VINCE NEIL  (with Mike Sager)
Tattoos & Tequila To Hell and Back with One of Rock's Most Notorious Frontmen  (Orion Books) 2010

Tying in with his recent album of the same name, Motley Crue frontman Vince Neil has just released new autobiography 'Tattoos & Tequila- To Hell and Back with One of Rock's Most Notorious Frontmen'.

Written with intense honesty, even through the darkest parts of his life, the book gives Neil his own voice- something he felt was missing in legendary Crue biography 'The Dirt'. Each chapter is named after a song featured on the album and the book takes us from his childhood to recent years, via the many ups and downs that his life has endured.

Vince Neil's story is a complex one and, since joining Motley Crue, one that has been played out in the public eye.

Becoming a father at 16, the death of Hanoi Rocks' drummer Razzle and the death of his own 5 year old daughter Skylar - any one of these in your life would change you forever, Neil's life seems to have lurched from one crisis to another, even as the book was published there were a number of new allegations surfacing from Vegas and reports of divorce number 4.

Neil is also frank about his addictions and mistakes and claims to learn from the bad times - input from band mates, ex-wives, kids and managers add further authenticity to the books content.

'Tattoos & Tequila' is no exercise in damage limitation either, a good example being Neil's criticism of Sharon Osbourne- this has already become somewhat of a public slanging match which, knowing Sharon, will be long and personal.

He also obviously harbours some strong feelings of almost resentment, and at times abandonment, from his long time band mates – and at points you ask yourself if they read this, can they ever take to the stage together again (at one point Neil describes the band's 'Theatre of Pain' album as a piece of shit album saved only by 'Home Sweet Home' and 'Smoking In The Boys Room')?

Then there are the drugs, the girls (loads of them, mostly linked to Playboy in one way or another!!) and the near on 30 year party and, try as you may, no matter what Vince Neil does you just can't help but like the guy.

Of course, the good thing about an autobiography is that you can almost see the ending being played out as it happens. Yes, we know that Motley Crue dispensed with his services and later re-hired Neil. We also know that they then went on to mount the highly successful Cruefest tours and continue to play at festivals around the world. Motley Crue also have a long term plan that will hopefully see them together for at least the next 5 years.

This is a great rock n roll read, full of excess - you would be disappointed if it wasn't - and as it says, takes you to hell and back with one of rock's most notorious frontmen.

****

***** Out of this world | **** Pretty damn fine |
*** OK, approach with caution unless you are a fan |
** Instant bargain bin fodder | * Ugly. Just ugly