enjoy his girl anyway... as Stewart notes, the important thing was not to give your friends the satisfaction of seeing you inconvenienced or annoyed.
Along the way, we get amusing digressions on various topics ranging from his love of cars to Rod Stewart impersonators to the staggering amount of work involved in creating his hairdo... all of this related in a tone that makes it clear he never takes himself too seriously.
Viewed superficially, Stewart could be written off - as some have done - as a pretty boy with a good voice. But that does him a disservice: it's very clear from this book that a genuine love of great music was there from the beginning, and he has both appreciated and embraced genres that ranged widely from folk to blues to hard-core rock. Indeed, reading this book made me go back and listen to a "Best of" album (I highly recommend The Definitive Rod Stewart, a two-CD set that includes most of his best songs); in doing so, I recognized many of these influences, sometimes woven together to give a richer whole. Above it all, of course, is that famous raspy voice which, at its best, reflects Stewart's emotional investment in the lyrics (listen to his heartfelt rendering of Tom Waits' wonderful song Tom Traubert's Blues).
But overall, you don't have to love the guy to enjoy this book; it's a very entertaining romp through his career, and along the way it provides a highly readable history of the musical era in which he became famous.
And Rod Stewart - at least in his maturity - turns out to be a nice guy after all.
All of which somehow makes this autobiography all the more of a delightful surprise. It's lightly written, funny and informative. It's also charmingly self-deprecating; here is the voice of a former Bad Boy of Rock and Roll, all grown up and now looking back with the balance and wisdom of his later years.
The book is full of good behind-the-scenes stories that tell of bands, songs and relationships. We learn of Stewart's humble origins, his unsteady progress as a singer and harmonica player (he notes wryly that he was playing the latter badly for a year before someone pointed out that you could actually play the instrument by sucking as well as blowing into it), and the ups and downs of various bands and albums before fame and commercial success finally sunk their hooks into him for good. This happened in part because of his classic song Maggie May, which Stewart almost discarded from the Every Picture Tells A Story album because he didn't think much of it:
"When the Beatles finished `Please Please Me', George Martin allegedly clicked on the talkback and said, `Congratulations, boys, you've just recorded your first number one.' What would I have said had I spoken to the studio after finishing Maggie May? Probably, `Well, that's sort of OK, I suppose. Drink, anyone?'"
Originally released as the B side of a single, Maggie May was played widely by radio DJs in the States, and then in Britain, and this finally catapulted both the song and the album to number 1 at the same time in both countries (a feat which, Stewart notes, not even Elvis or the Beatles had managed).
Stewart avoids the temptation to use his autobiography to settle scores, and usually describes conflicts tactfully, despite telling us that, "as everyone in the business of rock'n'roll knows, the rule is as follows: in bands, there's always one c**t who no one gets on with." (Amazon won't allow the c word to be printed, even though it's a quote from the book). That he was a horrible and terminally unfaithful partner to his various wives and girlfriends he openly admits. The caricatured life of a star - literally sex, drugs and rock and roll - was too good to pass up, and Stewart indulged unceasingly and head first. At one point he confesses to spending a week in a prime hotel suite in the south of France, literally flying in one girl after another (his manager would drop off one girl at the airport and then head over to Arrivals to pick up the next to arrive).
And on the positive side, we get some great stories about his closest friends in the business; the tales of his long relationship with Elton John, including their constant practical jokes and one-upmanship, are particularly amusing. Not to mention the so-called Sex Police: members of the band who tried their best to stop any other band member from having sex with whatever groupie he'd brought back to the hotel after a concert. In one case, this involved removing every last piece of furniture from a musician's hotel suite and replacing it with live chickens. The afflicted band member duly returned and, acting as if nothing was amiss, proceeded to enjoy his girl anyway... as Stewart notes, the important thing was not to give your friends the satisfaction of seeing you inconvenienced or annoyed.
Along the way, we get amusing digressions on various topics ranging from his love of cars to Rod Stewart impersonators to the staggering amount of work involved in creating his hairdo... all of this related in a tone that makes it clear he never takes himself too seriously.
Viewed superficially, Stewart could be written off - as some have done - as a pretty boy with a good voice. But that does him a disservice: it's very clear from this book that a genuine love of great music was there from the beginning, and he has both appreciated and embraced genres that ranged widely from folk to blues to hard-core rock. Indeed, reading this book made me go back and listen to a "Best of" album (I highly recommend The Definitive Rod Stewart, a two-CD set that includes most of his best songs); in doing so, I recognized many of these influences, sometimes woven together to give a richer whole. Above it all, of course, is that famous raspy voice which, at its best, reflects Stewart's emotional investment in the lyrics (listen to his heartfelt rendering of Tom Waits' wonderful song Tom Traubert's Blues).
But overall, you don't have to love the guy to enjoy this book; it's a very entertaining romp through his career, and along the way it provides a highly readable history of the musical era in which he became famous.
And Rod Stewart - at least in his maturity - turns out to be a nice guy after all.
35 of 37 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
First off, I am a fan of Rod Stewart's and I may be a tad biased though I really don't think so.This book is interesting and loaded with Stewart's self-deprecating humor which makes it the easiest of reads. He takes his readers through his childhood and upbringing, the three wives, eight kids, and the much publicized romances. Couple that with a many decade long career, life on the road, career and personal ups and even some downs and the end product is a page turner from start to finish. As Stewart has proven time and again, he is the king of reinvention who manages to redefine himself over and over again. What emerges in this book is a Rod Stewart that is still sort of a rakish dog, bad boy, and capable of being vulnerable.
Stewart has managed to do with a book what he does consistently when he performs. He flirts, cajoles, and establishes an intimacy with his reader that is almost irresistible. This book is one of those special instances where the information is coming from the subject with a lot of honesty and heart. It seems as if he pretty much covers it all-----the good, the bad, and the ugly------and what is left is the many lives of Rod Stewart.
Stewart has managed to do with a book what he does consistently when he performs. He flirts, cajoles, and establishes an intimacy with his reader that is almost irresistible. This book is one of those special instances where the information is coming from the subject with a lot of honesty and heart. It seems as if he pretty much covers it all-----the good, the bad, and the ugly------and what is left is the many lives of Rod Stewart.
21 of 24 people found the following review helpful
By Mazza
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
Well I have always been a huge fan of Rod Stewart's and of the Faces but this autobiography surpassed even all of my expectations. As well as being informative and putting right a lot of the myths and stories surrounding himself and his bands (and his relationships) over the years, the book is genuinely funny and made me laugh out loud in places. I loved the history of the early songs and album tracks, and particularly the stories of his early performing years with Long John Baldry. Of course the Scottish connection and tales of football matches and trips to Hampden to see his beloved Scottish team play (and usually get beaten) were fascinating, funny and evocative of my own young years being a die-hard Celtic and Scotland fan. In the book Rod Stewart speaks respectfully of his ex-wives and partners and very lovingly about his children. He comes across as being, at heart, a real family man, which you can read from the book stems from his own childhood within a very close and loving family. Can't rate this book highly enough - Rod Stewart is a great story-teller, song-writer, singer and, what do you know, comedian. What a read!!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Rod you devil
Loved his hilarious take on his life and loves seems very kind to all the girls he's loved before. Good Dad loves his kids
Published 33 minutes ago by selena snell
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good read
A very enjoyable read about the life and adventures of this timeless superstar. If you are a Rod Stewart fan it is a must read.
Published 1 day ago by john garrett
4.0 out of 5 stars
always been a fan
Rod makes sure that everyone who reads his autobiography knows how much he feels like we should love him as much as he loves himself. Read more
Published 4 days ago by steven shively
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Read!!!!!!
Of course, I've been listening to Rod Stewarts music for quite a long time & have some really great memories..... Read more
Published 5 days ago by Heidi
4.0 out of 5 stars
Rod Stewart Rocks
Great read. Funny and heartfelt. Rod really enjoys what he's been doing all these years. A bit too much football/soccer but that probably because I'm American and not into the... Read more
Published 6 days ago by Randi Sacks
3.0 out of 5 stars
Rod Stewart Biography.
This is a very recent purchase--I haven't read it yet so can't comment further. From what I can tell from a quick browse, it looks like it will be a good read.
Published 7 days ago by Maureen
4.0 out of 5 stars
Honest
Loved his honesty and learned a lot about him. Had to look up some words because they were Scotish!! Good read!
Published 10 days ago by Sabrina G. Hindman
4.0 out of 5 stars
Very entertaining and honest.
This wasn't my favourite autobiography ever, but I still really enjoyed it. First of all I was quite impressed that for a seemingly sparsely educated boy, his writing is very good. Read more
Published 10 days ago by Gwynn Atkinson
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Fun, Well-Written, and Heartfelt Read for Fans and Non-Fans Alike
I'm not a Rod Stewart fan, per se. I mean, I have nothing against the guy (well, maybe that Love Touch song), but I don't own any of his records and haven't paid much attention to... Read more
Published 11 days ago by Lauren Sophie
5.0 out of 5 stars
Really enjoyed this book
I had seen a couple of extracts from this book in newspapers; that's why I bought it, and I wasn't disappointed. Read more
Published 12 days ago by Jane Canaries
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