Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood

by Eric Burdon, Jeff Marshall Craig (Primary Contributor)

While Eric Burdon may be best remembered for his unforgettable vocals on the Animals' platinum hit, "House of the Rising Sun," this Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member has never stopped having adventures. Burdon was ripped off by unscrupulous agents, accountants, and record labels, hounded by the police, and framed for a crime he didn't commit. Yet through it all, he never became bitter. He was the first rocker to play behind the Iron Curtain. He sang with Jimi Hendrix, chased Jim Morrison out of his house with a .44, and introduced John Lee Hooker to the toughest venue Hooker ever played. Eric Burdon explains how he became the "Egg Man" in the Beatles' "I am the Walrus."


With the enthusiasm and good humor of his live shows, Burdon recalls the tense reunion between John Lennon and Lennon's long-estranged father; racing motorcycles across the California desert with Steve McQueen; picketing the offices of MGM Records for nonpayment of royalties; performing in wartime Sarajevo with a symphony orchestra; getting run out of Meridian, Mississippi for promoting black music, and singing his heart out year after year. A complete discography and fifty photographs, many never before published, are included in this unforgettable memoir.


"Burdon has lived like a real rocker." -New York Times Book Review


"Riveting and informative."-Los Angeles Times


"These reminiscences will delight Burdon's fans . . . in general."-Library Journal

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, Biography, Memoir, Autobiography

326 pages, Paperback

First published October 26, 2001

Reviews

[Shane Pennell · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a fascinating read... but. As another reviewer mentioned, when it comes to rock and rollers, I often like them less after reading their autobiography. There is one moment in this book in which Burdon contemplates his fame and wonders why people love him, wonders if he deserves all the praise. Before reading this, I would have invented a dozen reasons why I love him and would have thought all were true. Now I realize that what I have always loved about Burdon comes down to two things: his voice is arguably the best in all of rock, and when he was a young man he was my definition of attractive. But no, he is not the man I hoped him to be. He comes off in the book as shallow, concerned mainly about drugs and getting laid. Very disappointing. The book itself needs a good copy editor, not because of typos or punctuation errors but because so many small bits of information are repeated over and over again. I don't mind nonlinear narratives, and I didn't have any trouble understanding that the book is written as a series of thematic reveries; thus, a character who dies in one reverie must necessarily be alive in another one involving him. But I don't need each reverie including the line "I was living in a house at the top of Laurel Canyon." So many things are repeated that it gets a bit annoying. Too, so many people die from drugs, and except for a couple Eric doesn't seem to be overly affected. In many cases he rather spits on their grave, and although some appear to deserve it, it's just disconcerting. Finally, I had the feeling throughout that many events were exaggerated, and I see that this is confirmed in some other reviews with people flat out stating "that didn't happen." I do have a much better understanding of Eric now that I've read the book, and I don't regret reading it. But I had hoped to be left with a more favorable impression of the man who wrote "Anything" and "When I Was Young."

[Will · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, it's an entertaining book, and worth reading for any one interested in Eric, The Animals, and that era of music. He made friend with a lot of people, including Jimi Hendrix, and has a theory that I had never heard concerning Jimi's death.

There were times when I couldn't follow the chronology, as he brings up someone or some event, and goes back to tell a story. Also on the down side, by the last third of the book, I got just a tiny bit tired of reading about both his sexual exploits (although they are not dwelt on), and about his getting screwed out of money by producers and record companies. I suppose some people have very little business sense. In his defense, he was always focused on the music.

[Lukasz Pruski · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Animals, a famous British rock band, was formed in 1962. The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Animals were the Big Three bands in the early 1960s rock music, and they made up the first wave of the so-called British Invasion in the U.S. In those times I did not care much about The Beatles, who were too well-behaved, too "nice" for my rebellious teenage soul, I liked only some songs by The Rolling Stones, but I loved The Animals, with their dark, heavy, powerful, bluesy songs like It's My Life, House of the Rising Sun, and Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood. I still have vivid memories of listening to their music for hours and hours in 1965 and 1966.

Eric Burdon was the singer and one of the founders of the early 1960s band, and the book is his autobiography, co-written with J. Marshall Craig. Mr. Burdon has led more than 10 groups since The Animals disbanded in 1966, the most famous being War and the Eric Burdon Band, as well as many reincarnations of The Animals. He also has a distinguished solo career. I am happy to write that as of August of 2024, at the age of 83, he was still active as a singer.

I read the first chapters, which focus on the early 1960s period, with great interest. My interest faded quite a bit as I went on, partly because of the flood of small details, persistent name-dropping, and descriptions of a rock star's heavy lifestyle, including near-permanent drug use. However, there is one motif that captivated my attention. Mr. Burdon describes how he was cheated out of the money he earned by the so-called music industry. I did not count, but I vouch there are at least 20 mentions of the music business people swindling the rightful earnings from the artist. Here's an early quote from the book:

"The nightmare part of the rock 'n' roll dream is the business -- the money. The Beatles got ripped-off, even the savvy Mick Jagger and the Stones got screwed out of royalties in the early 1970s. The rock 'n' roll highway is dotted with little white crosses marking the casualties, some literal, many more financial."

[Matt Waters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid read. Burdon has led an interesting life. Certainly a victim of many unscrupulous promoters and executives. Drags in a couple areas but overall enjoyable and pretty quick read.

[Liam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Around a month ago, I came across a new documentary on YouTube about Eric Burdon, former lead singer of the Animals & War (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQrZI...). He had always seemed to me to be one of the most interesting characters among the musicians associated with the "British Invasion", and although I've never actually owned any of his recordings (aside from a War best-of collection which includes two tracks on which he appeared), I've always liked the way he sang as well as his taste in material. À propos that last bit, the story of his first meeting with the late, legendary Nina Simone (which I read somewhere as a kid), is well-known at this point, and I'd always thought that he handled that whole thing really well. Apparently Ms. Simone did too! Issues of race entangled with popular music have for many, many years been a gigantic pain in the ass for musicians, and those issues are never easy to deal with when they arise (for another example of this, see the story about Faruq Z. Bey in my review of a different book here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...). In my view, Eric Burdon has always done a good job of balancing the two aspects of 1) following his muse in his own way without apology & 2) consistently behaving as an advocate for musicians of colour who have been victimised by racism both within and outside of the music industry. For all these reasons, I had added this book to my "to-read" list after watching the doc, although I certainly didn't expect to find a copy so quickly (thanx, once again, to King Books in Detroit)!

Aside from the usual half-assed proof-reading job which is unfortunately par for the course these last few decades, the only thing I didn't like about this book is that it wasn't long enough. Mr. Burdon is a talented story-teller, and the stories he and his co-author told in this book were entertaining, interesting and frequently amusing. I never knew until I got to the very end of this book that the extraordinary drummer George Suranovich (15 June 1944-15 February 1990), best known for his work with the band Love, had been a member of The Eric Burdon Band off-and-on from 1974-75 until 1983. I would have liked to see a bit more detail about Mr. Burdon's music than there actually was in this book, but finding the balance between appeal to musicians & appeal to non-musicians is frequently an issue with books by or about musicians. Overall, this is one of the more enjoyable music memoirs I've read, and I recommend it to anyone with an interest in the popular music of the 1960s & 1970s.

[Miss Nessa · Rating 1 out of 5]

After reading a number of wonderful autobiographies/biographies/memoirs/reminiscences from some amazing musicians and artists - this read is unpleasant.
It is interesting in regards to the people he has met and the music scene. He has done some fantastic things but overall he portrays himself as shallow, self-indulgent, egotistical, incredibly selfish and sexist.

Chapter 13, "Fuck me, I thought he was dead" is just... him. A very real and honest summary of what a nasty little prick he is in regards to the way he treats people and sees himself. It speaks volumes that the road crew printed out t-shirts saying, "Fuck me... I wish he was dead!"

p. 222 - " I drank myself silly every night and went out of my way to be as nasty as I could possibly be to everyone around me in retaliation. It was hell."

Oh we understand you Eric - you are very clear about the sort of person you are...

His descriptions of the women he meets and inevitably beds is pretty rank. It's all based on their looks and bodies. I wonder how they would in turn describe his looks and body!

If this book took out all references to him it'd be a great read. Eric could be a peripheral mention every now and then in regards to performances. He may be a great singer but if you want to continue liking his music - do not read this book.

[Doug · Rating 4 out of 5]

All the legendary English singers whose bios I have recently read including Elton John and Rod Stewart and now Eric Burdon follow the same trajectory. Lower middle class kid turns into rich international superstar. Drops names of famous friends and famous sex partners. So one reads through the disappointment of how they become spoiled brats and then one admires the tenacity and courage it takes to do what they do. Also the fascinating stories of the process of how they got to leave with us such great songs that are so much bigger than they are. I wanted to read this to better understand how this white guy from England came to sing with the Animals and then War? So that was fascinating and exceeded expectations. Had no idea of the Jimi Hendrix collection. And the foreign prison stories? Crazy. Never would have known all that and the stories are riveting. It’s a really good ride and leads to a lot of great listening.

[Ken · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very enjoyable glimpse into the spirit and soul of the man who headed one of the best British invasion bands of the 60's. The book is chock full of interesting anecdotes about how the band (actually, 'bands') were formed, but also he has some very interesting information about the legal side of being a performer. I would almost recommend this book to anyone who is beginning a career in the music business. Pay close attention as to how Eric Burdon handled his contracts and lawyers, and then do the exact opposite.

I have read that John Fogerty is a very angry man due to his adventures in The Music Biz, but it sounds like Eric Burdon might have even more issues.

Great scene where Burdon sings 'House of The Rising Sun' in an empty Karaoke bar, and where he actually visits the real 'House of The Rising Sun'.

[Paul Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

ERIC BURDON WAS the lead singer in the Animals, a British band of the 1960s whose biggest hits you still might hear occasionally wafting through the air today--the song named in this memoir's title, for instance, or "It's My Life," "Don't Bring Me Down," "We Gotta Get Out of This Place," or especially their version of "House of the Rising Sun," with its arpeggiated guitar intro, bluesy organ, and Burdon's vocal, moving from ominously quiet to searing howl over three minutes.

I don't think Burdon had a hit after "Spill the Wine" in 1970 (with a different group, War), but he remained a live draw over most of the world for quite a while. He lived a lot of different places and met a lot of interesting people and has a lot of good stories, so the book is a good read if you are interested in the British rock explosion of the 1960s.

Lots of drugs, lots of sex, lots of touring--not to mention bad management, troubles with the law, "musical differences," and disappearing money--so it's understandable that the book's chronology is fuzzy and some episodes are just swallowed in the mist. For instance, I was curious how the original Animals of "House of the Rising Sun" turned into the later Animals who played Monterrey Pop and had hits with "Sky Pilot" and "San Francisco Nights," but we don't find out. Perhaps Burdon doesn't actually remember that precisely.

What he does remember vividly is Jimi Hendrix. They were friends and shared a stage on Hendrix's last night alive--Burdon was one of the first people to know Hendrix had passed. Even if you are not that interested in the Animals, Chapter 7 is worth a look for its up-close view on one of the 20th century's most remarkable musicians.

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

What does one review: the book or the person?

The book has lots of terrific stories; the man Eric had many an adventure. The book has a number of flaws; the lead character - well, don't we all? As others have said, it's very 'me, me, me'; perhaps a charismatic, uber-confident lead singer, who rolls from one job on the road to another, would need a massive ego. There's repetition and irritation (the one about the 'washed-up guitarist I fired years ago' was the one that pissed me off); Burdon, too, might occasionally be that repetitive and irritating, and lacking an 'inner editor'. What joins man and book best is the music, the passion for the blues, the deep meaning for him, for you, for me.

You'll read this cos you love the music and maybe have admiration for the times - the fun, in other words. You'll get that a-fucking-plenty.

(On a somewhat mundane note, if it bothers you then do try to see the quality of the book you'll be getting. I bought mine new from a well-known British bookshop chain, ordered from stock, and it's like a real cheapo re-print. The quality of the photos, sadly, is shite; the text all over the place. I bet Eric Burdon didn't get any royalties from that edition, either.)

[Mike Bortnowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would consider this book a very “ cut and dry” story of one of the more unique and profound frontman voices in rock history. I admire Burdon’s entire catalogue and versatility he shows through his music so reviewing the catalogue through his own words was exciting to read. I also appreciate the honesty he demonstrates on the deep mistrust of the administrative side of the music business and how cut throat executives can ruin a group of otherwise very talented musicians.

I would have appreciated a deeper level of detail of his experiences on tour and his interpersonal relationships with other stars of that era. It would have been great for him to also detail the political dynamics of the 60’s and how the rapid societal and cultural changes impacted his music and even his values as a human being outside of music.

Overall, this was a solid read that will give you new insights on Eric Burdon’s life and his personal journey seeing the world by giving fans his voice.

[Rafa Frisby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Way better than his previous autobiography, but still with ample areas of opportunities. He should write a third one and have a professional editor help him put it together. Eric is my favorite singer from that era, he led an exceptional life, a different life than the rest of us. I’m not saying that stars are allowed to live as they please and that nobody should judge them, but I find it hard to critiscize what they choose to share in their memoirs the same way I would coming from any other historical figure. Let’s be frank, rock stars exist in their own realm, especially 60s and 70s rockers. Yeah, he could be cold when delivering some lines about other people I admire from the 60s, but it’s his story, not mine. So, I gave it a 4. It’s entertaining enough to read it in a couple of days, if that’s the only book you are reading at the time.

[Jeff Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

great read, loved every minute, boys own adventure stuff in every chapter, fantastic voice.. why the fuck do managers/publishers/agents/promoters feel they have the right to rip artists off and rob them of songwriting royalties? It's an all too common scenario, do the right thing, be fair not greedy.. the music is timeless, it has soul, it's the soundtrack to the life of many of us around the world

[Chris C · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like The Animals or 60s music I'm not sure why you wouldn't read this book. He's got a few Lennon stories in there and a mention of Jim Morrison and others. I wish more 60s artists would write autobiographies because for those who are still alive who are yet to do so, time is running out. But if a book is to be written, I want heaps of entertaining anecdotes ok. This book didn't disappoint in that department.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book met my expectations. I've always enjoyed the music of Eric Burdon and found it interesting to learn about the nuances of his music sphere and how the musicians interacted when coming up through the ranks. The early history is very fascinating. Although parts of the chronology were a bit disjointed, I felt it had the appropriate amount of detail and flow. As an aside, I don't know how any of these 60's rock stars made it to old age. Quite a life.

[Wade · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book which could have been improved by being longer, with some more dates added to put the stories in context, and more on the music. I'd also be interested in his upbringing. I knew little about his music and now look forward to checking more of it out. I read this book in two days. An inspirational character and life story.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel sad more than anything after reading this book. 3 stars because I’m a fan of 60’s music and of people in general, but otherwise I just wish better things for the rest of Eric Burdon’s life than what he has described experiencing in this book.

[Dean · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great Rock and Roll autobiography from Eric Burdon. Tales of his times with The Animals and many of the rock icons and places of the 60’s-70’s and beyond. A real page turner and throughly enjoyable book.

[Donnacha · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first few chapters were OK, but the rest was boring as hell. He shouldn't have wrote this book, but maybe he needed the money. But Eric you're still a legend to me.

[Eugene Goodale · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are a fan of his music this book is a enjoyable account of the time. Not great lit but a fun and informative read.

[Donald · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very readable story by one of my favorite British singers

[Robert Janssens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting insight into a very wild life.

[Steve Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not too much personal stuff, good stories of his 'mates' including jimi hendrix. Eric spent time in interesting adventurous places.

[Tony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Memories and recollections of the rock & blues scene. Very readable.

[Lola Petite · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could NOT put this book down! Such honest testimonies about his past! Must have, must read!

[Mark · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read this a few years ago and I found it quite interesting but now I am not so sure about Mr. Burdon... In some interview in a British rock mag I read recently within the last couple years he said white Americans "like Pigpen and all that " doing the blues were "phony." I beg differ with Mr. Burdon. Pigpen, or as he was known in the "real world", Ron McKernan, grew up in East Palo Alto, a community which was overwhelmingly African-American, "on the other side of the tracks"[read-freeway]- pretty much the low rent side of Palo Alto, and very heavily minority populated... his father was a disc jockey on the Bay Area's premier blues station, KDIA, -a Soul Music DJ!- for godsake. Pigpen (and Jerry Garcia) were known to come round to the bars in the hood and play for drinks and tips on their formative years- Garcia even got big kudos at the time (from the blacks he played to) for his ability to "play the blues" And it's pretty safe to say that growing up in EPA, and with a father specializing in "that kind" of music, Pigpen had a LOT more daily familiarity with black culture than Eric Burdon, growing up in lily-white Newcastle England "and all that," could have ever had. And back when both bands played the Monterey Pop Festival, supposedly he came to the Dead's home in SF and partied with them for a couple of days. Wasn't any talk about "phony" back in the day, dude. So please, Mr Burdon, don't talk to US about who was"phony.' Pigpen was probably the best & greatest white American (male- the female title goes to his friend, Janis Joplin) blues singer who ever lived. And to think, this came from a guy Pigpen probably considered his friend! Everything else doesn't pass muster, cuts some funky jive, as "imitation." So now your book gets a "yuck." Tough! Mr Charlie told me so...

[Msellen88 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly enjoyable! I picked up this book in a bin of donated books and thought it might be a fun read. Although I am a bit younger than Eric Burdon, I do remember watching him sing with The Animals and later with War. The Animals were far edgier than the Beatles or the Stones and I admit that I never really cared for that rough edge of Rock. However, who among us that grew up in the 60s and 70s didn't groove along with The Animals biggest hit, The House of the Rising Sun? We all knew the lyrics by heart even if they did not make sense at the time. Burdon carefully explains how that song was written and produced. Later in his life he visits that house in New Orleans they call the Rising Sun in what was a self fulfilling moment. I enjoyed his true tales about Jim Morrison, Little Richard, Chuck Berry and other musicians. Burdon finally explains what really happened in the last 24 hours of the life of Jimi Hendrix, which was quite interesting. He also talks about his close friend, Steve McQueen in an affectionate way that is quite poignant. There is no doubt that Burdon's co-author makes this book very readable, but kudos to Eric Burdon for bringing his memories to life.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

From the lede of my Boston Globe review:

Eric Burdon is just the sort of chap you'd want to write a memoir of the rock 'n' roll life. As lead singer of the Animals, he was a key soldier in the British invasion of the '60s, he was present at several key junctures in pop history, and he somehow remembers them despite a 40-year binge on drugs and alcohol.

Here's another reason: He's alive. It's absurdly obvious, but it stands out in increasing relief as Burdon ticks off story after story of famous pals who didn't survive: Jimi Hendrix, John Lennon, Jim Morrison, and Steve McQueen.

http://michaelprager.com/Eric-Burdon-...

[Anthony Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating autobiography of a man who was a renowned player in the supposed free lovin' late 1960's.

Eric Burdon, originally a geordie but he has spent most of his life living in the USA. While he has been based in the States for nigh on fifty years, he maintains the honest and straight talking manner that he would have learned whilst growing up in Walker, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne.

Burdon calls it as he sees it. I sometimes disagreed with him but before I read this book, I always liked him. Having read it, that feeling has been reinforced.

Anybody who is interested in 1960's western popular culture must read this book

[Ronnie Cramer · Rating 2 out of 5]

My wife has remarked that she often likes celebrities less after reading their autobiographies, and I can certainly relate to that--these showbiz types very often come across as insecure, immature, irresponsible, etc. I DID enjoy some of Eric Burdon's stories, but I almost got whiplash being yanked back and forth a few years at a time (Hendrix is dead, Hendrix has just arrived in London, Hendrix has been dead a while, Hendrix shows up at the house, etc.), and every occasion, good or bad, seemed to call for drugs, alcohol or both. - Aug 23, 2016