What do you think?
Rate this book
Lay It On The Line: A Backstage Pass to Rock Star Adventure, Conflict and TRIUMPH
From Triumph superstar Rik Emmett comes the thrilling, inspiring story of a life of rock and roll While describing the impulse driving his life and work, Rik Emmett explains, “I was never in it for the sex and drugs ― ah, but the rock and roll. Creativity was, and still is, my it ― the truth I bet my life on. It was also, always, about play. The play’s the thing … ” Merging memoir, anecdotes, and masterclasses on guitar, songwriting, and the artist’s mindset , Lay It On The Line offers insight and perspective into the many roles Rik Emmett took on. “It” was always a parboiling, psychological and this book attempts to finally share the recipe. It also includes photos from Emmett’s own archives, plus the definitive, detailed reasons behind why he walked from Triumph ― and came back two decades later. Rock star, it seems, was a character for Rik Emmett to inhabit … a great gig, a catalytic door-opener … it was a role that led to other adventures ― and these are the stories he’s chosen to tell.
- GenresMusicNonfictionBiography
312 pages, Paperback
Published October 10, 2023
7 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 6, 2023
“The universe says you’re alive; you have instincts and emotions ; you need music.”
The most surprising thing for me about this book, was how casually funny it was. I found myself highlighting lines here and there, and relating a whole lot too.
Much like Mr Emmett, I too nearly drowned as a kid, am academically disinclined (I am SO stealing that line), not that good at technology or math (I only wish my teachers let me drop it, sigh) and I'm cross-dominant, which, by the way, I had no idea was even a thing until now!!!
I literally thought that was my weird little quirk, but no, other people are like that too, amazing.
And obviously I have a huge love of music, 70s and 80s rock in particular.
So, Lay It On the Line was an interesting book for sure. We learn about Rik Emmett's life, from the cradle to the stage and beyond.
He describes his family, musical influences, the sports he played, the bands he was in, the people he met, his creative process and the struggles he faced, not only music wise, but family wise too. He also tells us so much about the ever changing music business, that I feel as if I witnessed all of it with my own two eyes.
We also get to see his opinions on just about everything, and Emmett even gives us some philosophical advice at the end of the book.
What I enjoyed the most (other than the humour), is seeing how much he loves his wife and kids. It really comes through, and I love how he's always thanking her for standing by him and acknowledging that he wouldn't be where he is without her. That's true love right there. And!! We even got a picture of the beautiful lady at the end, makes my heart melt, honestly.
Of course, I enjoyed all the music talk too, the fellow rock star cameos (Scorpions!!!!) throughout the book, all the songs mentioned, whether by Triumph, solo Rik or by other bands.
If you can listen to music while you read and it doesn't distract you, then I suggest listening to some Triumph albums, as well as Rik's solo ones. I'm partial to Just A Game, Allied Forces and Absolutely, but you can pick and choose and your experience will still be magical.
“It’s just a game, and all I can do is play.”
*Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*
The most surprising thing for me about this book, was how casually funny it was. I found myself highlighting lines here and there, and relating a whole lot too.
Much like Mr Emmett, I too nearly drowned as a kid, am academically disinclined (I am SO stealing that line), not that good at technology or math (I only wish my teachers let me drop it, sigh) and I'm cross-dominant, which, by the way, I had no idea was even a thing until now!!!
I literally thought that was my weird little quirk, but no, other people are like that too, amazing.
And obviously I have a huge love of music, 70s and 80s rock in particular.
So, Lay It On the Line was an interesting book for sure. We learn about Rik Emmett's life, from the cradle to the stage and beyond.
He describes his family, musical influences, the sports he played, the bands he was in, the people he met, his creative process and the struggles he faced, not only music wise, but family wise too. He also tells us so much about the ever changing music business, that I feel as if I witnessed all of it with my own two eyes.
We also get to see his opinions on just about everything, and Emmett even gives us some philosophical advice at the end of the book.
What I enjoyed the most (other than the humour), is seeing how much he loves his wife and kids. It really comes through, and I love how he's always thanking her for standing by him and acknowledging that he wouldn't be where he is without her. That's true love right there. And!! We even got a picture of the beautiful lady at the end, makes my heart melt, honestly.
Of course, I enjoyed all the music talk too, the fellow rock star cameos (Scorpions!!!!) throughout the book, all the songs mentioned, whether by Triumph, solo Rik or by other bands.
If you can listen to music while you read and it doesn't distract you, then I suggest listening to some Triumph albums, as well as Rik's solo ones. I'm partial to Just A Game, Allied Forces and Absolutely, but you can pick and choose and your experience will still be magical.
“It’s just a game, and all I can do is play.”
*Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*
July 18, 2023
This was an overall interesting and informative read. I enjoyed some sections more than others. Rik’s gig stories were fun to read; he explains things well with the music business, and gives his perspective on a variety of things. He’s had an interesting life and it’s worth a read for Triumph and music fans.
Thanks to ECW Press for the ARC.
Thanks to ECW Press for the ARC.
November 13, 2024
I wanted to like this book more than I did, but I just struggled. I love Triumph. I saw them with Mountain on the Thunder 7 tour, and it was my second concert ever. It was truly an amazing show.
If you are looking for the Triumph story, watch the documentary. If you are looking for a little Triumph and a lot of post Triumph, this is the book for you. The themes just kept circling. He must have said he was a baseball coach 14 times. He got jaded of the music business. He has divergent music tastes. His family is important to him and made sacrifices. These are important points and themes, but they keep popping back up like Deja Vu all over again.
He also speaks in flowery language at times, that seems to be just for the point of using big words. In spite of that, I am interested in Rik Emmett. I learned “whatever happened to” and I learned his story. I just wish it wasn’t so arduous to get to. Keith Richards talks about songwriting and taking magazines, cutting out phrases, and drawing from a hat for inspiration. That is interesting and relatable. Rik describes songwriting in a very esoteric way. It is just an example of how I think he would benefit from an editor.
If you are looking for the Triumph story, watch the documentary. If you are looking for a little Triumph and a lot of post Triumph, this is the book for you. The themes just kept circling. He must have said he was a baseball coach 14 times. He got jaded of the music business. He has divergent music tastes. His family is important to him and made sacrifices. These are important points and themes, but they keep popping back up like Deja Vu all over again.
He also speaks in flowery language at times, that seems to be just for the point of using big words. In spite of that, I am interested in Rik Emmett. I learned “whatever happened to” and I learned his story. I just wish it wasn’t so arduous to get to. Keith Richards talks about songwriting and taking magazines, cutting out phrases, and drawing from a hat for inspiration. That is interesting and relatable. Rik describes songwriting in a very esoteric way. It is just an example of how I think he would benefit from an editor.
November 4, 2023
I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
"Merging memoir, anecdotes, and masterclasses on guitar, songwriting, and the artist’s mindset," ---So states the blurb on this book, and on the cover it's mentioned "A backstage pass to rockstar adventure." So as a reader of many memoirs of people in the rock & roll business, I thought this could be good. I didn't read of any backstage stories, or adventures. This could have been a textbook on how to approach the rockstar life....philosophy, mindset, etc. If you want a book on rock & roll hijinks, this is not for you. If you are thinking of being in a band, this may be of help.
"Merging memoir, anecdotes, and masterclasses on guitar, songwriting, and the artist’s mindset," ---So states the blurb on this book, and on the cover it's mentioned "A backstage pass to rockstar adventure." So as a reader of many memoirs of people in the rock & roll business, I thought this could be good. I didn't read of any backstage stories, or adventures. This could have been a textbook on how to approach the rockstar life....philosophy, mindset, etc. If you want a book on rock & roll hijinks, this is not for you. If you are thinking of being in a band, this may be of help.
August 30, 2023
My thanks to both NetGalley and the publisher ECW Press for an advance copy of this memoir on one of Canada's most famous guitarists, about his life, his playing, his techniques and about being a member of the band Triumph, and what came after.
Being creative is something that a lot of us strive to be. Some people are born with the knowledge that the have to be creative, that they have a gift, and even though it's not easy, or in some ways possible to nurture that gift, it is still there, and somehow it wlll blossom into something, hopefully wonderful . Music is a powerful force. Music can change minds and change hearts. Music can make the passive active, and that active energy can turn to rocking. And rocking is what Rik Emmett knew from an early age he wanted to do. From noodling in his room, to working with anyone he could, until success came to him in the form of two other musicians. Soon Emmett was touring the world, playing arenas and having fun and living life. Until Emmett wanted more. Lay It On The Line: A Backstage Pass to Rock Star Adventure, Conflict and TRIUMPH is a look at Emmett's life from humble beginnings, to rock star status, to solo recording, and finding himself.
Rik Emmett was born in West Toronto to a middle class family that was rich in love, but not spending cash. Emmett knew he had music in his blood, but lacked the means to play it until his grandfather found something in a closet hidden away. A catalogue guitar, cheap, with a faded face, and strings that would kill. To Emmett it was the greatest thing ever. Emmett's first instructor noticed that Emmett was strumming with his left hand, and being a left handed player himself, flipped the guitar around, saving Emmett money on left handed guitars, and helping to develope his technique and skills. Soon Emmett had graduated high school, with the help of a kindly math teacher and besides working any jobs he could played with any bands he could. Hotel bands, glam bands Emmett performed with anyone, gaining skills and confidence along the way, until two musicians whose band had imploded came calling with an offer. An offer that changed his life.
Triumph was a band I was familiar with, but didn't know that much about them. I remember their hits, and I a video on MTV, but my heart was for another Canadian three piece, Rush, and I missed a lot of their songs. Which I have been catching up with on Spotify, and am mad that I missed out. Besides the information on techniques, song development and gear information, this is a fascinating look at touring, life on the lighted stage and how unreal it seems, along with a lot of unglossy tales about working in music. Emmett is a very good writer, telling his story well, and while there might be some angry stories, there is a lot of real truths. Emmett is one of the few memoirists that admits that a lot of mistakes were made, some by himself, some by the band and the record labels, and that led to problems. Emmett is really forthright, and honest, again a rarity in this day and age.
A book for fans of the band, fans of arena rock, and for guitarists to learn some tricks and techniques from a unsung master. A book that demands a soundtrack, and one that is really worth reading, especially for lovers of music, and for those creative types who need inspiration.
Being creative is something that a lot of us strive to be. Some people are born with the knowledge that the have to be creative, that they have a gift, and even though it's not easy, or in some ways possible to nurture that gift, it is still there, and somehow it wlll blossom into something, hopefully wonderful . Music is a powerful force. Music can change minds and change hearts. Music can make the passive active, and that active energy can turn to rocking. And rocking is what Rik Emmett knew from an early age he wanted to do. From noodling in his room, to working with anyone he could, until success came to him in the form of two other musicians. Soon Emmett was touring the world, playing arenas and having fun and living life. Until Emmett wanted more. Lay It On The Line: A Backstage Pass to Rock Star Adventure, Conflict and TRIUMPH is a look at Emmett's life from humble beginnings, to rock star status, to solo recording, and finding himself.
Rik Emmett was born in West Toronto to a middle class family that was rich in love, but not spending cash. Emmett knew he had music in his blood, but lacked the means to play it until his grandfather found something in a closet hidden away. A catalogue guitar, cheap, with a faded face, and strings that would kill. To Emmett it was the greatest thing ever. Emmett's first instructor noticed that Emmett was strumming with his left hand, and being a left handed player himself, flipped the guitar around, saving Emmett money on left handed guitars, and helping to develope his technique and skills. Soon Emmett had graduated high school, with the help of a kindly math teacher and besides working any jobs he could played with any bands he could. Hotel bands, glam bands Emmett performed with anyone, gaining skills and confidence along the way, until two musicians whose band had imploded came calling with an offer. An offer that changed his life.
Triumph was a band I was familiar with, but didn't know that much about them. I remember their hits, and I a video on MTV, but my heart was for another Canadian three piece, Rush, and I missed a lot of their songs. Which I have been catching up with on Spotify, and am mad that I missed out. Besides the information on techniques, song development and gear information, this is a fascinating look at touring, life on the lighted stage and how unreal it seems, along with a lot of unglossy tales about working in music. Emmett is a very good writer, telling his story well, and while there might be some angry stories, there is a lot of real truths. Emmett is one of the few memoirists that admits that a lot of mistakes were made, some by himself, some by the band and the record labels, and that led to problems. Emmett is really forthright, and honest, again a rarity in this day and age.
A book for fans of the band, fans of arena rock, and for guitarists to learn some tricks and techniques from a unsung master. A book that demands a soundtrack, and one that is really worth reading, especially for lovers of music, and for those creative types who need inspiration.
November 14, 2023
Lay It on the Line by Rik Emmett gives a thoughtful and reflective account of Emmitt's life, before, during, and after Triumph.
This is, first of all, Emmitt's story, so if you only wanted dirt about his time with Triumph, you might be disappointed. If you value the human beings who give us the music as much as you value the music, you will enjoy this trip. If you just want typical gossip to satisfy whatever it is that it satisfies, there are plenty of such rock stories out there for you, enjoy!
As he acknowledges, there are times when he talks about his success, and it can sometimes seem like boasting. While I noticed those moments, I didn't really feel like he was doing much more than telling his story and giving us the background on his part in that success. I think it may, for some readers, come down to how you like his authorial voice. I was fine with it, so I took his words a certain way. You may feel different.
The glimpses at what happens behind the scenes when you become a star is fascinating. Perhaps I should mention, behind the scenes is more than just anecdotes about certain events. It is about how the human being behind the mask called "rock star." It is about the way one's priorities change over time, sometimes in ways counterintuitive to an outsider. There are also a lot of lessons here, both for those wanting to be in a band and those in any field who might want to find a way to follow their dreams regardless of what some might say or think.
Yes, I admit, I liked them back in the day, saw them twice and had their albums, so I may be somewhat inclined to like this book. That said, there were times in the book when I wasn't thinking about reading a celebrity memoir and lost myself in the decisions someone made. In other words, I enjoyed it as a memoir, not simply as a rock star memoir.
Certainly Triumph fans and those who love rock will enjoy this book with the understanding this is not a gossip book but a person's life story. Because the book doesn't just cover his time with Triumph, I think those readers who enjoy the genre more broadly will also enjoy the book.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
This is, first of all, Emmitt's story, so if you only wanted dirt about his time with Triumph, you might be disappointed. If you value the human beings who give us the music as much as you value the music, you will enjoy this trip. If you just want typical gossip to satisfy whatever it is that it satisfies, there are plenty of such rock stories out there for you, enjoy!
As he acknowledges, there are times when he talks about his success, and it can sometimes seem like boasting. While I noticed those moments, I didn't really feel like he was doing much more than telling his story and giving us the background on his part in that success. I think it may, for some readers, come down to how you like his authorial voice. I was fine with it, so I took his words a certain way. You may feel different.
The glimpses at what happens behind the scenes when you become a star is fascinating. Perhaps I should mention, behind the scenes is more than just anecdotes about certain events. It is about how the human being behind the mask called "rock star." It is about the way one's priorities change over time, sometimes in ways counterintuitive to an outsider. There are also a lot of lessons here, both for those wanting to be in a band and those in any field who might want to find a way to follow their dreams regardless of what some might say or think.
Yes, I admit, I liked them back in the day, saw them twice and had their albums, so I may be somewhat inclined to like this book. That said, there were times in the book when I wasn't thinking about reading a celebrity memoir and lost myself in the decisions someone made. In other words, I enjoyed it as a memoir, not simply as a rock star memoir.
Certainly Triumph fans and those who love rock will enjoy this book with the understanding this is not a gossip book but a person's life story. Because the book doesn't just cover his time with Triumph, I think those readers who enjoy the genre more broadly will also enjoy the book.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
October 12, 2023
From Goodreads ~ Merging memoir, anecdotes and masterclasses on guitar, songwriting and the artist’s mindset, "Lay It On The Line" offers insight and perspective into the many roles Rik Emmett took on.
"It” was always a parboiling, psychological and this book attempts to finally share the recipe. It also includes photos from Emmett’s own archives, plus the definitive, detailed reasons behind why he walked from Triumph - and came back two decades later.
Rock star, it seems, was a character for Rik Emmett to inhabit … a great gig, a catalytic door-opener … it was a role that led to other adventures - and these are the stories he’s chosen to tell.
Triumph was a rock band that was formed in 1975 in Toronto, Ontario, and were popular in the late 1970s and 1980s. It put out 16 albums and DVDs and received 18 gold and nine platinum awards in Canada and the U.S. Triumph was nominated for many Juno Awards, including group of the year award. It was inducted into the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame in 2007, into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 2008 and into Canada's Walk of Fame in 2019.
Rik Emmett is now 70 and was a guitarist and lead/backing vocalist in Triumph until he left in 1988 to pursue a solo career ... this is his story. I know and liked some of Triumph's songs and like reading about Canadians so that's why this book caught my eye. Plus I like getting the behind the scenes scoop.
This book is very detailed and starts off even before Emmett was born with his maternal and paternal family trees. He has done a lot in addition to being in a popular rock bad and shares his experiences and thoughts. I found at times he was preachy and a "grumpy old man" at times but it's his book so he can be any way he wants. There are black and white and colour pictures from over the years at the end of the book.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2023/10...
"It” was always a parboiling, psychological and this book attempts to finally share the recipe. It also includes photos from Emmett’s own archives, plus the definitive, detailed reasons behind why he walked from Triumph - and came back two decades later.
Rock star, it seems, was a character for Rik Emmett to inhabit … a great gig, a catalytic door-opener … it was a role that led to other adventures - and these are the stories he’s chosen to tell.
Triumph was a rock band that was formed in 1975 in Toronto, Ontario, and were popular in the late 1970s and 1980s. It put out 16 albums and DVDs and received 18 gold and nine platinum awards in Canada and the U.S. Triumph was nominated for many Juno Awards, including group of the year award. It was inducted into the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame in 2007, into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 2008 and into Canada's Walk of Fame in 2019.
Rik Emmett is now 70 and was a guitarist and lead/backing vocalist in Triumph until he left in 1988 to pursue a solo career ... this is his story. I know and liked some of Triumph's songs and like reading about Canadians so that's why this book caught my eye. Plus I like getting the behind the scenes scoop.
This book is very detailed and starts off even before Emmett was born with his maternal and paternal family trees. He has done a lot in addition to being in a popular rock bad and shares his experiences and thoughts. I found at times he was preachy and a "grumpy old man" at times but it's his book so he can be any way he wants. There are black and white and colour pictures from over the years at the end of the book.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2023/10...
September 5, 2024
DNF. As much as I love Triumph and admire Rik, I just can't recommend this book, unless you're a fledgling rock star looking for a college course on what you're getting into. And even then, Rik himself admits that his knowledge is so out of date, it's not really applicable now.
If you're looking for an autobiography, that's where this book especially falls down. The amount of time Rik spends actually talking about his life is much less than many might wish for. Most of the book is Rik talking philosophically about the music business and his thoughts about it. The amount of time spent discussing his life as a musician and his time with Triumph is fairly small, when compared to the rest.
Having said that, he DOES give you just about everything you'd want to know about his life as a musician and his time with Triumph, including clarifying his reasons for leaving, so there's good value in that. But that's maybe 25% of the book. Rik spent time teaching college-level classes on the music industry, and it seems like he just dumped his syllabus into this book and proceeded from there. If that's your jazz, you should love this book, but I'm neither a musician nor looking to become one, so it was all just blah blah blah to me after a couple hours (I had the audio book). And while Rik's take on the philosophy of life and where his music fits into it IS interesting to me, he spent a depressing amount of time saying the same things over and over again. To clarify, this is a 14-hour audio book. I'd say 10 of those hours are Rik philosophizing.
If you're looking for an autobiography, that's where this book especially falls down. The amount of time Rik spends actually talking about his life is much less than many might wish for. Most of the book is Rik talking philosophically about the music business and his thoughts about it. The amount of time spent discussing his life as a musician and his time with Triumph is fairly small, when compared to the rest.
Having said that, he DOES give you just about everything you'd want to know about his life as a musician and his time with Triumph, including clarifying his reasons for leaving, so there's good value in that. But that's maybe 25% of the book. Rik spent time teaching college-level classes on the music industry, and it seems like he just dumped his syllabus into this book and proceeded from there. If that's your jazz, you should love this book, but I'm neither a musician nor looking to become one, so it was all just blah blah blah to me after a couple hours (I had the audio book). And while Rik's take on the philosophy of life and where his music fits into it IS interesting to me, he spent a depressing amount of time saying the same things over and over again. To clarify, this is a 14-hour audio book. I'd say 10 of those hours are Rik philosophizing.
October 12, 2023
Guitarist Rik Emmett tells his career in his memoir named after one of the band Triumph's most well-known songs "Lay It On The Line," Emmett's tale isn't just like the average rock star book. He first discusses his main influences in music, from The Beatles to some of his favorite albums as a fan, and what influenced his playing, along with his favorite concert that he attended from another artist. He gives what is almost a "trapped on a desert island and this is the music I would like to have with me" answer. He discussing writing for guitar magazines and the reasons for leaving the band and going solo, along with the street team approach the band had.
Even if the reader isn't versed on the writer or his bands (he talks about turning down some major gigs after leaving Triumph along with some great road tales), the reader will get an insight on the behind-the scenes of running a product , musical or not.
Even if the reader isn't versed on the writer or his bands (he talks about turning down some major gigs after leaving Triumph along with some great road tales), the reader will get an insight on the behind-the scenes of running a product , musical or not.
December 14, 2023
Don't mistake this for an autobiography. It's that but it's also a lot of pontificating on songwriting and Emmett's inner thoughts. That's not necessarily a bad thing. He's obviously a thoughtful, insightful guy, but as a non musician and non songwriter, it wasn't for me. There was a lot of repetition of thoughts, almost complete sentences, at times.
There were some stories of life on the road and the inner workings of Triumph, which - to Emmett anyway - seemed more like a planned business venture than a rock band that got together for the love of music.
But make no mistake - Emmett loves music. He lives and breathes it. I share his obsession about time and the passage of it. He's a really good writer and just a decent guy who didn't get caught up in after-show antics or drugs or any of that. I would recommend this book for someone who loves to play guitar and has their sights set on songwriting and performing.
There were some stories of life on the road and the inner workings of Triumph, which - to Emmett anyway - seemed more like a planned business venture than a rock band that got together for the love of music.
But make no mistake - Emmett loves music. He lives and breathes it. I share his obsession about time and the passage of it. He's a really good writer and just a decent guy who didn't get caught up in after-show antics or drugs or any of that. I would recommend this book for someone who loves to play guitar and has their sights set on songwriting and performing.
October 6, 2023
Received from ECW PRESS and Netgalley for honest read and review,this review is my own.
I grew up in the era of Triumph and other bands at the time. I was not a great fan of theirs, but Rik is a good guitarist and a lot of the songs at the time I quite liked.
This book was a great insight into the man and how things were for him at the time.
He is a very clever man and this showed in his memoirs and also how much family was there for him.
This was a fun often sad book as it showed the ups and downs of life before being famous and then life after, which appears to be better.
A fine read if you like Rik/Triumph.
I grew up in the era of Triumph and other bands at the time. I was not a great fan of theirs, but Rik is a good guitarist and a lot of the songs at the time I quite liked.
This book was a great insight into the man and how things were for him at the time.
He is a very clever man and this showed in his memoirs and also how much family was there for him.
This was a fun often sad book as it showed the ups and downs of life before being famous and then life after, which appears to be better.
A fine read if you like Rik/Triumph.
August 21, 2023
Rik Emmett tells it as he sees it. There’s a wonderful feeling of responsibility here. That’s missing in a lot of autobiographies. He wasn’t perfect, but no one else is either, and he accepts that.
His insight into music, the music business, and his place in all of it was so interesting! I loved hearing about all the twists and turns on the way. Sometimes, he rambled a bit, but it’s his book right?
Great book for both Triumph/Rik fans and for music fans in general. I’m so glad I read this!
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC, my opinions are all mine.
His insight into music, the music business, and his place in all of it was so interesting! I loved hearing about all the twists and turns on the way. Sometimes, he rambled a bit, but it’s his book right?
Great book for both Triumph/Rik fans and for music fans in general. I’m so glad I read this!
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC, my opinions are all mine.
September 16, 2024
I had a lot of anticipation about reading this book but it was a bit dry for my taste. It also glosses over his years in Triumph to a large degree. While that was a limited time in his life and even his music career, Rik even acknowledges that without his success with Triumph, most people would not be reading his memoir. Rik's professorial approach made it a bit of a slog for me to read, although your mileage may vary.
November 29, 2024
There isn't enough Triumph history in this book--the one chapter (30 pages in a 300 page book) is good but doesn't go nearly deep enough and feels incomplete. I wish the great guitarist and songwriter had spent the time on the Triumph albums that he did on his other releases. This is more a book about Emmett's philosophy and thoughts on life and music in general. Worthy, but more for him than the Triumph fanatic.
January 5, 2025
This was different than most rock n roll memoirs. Rik spends a lot of time discussing his ideas about music and the music business. He is is very thoughtful throughout. He does ramble a bit and it’s repetitive at times, but you have to appreciate his dedication to music. I do wish there was more information on his Triumph days, but I also understand that it was a small part of his long career. As someone who dabbles in music, I was interested in his reflections on songwriting.
November 7, 2023
I appreciated the deep insight from an artist on the music industry of yesterday and today. The depth of his relationship with songwriting and playing the guitar is evident… with more versatility than most.
A humble memoir. Thanks for taking a different angle with the book than most.
A humble memoir. Thanks for taking a different angle with the book than most.
October 30, 2023
A very different and powerful read over most of the other rock and roll books I have read. Eye opening in a positive way.
October 31, 2023
One of the most unique and authentic rock bios I've ever read. Rik avoids many of the trappings that so many memoirs fall into. Highly recommended for Classic Rock fans!
December 31, 2023
Not just your typical "rock n roll" memoire... Thoughts on the art of music...etc. I really enjoyed this book
January 3, 2024
I love Triumph but this book was exausting and could have been 100 pages shorter.
March 18, 2024
Must read for someone wanting to be a rock star. This will them to the finish line
September 4, 2024
Ive been a fan of the band and Ric.too much of a how to rather than about their travels.
September 19, 2024
If you want to read a book about an egotistical, money hungry musician, this is the book. I really thought we'd get a lot of dirt on Triumph, but there wasn't a lot of it.
February 17, 2024
Nggak melulu konvensional tentang sejarah Triumph dan pengalamam karir solo. Kadang agak preachy sih. That’s when I gave this a 4-star.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews