Customer Reviews

Sid Vicious: Rock 'n' Roll Star

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

How much more can be said about Sid Vicious, the Sex Pistols, and 70s punk in general? Well, it helps if you've got stories nobody's heard before, and "Sid Vicious: Rock'n'Roll Star" (God, I hope there's some irony intended in that subtitle) has them. I won't reveal them here, but I will say I've been a punk fan for a long time (I'm not telling!) and I learned a lot here--lots of little details really make Sid come alive in a new way. Sure, he was nasty and brutish, and his life was short, but he's still entertaining. There are also fantastic pictures, again, many which I was unfamiliar with. There's a funny one of him in the hospital after the break-up of the Pistols, and lots of good ones before he ever joined the band.

This book covers his whole life--his childhood with his drug-friendly mother, his teen years as an art student (but then, name me one British rock star that DIDN'T go to art school!)--and the hellish descent his life took after January 14, 1978. It's all here--great writing (the bibliography includes "England's Dreaming" and "12 Days on the Road"), hilarious and chilling anecdotes, unparalleled photos, and good research. However, it did leave out a really cool fact--that Sid got his trademark padlock necklace from Chrissie Hynde. But it does reveal that the one Gary Oldman wore in "Sid & Nancy" was, in fact, that very one.

This slim book doesn't look like much at first glance, but appearances deceive. Avoid at all costs, however, the much more hyped "El Sid" by David Dalton--a wretched, exploitative, cheap and poorly written work with no photos and imaginary diary entries from Sid. CRRRAAPPP!

PS: "Sid Vicious: Rock'n'Roll Star" would make an EXCELLENT gift for that bratty 14-year-old nephew of yours who thinks Rancid and Green Day and Blink 182 are "punk rock"--show him the guy who walked it like he talked it, and paid the highest price for it.

"Regrets... I've had a few... But then again, too few to mention......"

Malcolm Butt's SID VICIOUS: ROCK N ROLL STAR is an important read for any who are familiar with Sid Vicious and know about his sensational, controversial background. Unlike other reports and surveys, Malcolm Butt's account comes from an insider's standpoint and reveals Vicious' childhood, his introduction to the Pistols, and his declines in a world of mental illness and heroin. A strong background knowledge of the punk scene in general, not just the Sex Pistols and Sid Vicious in particular, lends a well-rounded touch to the biography of Sid's 21 years of life. Add candid black and white photos of the group and its leader and insights into Sid's mental state and you have an authoritative coverage which is required reading for any who would understand the roots and sentiments of punk rock.

For photographs of Sid, this book is great. All pictures are in black and white.

The writing is good as well, peering back to young John Beverly, and his care by drug addicted mother.

A great biography...the only reason I rated it a 4 was because the author was sometimes wary on details.When you read about Sid,you realize he wasn't as "cool" as everyone thinks he is.He was just like anybody else,a regular human being.People put him on this high pedestal thinking "Wow,he's so cool.I want to wear leather jackets just like him!" well maybe not exactly like that,but you get the point.It shows he was just like most people...insecure at times,and liked to have fun.I read this all in one day...I couldn't put it down.

I recieved this book from a friend for Christmas...I was so happy to get it I started to pogo about the room. This book is a beautifully worded masterpiece descibing one of the most famous punks in history. From his rise to his fall, his role models to his enemies, this book clearly tells you who Sid Vicious is. It is the best biography of this man I've ever read. You REALLY SHOULD get this book...it rules. No, it more than rules...it's so punk rock that it's off the chart. Another book related to the Sex Pistols that was kick-arse is "12 Days On The Road, The Sex Pistols, and America"--a must read for any fan.

Malcolm Butt writes a compelling biography of heroin casualty and punk rock legend, Sid Vicious. Mr. Butt addresses every aspect of Sid's troubled childhood, pre-heroin adolescence, and short-lived fame. He probes into issues involving Sid's relationships with his mother, fellow drug addict Anne Beverly, and his self-destructive girlfriend, Nancy Spungen with great detail. Includes epilogue describing Anne Beverly's apparent suicide days after the book was completed. A page turner that I could not put down.

This book is awesome. The pictures itself tells the amazing story of Sid's short life. You find out the whole story from begining to his unfortunante end. The story is very moving and I have not seen a better story written about Sid Vicious.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I am a huge fan of Sid (the legend) and the Sex Pistols. This book has sooo many interesting stories and tiny details you may not come across elsewhere. I loved it.

This is by far the best Sid Vicious book ever written, and I have read them all. A fast, good read. A great picture on almost every other page, including childhood photos. Also, the best Sex Pistols book is: "12 Days on the Road, the Sex Pistols and America"

Be careful what you wish for. Sid wanted to be a rock and roll star. For one year, he was. Then he was dead. And for those of us, who, like him, spent our younger years flipping the bird to the establishment, there but for: ....... go us. As a middle aged father of three and pre-juvinile delinquent you wish with each page you could be there to help him make smart choices. But real juvie's know their is no help when your in a state of stupidity. Sid was the epitome of stupidity. For a guy who did everything to appear cool it's ironic that his only musical legacy is "My Way" the best version of the most disgusting song ever written. An absolute must read before or after this book, is John Lydon's (Johnny Rotten) bio. "No Irish, No Blacks, No Dogs." A facinating read that places Sid and the Pistol's where they belong. In the most important company of rock and roll history: Elvis, Beatles and the Pistols. Rock and roll will never die. But it sure can make a mess of things. Onward