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Hard to Handle: The Life and Death of the Black Crowes--A Memoir Paperback – Illustrated, May 26, 2020
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Black Crowes drummer and cofounder Steve Gorman shares the band's inside story in this behind-the-scenes biography, from their supernova stardom in the '90s to exhilarating encounters with industry legends.
"This book is literally the Angela's Ashes of rock memoirs. .. I absolutely loved this book."
-BILL BURR, comedian
"I couldn't put the book down-absolutely unbelievable read!"
-JOHN MCENROE, New York Times bestselling author of But Seriously and You Cannot Be Serious
"I honestly couldn't put [this book] down. Made me nostalgic, sad, and happy too."
-CHRIS SHIFLETT, lead guitarist of Foo Fighters
"Essential reading for rock fans everywhere."
-BRIAN KOPPELMAN, co-creator and showrunner of Billions
For more than two decades, The Black Crowes topped the charts, graced the cover of Rolling Stone, and reigned supreme over MTV and radio waves alike with hits like "Hard to Handle," "She Talks to Angels," and "Remedy." But as the old cliché goes, stardom can be fleeting, and the group's success slowly dwindled as the band members got caught up in the rock star world and lost sight of their musical ambition. On any given night, they could be the best band you ever saw-or the most combative. Then, one last rift in 2013 proved insurmountable for the band to survive. After that, The Black Crowes would fly no more.
Founding member Steve Gorman was there for all of it-the coke- and weed-fueled tours; the tumultuous recording sessions; the incessant fighting between brothers Chris and Rich Robinson; the backstage hangs with legends like Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, and the Rolling Stones. As the band's drummer and voice of reason, he tried to keep The Black Crowes together musically and emotionally. In Hard ToHandle-the first account of this great American rock band's beginning, middle, and end-Gorman explains just how impossible that job was with great insight, candor, and humor. They don't make bands like The Black Crowes anymore: crazy, brilliant, self-destructive, inspiring, and, ultimately, not built to last. But, man, what a ride it was while it lasted.
- Print length368 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherDa Capo
- Publication dateMay 26, 2020
- Dimensions6 x 1 x 9 inches
- ISBN-100306922029
- ISBN-13978-0306922022
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Editorial Reviews
Review
"Bands are beautiful fragile toxic things--always one wrong glance or argument away from falling apart. Steve manages to tell the tale of the internal turmoil of the Black Crowes, in all its sordid detail, without ever getting finger-pointy about it. I honestly couldn't put it down. Made me nostalgic, sad, and happy too."―Chris Shiflett, lead guitarist of Foo Fighters
"Reading this book brought me back to a time that rock and roll mattered to me more than almost anything else. I was at some of the early Black Crowes gigs depicted here, and the book is so well drawn, that I could not only hear the music again, but smell the sweat coming off the band and crowd as clearly as I did back then. This is Almost Famous, told by the guy behind the drums, who remembers every chord change, every fight, every song's journey from demo to record to live performance. Essential reading for rock fans everywhere."―Brian Koppelman, co-creator and showrunner of Billions
"Hard to Handle is an amazing and a lot of times uncomfortably candid account of Steve's time in the Black Crowes. The opportunities presented and then lost. The ups and downs. The fights. The fuck ups. This book is literally the Angela's Ashes of rock memoirs. Every time things seem to be looking up for the band an insane decision, comment or substance seems to drive the band right into a ditch, only to see them somehow use that negative momentum to then attain a new level of success. I absolutely loved this book. Can't wait for the movie!"―Bill Burr, comedian
"I couldn't put the book down--absolutely unbelievable read! Now I know why I was lucky to play tennis; I didn't have to deal with anyone except myself!"―John McEnroe, New York Times bestselling author of But Seriously and You Cannot Be Serious
"A raw, intimate portrait of the band vividly unfolds as Gorman recounts his history with the Crowes, from their conception to their final days. While this is a familiar tale in some ways, Gorman sidesteps the usual clichees. The book is a reminder of the band's wide-ranging talent and great music... Gorman has written a brutally honest, deeply personal memoir of the group he helped to create. A must for fans of the Black Crowes and American rock and roll."―Library Journal
"Insightful and explosive....almost every page has some sort of jaw-dropping revelation...and Gorman was there from the very beginning to the last downbeat."―The Houston Press
About the Author
Steven Hyden is the author of Your Favorite Band Is Killing Me and Twilight of the Gods. His work has also appeared in the New York Times Magazine, Washington Post, Billboard, Rolling Stone, Grantland, The. A.V. Club, Uproxx, and The Ringer.
Product details
- Publisher : Da Capo; Illustrated edition (May 26, 2020)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 368 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0306922029
- ISBN-13 : 978-0306922022
- Item Weight : 2.31 pounds
- Dimensions : 6 x 1 x 9 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #141,554 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #328 in Rock Band Biographies
- #342 in Rock Music (Books)
- #1,112 in Actor & Entertainer Biographies
- Customer Reviews:
About the authors
Steven Hyden is the author of "Twilight Of The Gods" and "Your Favorite Band Is Killing Me." His writing has appeared in the New York Times Magazine, Washington Post, Billboard, Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, Grantland, The A.V. Club, The Ringer, Slate and Salon. He is currently the cultural critic at UPROXX, and the host of the Celebration Rock podcast. He lives in Minnesota with his wife and two children.
Steve Gorman is a founding member of The Black Crowes as well as his current band, Trigger Hippy. He has created and hosted two nationally syndicated radio shows: 'Steve Gorman SPORTS!' and 'Steve Gorman ROCKS!'
'Hard To Handle: The Life and Death of The Black Crowes' is his first book. He lives in Nashville with his family.
Customer reviews
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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the book engaging and enjoyable for fans of the Black Crowes. They praise the writing quality as well-crafted and articulate. The book keeps readers hooked with humor and anecdotes from the road. Readers appreciate the author's honest and insightful account of the band's history.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the book engaging and entertaining. They say it's a great read for fans of the Black Crowes, music in general, or anyone looking for an informative book. The humor, honesty, and excellent storytelling make this hard to put down.
"...heartache, and so many amazing moments, that ultimately the book is not a downer at all. It celebrates their accomplishments...." Read more
"...Gorman’s storytelling is marked by insight and humor, offering readers a glimpse into the life of a rock band that epitomized the spirit of the era..." Read more
"Easy read. Well told stories." Read more
"If you are a lover of the Crowes, this is a good read." Read more
Customers enjoy the music and find the book an engaging read about rock 'n roll. They appreciate the band's unconventional musical background and the insightful insights into their creative process. The book is described as a must-have for touring musicians and provides valuable information on musical choices and personnel decisions.
"...And they made some great music...music which endures and will always bring you to a place of fulfillment when you listen...." Read more
"...Highly recommended for all BC and rock fans!!" Read more
"...playing and becoming friends with rock legends, of making music together with people that matter, and of having a kick ass manager that out play the..." Read more
"...That was some of the best live music I’ve ever seen. The band also created some original music in this period that I found quite good...." Read more
Customers appreciate the writing quality of the book. They find it well-written, articulate, and easy to read. The author is described as a gifted writer who takes readers on his journey. Readers praise the author's ability to tell a story and appreciate his fair perspective.
"Easy read. Well told stories." Read more
"...Steve Gorman is an articulate, irreverent, hilarious, natural born storyteller with an impeccable memory...." Read more
"...a final NO...This Book will be a future re-read as it is so well written by the Author that it is so very hard to put down...." Read more
"Steve Gorman is an excellent raconteur, and he served as the drummer for one of the greatest rock and roll bands to emerge out of the last 30 years...." Read more
Customers enjoy the book's entertainment value. They find it entertaining with humor and action, packed with fun anecdotes from the road and studio. The book is easy to read and engaging from cover to cover. Readers describe the content as dark and joyful at the same time, describing it as an amazing ride with The Black Crowes.
"...But there's as much humor as heartache, and so many amazing moments, that ultimately the book is not a downer at all...." Read more
"...I read the whole thing in a few days and never once was bored...." Read more
"...Steve Gorman is an articulate, irreverent, hilarious, natural born storyteller with an impeccable memory...." Read more
"...entertaining, but Gorman and his co-writer tell them in a breezy, hilarious manner for maximum impact...." Read more
Customers enjoy the book's pacing. They find it well-written and enjoyable to read. The author's descriptions of highs and lows, as well as the band's struggles and successes, are described in an engaging manner. Overall, readers describe the book as well-crafted and enjoyable.
"...Marc Ford was of course a great guitarist and one of the most notable band members in the history of the Crowes, of course, but I was pleased to..." Read more
"...Now, we had a fully formed powerhouse, instead of this raw live wire thing. I finally saw them again on APR10th 1993. It was magical...." Read more
"...Steve seems like a great guy, he is a hell of a drummer, and he can tell a spellbinding story. I was hooked from page one...." Read more
"...the stories entertaining, but Gorman and his co-writer tell them in a breezy, hilarious manner for maximum impact...." Read more
Customers find the book insightful and interesting. They appreciate the accounts presented and the insights into interpersonal dynamics within and around the band. The book answers many questions and brings them into another dimension of life.
"...The focus on the band: everyone's strengths, weaknesses, eccentricities, flaws and foibles, is appreciated and goes a long way toward pulling the..." Read more
"...Gorman’s account is candid and personal, focusing on his experiences and observations rather than the band’s music creation process...." Read more
"...With Marc Ford and Ed Harsch onboard, the depth and richness, the elevation they brought with them, OMG!..." Read more
"...Steve was the perfect person to put it all into perspective. An honest perspective...." Read more
Customers appreciate the author's honesty. They find the book candid and unapologetically honest, with a true page-turner with heart and soul. The account is candid and personal, focusing on the author's experiences. Readers enjoy reading about the personalities of all the band members and the early days.
"...It's heartening to read, with his perspective, the things they did right - and long-time fans already know much of what they did wrong...." Read more
"...Gorman’s account is candid and personal, focusing on his experiences and observations rather than the band’s music creation process...." Read more
"...Steve seems like a great guy, he is a hell of a drummer, and he can tell a spellbinding story. I was hooked from page one...." Read more
"...If you're a fan of the Black Crowes, read it. Steve was the perfect person to put it all into perspective. An honest perspective...." Read more
Customers enjoy the book. They find it an engaging account of one of the most exciting rock bands. The story evokes nostalgia and provides insights into the band's beginnings, rise to success, and failure, including brilliant records and long shows.
"...Handle” is not just a history of The Black Crowes but a reflection on the nature of fame, creativity, and the complexities of collaborative artistry..." Read more
"...really incredible stories of fulfillment, of playing and becoming friends with rock legends, of making music together with people that matter, and..." Read more
"...Hyden did a great job to recreate the energy and excitement of forming a succesful band, and the struggles and victories involved...." Read more
"...this and am reminded again why they're one of the best kept secrets in the history of rock. As genuine as it gets, warts and all. Thanks Steve!" Read more
Reviews with images
Not a Black Crowes fan? it absolutely doesn't matter. This book is just a damned good read.
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on October 1, 2019If anyone in The Black Crowes could be said to be an actual person rather than a collective of mythic tropes assembled into a persona, it would be our dude Steve Gorman and so who better to tell the tangled and contentious tale of this band? And the legacy of the band deserves such a recounting indeed. It's heartening to read, with his perspective, the things they did right - and long-time fans already know much of what they did wrong. But there are some jawdropping revelations all the same. The focus on the band: everyone's strengths, weaknesses, eccentricities, flaws and foibles, is appreciated and goes a long way toward pulling the focus off of the Robinsons, for once. They're always there, of course, hovering in the background like the chaos demons they are, but TBC was a BAND and please let's not ever forget that. The emotional turmoil of what Steve goes through is poignant, I could feel myself just as affected by his telling. And if you've ever been in a codependent relationship then you can recognize all the signs big as life. But there's as much humor as heartache, and so many amazing moments, that ultimately the book is not a downer at all. It celebrates their accomplishments. It is a testament to how much a person can endure and still manage to emerge into a good place - if you *want* to change. And they made some great music...music which endures and will always bring you to a place of fulfillment when you listen. Hard to Handle goes a long way towards explaining why that was possible, even in the face of everything which was impossible about the people involved.
If you truly love the Crowes, then you should absolutely read this book.
And having read it, I'm going to be sitting under that giant magnolia tree by the gentle creek, humming "Wiser Time" and remembering that nothing gold can stay, but oh wasn't it glorious for that brief moment in the sun? Yes it was.
- Reviewed in the United States on March 31, 2024“Hard to Handle: The Life and Death of the Black Crowes” is a memoir by Steve Gorman, the drummer and co-founder of the rock band The Black Crowes. In the book, Gorman provides an insider’s perspective on the band’s journey, detailing the highs and lows they experienced throughout their career. The narrative delves into the tumultuous relationship between the Robinson brothers, Chris and Rich, whose conflicts and lack of industry knowledge (think Spinal Tap only for real) often threatened the band’s stability and very survival. Gorman’s account is candid and personal, focusing on his experiences and observations rather than the band’s music creation process.
The book chronicles the band’s rise to stardom in the 1990s, their struggles with fame, internal disputes, and the rock and roll lifestyle, including substance abuse and the challenges of maintaining a cohesive group dynamic. Despite these issues, The Black Crowes achieved significant success and left a lasting impact on the rock music scene.
Gorman’s storytelling is marked by insight and humor, offering readers a glimpse into the life of a rock band that epitomized the spirit of the era but also struggled with its own internal demons. “Hard to Handle” is not just a history of The Black Crowes but a reflection on the nature of fame, creativity, and the complexities of collaborative artistry in the volatile world of rock music. Even after reading all the dirty details, I still love Crowes music and listen frequently, but I'm very happy to never know or even meet any of the despicable people in this band.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 6, 2024Easy read. Well told stories.
- Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2024If you are a lover of the Crowes, this is a good read.
- Reviewed in the United States on July 17, 2024This is one of the best auto biographical books I've ever read that was written by a musician. I was living in ATL from 91-93 and knew a guy that went to school with the Robinson brothers. He also said Chris was a class clown pot head and his brother was not. He also told me that Chris and Rich were the band.
I actually saw Chris hanging out at the Dead show Steve mentions in the book. I saw them in a club once and a couple of them were kind of putting on the tough guy rock band act. I personally think they went about as far as their talent could take them. The songwriting is always the key factor and they like most bands, were running low after a records. I have no doubt from other people who had contact with them, that it was highly dysfunctional. I believe Steve is being brutally honest.
- Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2020There's something symbolic about experiencing life in a band from the drummer's point of view...the center of of it all. I was amazed to read that Mr. Gorman had virtually zero experience playing the drums AT ALL before becoming a big-time drummer with the Black Crowes within a couple of years!
The funniest part of the book is the recounting of the verbal exchange between Steve and Chris Robinson after Steve's first ever gig...hilarious! (Sorry, you'll just have to read it for yourself lol!)
Marc Ford was of course a great guitarist and one of the most notable band members in the history of the Crowes, of course, but I was pleased to read nothing but words of praise for my man Luther Dickinson (huge fan of his here) who served as lead guitarist for the BC for just a short time...thank you, Steve!
One other thing...some may wonder how a drummer can be so integral in a band's sound as Steve himself indicates in his book, but make no mistake, I know it's true...particularly with him...from first-hand experience. Back in '09 when I was in the front row at a Crowe's concert, the way they played Talks To Angels was absolutely memorizing. I had played that tune numerous times around that time in a cover band (with a very skilled drummer, mind you), but the way the Crowes just flowed and swung with that song in concert was just miles above how it felt in my own band, and of course that was mostly due to Mr. Gorman! No wonder the band had a heck of a time trying to find a replacement for him when he temporarily left the band in the early 2000's!
Highly recommended for all BC and rock fans!!
Top reviews from other countries
- deemariReviewed in Canada on December 12, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Good Read
Very interesting read. If you're a fan, you'll enjoy it
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JMACReviewed in Spain on August 27, 2022
5.0 out of 5 stars muy entretenido
Se trata de un libro sobre las aventuras y desventuras de una de las grandes bandas de rock de finales del siglo XX y no está escrito por un literato sino por el batería de esa banda pero, ah amigo, ahi está su encanto porque habla claro, conciso y como una persona normal y conectas con la historia de inmediato.
Me lo leí enterito en tres días porque me engancho. Tremenda la batallita de Jimmy Page, la de Japon y, en general, casi todas.
Muy recomendable
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Blue BottazziReviewed in Italy on May 24, 2021
5.0 out of 5 stars Informativo
È difficile trovare informazioni di prima mano sui gruppi rock della recente generazione. Questo libro racconta la storia dei Black Crowes, e lo fa in modo coinvolgente. L’autore è il batterista storico del gruppo, e com’è giusto che sia offre la sua versione, che è certamente aderente ai fatti, ma anche un po’ ingenua nei confronti del talento dei fratelli Robinson. Copre in modo dettagliato fino allo iato del 2002, poi non racconta più molto.
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spinynorman1978Reviewed in Germany on April 9, 2021
5.0 out of 5 stars Pageturner
Als Black-Crowes-Fan ein Pflichtkauf - keine Diskussion darüber.
Gorman und Hyden gelang hier ein extrem unterhaltsames, kurzweiliges Buch, das es trotzdem nicht an Tiefe vermissen lässt. Der Untertitel "The Life and Death of..." wirkt nach dem Lesen nicht (mehr) wie eine Anmaßung, sondern sehr folgerichtig - ein kleiner Tritt in Richtung der Robinson-Brüder, die an dem Namen "Black Crowes" ja nach wie vor gut verdienen.
Gorman zeichnet eine Geschichte voller Wahnsinn, Grauen und Qualen, aus denen letzten Endes aber immer wieder grandiose Musik erwächst. Das Leben der Crowes: Rich und Chris raufen sich zusammen, schreiben großartige Songs. Die Band kommt zusammen und nimmt ein phantastisches Album auf. Die Black Crowes gehen auf Tour, wo der tägliche Kleinkrieg der Brüder die Band zermürbt und spaltet - Chris ist der launische, narzisstische, multitoxikomane Sektenführer, Rich der passiv-aggressive Schnösel. Nach zwei Wochen liegen die Nerven blank und alle Bandmitglieder schleppen sich mit Alkohol, Drogen und Kränkungen durch die zähen Monate auf der Straße, liefern aber auf den Bühnen dieser Welt Unglaubliches ab. Völlig fertig kehren alle nachhause zurück und wollen Urlaub machen, aber die Brüder halten es nicht lange ohne Musik aus und - raufen sich zusammen. Und es geht von vorne los.
Wenn Gorman schreibt und sagt, er sei nicht verbittert über den Werdegang der Band, kann man ihm das schon glauben - trotzdem klingt das Buch so, als habe er den Wahnsinn noch einmal durchlebt. Nun ist es so: Die künstlerische Leistung der Brüder wird uneingeschränkt gefeiert und hochgehalten, ansonsten allerdings muss man sich als Fan auf die maximale Desillusionierung einstellen. Sicher ist Gormans Standpunkt nur "one side of the story" und es wird zwischen den Zeilen durchaus deutlich, dass Gorman selbst kein Kind von Traurigkeit ist, was die Eskalation von Konflikten angeht. Das sorgt durchaus für Risse in dem sympathischen Bild, was man vom netten Radioshow-Onkel hat. Der Inhalt des Buches und die Geschichten über (vor allem) Chris stehen deswegen aber nicht in Frage - und die offenbar angestaute Wut wird durchaus verständlich.
Etwas harsch geht er mit den weniger prominenten Mitgliedern der Crowes ins Gericht. Sicher: Kein anderer Gitarrist als Marc Ford hat der Band jemals die magischen Schwingen verliehen, auf denen sie zwischen 1992 und 1997 geritten ist. Aber ein sehr guter, mittlerweile auch sehr geachteter und offenbar auch menschlich sehr angenehmer Gitarrist wie Audley Freed hätte schon etwas mehr Respekt verdient gehabt.
Wie auch immer: "Hard To Handle" ist ein Augenöffner für Fans, ein extrem unterhaltsames Buch und ein fast archetypisches Lehrstück über die eigenartige Mischung aus toxischer, dysfunktionaler Kommunikation bei gleichzeitig rauschhafter Kreativität in einer erfolgreichen (Männer-) Rockband.
- Amazon CustomerReviewed in the United Kingdom on September 30, 2019
5.0 out of 5 stars A great rock memoir, superb if you were a fan
If you're a Black Crowes fan you have, like me, probably waited a long time for this sort of book. A first hand account from someone who was there from start to finish that is authentic and not cobbled together from interviews and heresay. That Gorman has written it is all the better. He's a great story teller, hugely likeable and has done a nice job of positioning his opinion, his view point and facts. First and foremost it is simply a very good read and you could take the Black Crowes fan out of me and I'd still enjoy the book. As a band memoir it is exactly what you want it to be - honest, funny, engrossing, has a well thought out timeline and is worth the time and effort to read. As a Black Crowes fan it has merely added to this for me.
One thing you should be prepared for though is that you are likely to come out of it questioning your like and dislike of people. As with any band bust up under these circumstance, there are main players and I have long thought Chris's continual dodging of questions about Gorman and Rich's account of his attempts to take full control spoke volumes. That Chris was an absolute nightmare was no real surprise but Rich Robinson doesn't come out of this well either. Maybe the man has changed but it has made me question whether or not I am prepared to hand over any more of my money for his music now. I guess if you are a fan it is a pitfall of reading these sorts of books and whilst there are always two sides to a story, I saw play out as an informed, record buying fan, much of what Gorman wrote about and the detail backs up what I witnessed (and heard) seeing them live as often as I could. Making me have no doubts about the account in his book. Also the man knew his place in the band so the book isn't coming from some warped sense of entitlement either.
But that is what these sorts of books are for and this is a well written one and written by someone who earned the right to do so (despite Chris Robinson questioning Gorman's integrity since). It is that which is the most compelling point for me - Gorman earned the right to this book and his honesty about his own role in everything gives it an authenticity and weight. Worth a read.
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