Customer Reviews

Siouxsie and the Banshees: The Authorised Biography

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I bought this book and couldn't put it down! This is one of the best books out there about Siouxsie and the Banshees! These are interviews with Siouxsie along with members of the band and other important figures. They (Siouxsie and others) tell the stories about the band's history, the songs/albums, etc. If you're a Siouxsie fan - you have to get this book! Another good book for a Siouxsie fan (and its hard to get) is Ray Stevenson's Siouxsie and the Banshees Photo Book. Get this book and the Photo book!

I just finished this and I enjoyed it immensely. Yes, there could have been more pictures, or color pictures, but the "dish" was terrific. Written in interview snippets with band members, associates and friends, you get a clear picture of what was actually going on with the band and behind the scenes while we were all busily worshiping Siouxsie.

I learned plenty from things I must have missed reading up on since first stumbling upon the Arabian Knights video around 1981, up to and including their sad break up in 1995...Who knew that behind Robert Smith's back he was unaffectionately referred to as "Fat Bob," or that PEEPSHOW was fueled most specifically by cocaine, that FEAST was hammered out in two weeks, that Siouxsie ruled the band with an iron fist (well, you HAD to know that). I still worship the music, but now I appreciate the humans who created it, whiny and childish as they seemed at times.

It's a great read, I love Siouxsie's occasional foul mouth and the fact that she had the audacity to have been photographed for the cover of the book in a Burberry blouse. And you'll have fun at the end of the book highlighting all the gigs you actually saw and horrified at how many you allowed yourself to miss. (Discography and extensive index included)

I have a casual interest in Siouxsie and the Banshees and recently decided to add their 'best of' to my CD collection. On a whim I decided to get this biography to find out the stories behind some excellent songs. I must say how impressed I was with what I learned about the band and the personalities within. I can sum it all up by saying it's a story of chance, hard work, an over-whelming desire to be different, drinking, a seemingly never ending succession of guitar players, more drinking, some drugs, persistance and artistic integrity. With more drinking! Starting from a point of not even knowing how to play their instruments right through to crafting some song arrangements which are quite exquisite, Siouxsie and the crew really made their mark. This book delivers a blunt and to-the-point account of how they managed it. A very interesting read for anyone whose single buying years started in the late 70s and who has an interest in the late punk/new wave/pop genre.

This is one book I just can't put down. I fell into the Banshees quite by accident in 1984, having discovered them via their connections to the Cure's Robert Smith. Hyaena was my first purchase, and although I felt like something of a "Johnny-Come Lately" fan I have followed them ever since. This great book tells the warts and all story of the band, from their chaotic, what-a-shambles beginings through their many trials and tribulations, to their ultimate break-up and unfortunate reunion. For fans this is a MUST. If, like me, you have always assumed that Sioux's last name is Dallion, as is it spelled in many alternative rock source guide books, then you will learn that it's actually Ballion. And that's just the begining.

As a long time fan, some of this was old news, but there were lots of interesting tidbits I knew nothing about. My biggest complaint is the lack of photos, and those featured here are basic black and white ones most fans have seen (if you have Ray Stevenson's Banshee photo book you are sure to recognize them). A band as colorful as the Banshees should compile quite a treat for the eye. Maybe they will do that for the next book! I hope!

Rock biogs are a motley lot, and I think I make a good benchmark reviewer for this as I like a lot of the Banshees early stuff, but always got the impression Siouxsie was a bit of a punk prima donna. I was pleasantly surprised by this, as it's nicely put together, a good read, and I left with a great deal more respect for and understanding of Ms Sioux and crew. It's not going to change your life - punk's had far too many unrealistic aspirations laid on its shoulders by scene asskissers over the years - but this book's both an entertaining and informative take on all things Banshee.

I was fearful that this Book, even though "Authorised" would have Minimal Participation from the Boys & Siousxie. I am Proud to Be WRONG! They Fully Participated, it really should be Called a Band Autobigraphy. A Oral Narrative that Tells Many sides to a Complicated History. I was Most Happy That Siousxie's Unique Perspective on the World Remained intact! She is a True Hero in the Music World! It does also what Great Books about Music Should do: Inspire you to Listen again with new appreciation of the beloved work of a Great Band. One I have Loved for a long time. I was Not there until after '83 but I still sing their Praises. I also Sing the Praises for this Wonderful & entertaining Book!

First, I have to say I highly recommend this book to all Siouxsie fans as you're bound to find several interesting tidbits about the band, the songs, tours, etc. However, be warned - this is not all new material. Paytress basically picked "the best of the best" from prior interviews and arranged the snippets so that it appears that the band all sat down together and told their story to him. If you have been a long time fan and followed them closely over the years, chances are you've already read most of what's in the book. Most of us already know about their infamous 100 Club debut, their ever-changing guitarist line-up, and how some of their more famous recordings such as Peepshow came to be and it's all rehashed here. What I found most fascinating were the parts of the book detailing the later years of The Banshees leading to their breakup and details surrounding their various side projects such as The Creatures and Sioux's duet with Morrissey. Additionally, I had no idea how much turmoil this band endured in terms of finances, poor management, etc., and it was amazing how they continued to plow through it all. All in all, it is a decent chronicle of one of the most under-appreciated bands of our time and worth the read even if some parts will be old news.

The author of this bio does a great thing. He shuts his f#@king mouth and lets the band do the talking. The book really gives an insight into the band that I never had. Good creative insight, and a little naughty gossip as well. Good read, Great band

Siouxsie and the Banshees tells you like it is. Period. They talk about everything from their childhood, drugs, alcohol, traumatic experiences, etc in such vivid detail that you literally feel like you are experiencing it! I think all books about celebrities should be just like this: straight to the point and honest! However, Sioxsie and the Banshees draw you in with their colorful way of speaking......and believe me, their life will be stuck in your head.....no, seriously.

GET THE BOOK!!!!