12 Days on the Road (Paperback)

by Noel Monk (Author) "SID VICIOUS'S FACE IS smeared with blood..." (more)
Key Phrases: security crew, peppermint schnapps, band members, Sex Pistols, Warner Brothers, New York (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
In the mid-seventies, the Sex Pistols, the most controversial rock-and-roll band ever, erupted out of London, offending everyone from members of Parliament to the rock establishment it sought to unseat. With its raw, anarchic sounds, aura of sex and violence, outrageous behavior, and concerts that frequently degenerated into near-riots, the band changed the rules of rock-and-roll forever. Add to that the early death of band member Sid Vicious, by heroin overdose, and you have all the ingredients for a legend.

In January 1978, the Sex Pistols came to the United States for a twelve-day tour, mostly of cities in the Deep South. 12 Days on the Road is an extraordinary moment-by-moment re-creation of that wild adventure by Noel E. Monk, the Sex Pistols' American tour manager, and veteran journalist Jimmy Guterman. Here is a sensational, "explosive chapter in the history of rock" (Booklist) that is also "a touching and improbable tale of innocence and exploitation" (Kirkus Reviews).

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Harper Paperbacks (November 25, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0688112749
• ISBN-13: 978-0688112745
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #795,252 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars How much I love this book by Stacy Bergin, February 9, 1997

By A Customer

The Sex Pistols were one of the fore-fathers of punk rock in the U.K. This book chronicles the chaos and anarchy that ensued on their failed 1978 tour of America. From Johnny Rotten and Sid Vicious getting their first taste of America's police, to Paul Cook and Steve Jones' beautifully obscene appearence on a local radio show, this book tells it all. It even has a "Where are they now" part in the back. This book is the closest anyone will ever get to hearing of the Sex Pistols tour. I wasn't born yet, (not until 1982), and I felt as if I was right there with them, because the book engrosses you. It's a definite page turner, one that you just can't put down, because you're always wondering about something. "Is Sid going to die of withdrawl?" "Will Paul kill himself?" "Is Johnny going to blow up in everyone's face?" "Is Sid ever going to bathe?" It's all here. I recommend it highly

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars 12 Days in Rock and Roll, March 29, 2004

By	Rocco Dormarunno (Brooklyn, NY) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

The Pistols' disintegration during its US tour had taken its place in the annals of rock and roll some time ago, and this book is just one examination of it. Written by an eyewitness/accessory, Noel Monk, TWELVE DAYS ON THE ROAD WITH THE SEX PISTOLS IN AMERICA, is an attempt to chronicle the mess. Whether you loved the Pistols (as I did) or loathed them, there is no overstating the band's importance in saving rock and roll from itself. But that redemption came at a price, as this book shows. Exploited by the record label, mismanaged by everyone, preyed upon by publicity hounds, and too young to defend itself, Mr. Monk makes it plain that the band was doomed from the very moment they landed in America.

But like all "Great Moments in Rock and Roll", history blurs with legend, and sometimes the book provokes skepticism. On the other hand, the book demonstrates a lot of sincerity, and the photos are well worth the price of the book. It's a quick read of a significant moment, not just in punk history, but in the history of rock.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I'll take the bus, please, October 24, 2003

By	Tony Hughes "stellarossa, From Fear to Flatte... (Cincinnati, Ohio United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: 12 Days on the Road: The Sex Pistols and America (Hardcover)

To start, a thoroughly enjoyable read. When reading about a band like the Pistols, one must beware as there are certain caveats. The main being that most of the literature written was by authors who did not know the Pistols. They weren't there! This book was (co)written by Monk. He was there for those 12 days with Sid, Johnny and, to a lesser extent, Paul and Steve.

However, to be fair, this book has the events unfolding as Noel Monk saw them - there are facts in here that John Lydon disputes in his book 'Rotten' and there are also facts that Lydon would never have known (Monk knew far more than anyone about the whole Tom Forcade deal).

Enjoy this book, it's one mans' version of what went on. Read the other literature and make a balanced judgement.