In Spotlight and Shadow: My Road Trip with Within Temptation

by Ruud Jolie, Steve Harris (Foreword), Sharon den Adel (Afterword)

Let there be no mistake. This is not an autobiography. Over the past twenty-four years as the guitarist for Within Temptation―one of the most successful rock bands ever to come out of the Netherlands―Ruud Jolie has found himself in more than his fair share of bizarre and unexpected situations. In this book, he pulls back the curtain to share a collection of his most personal, awkward, and hilarious adventures―the kind that never make it into interviews or press releases. Told with brutal honesty, sharp humor, and a generous dose of self-mockery, these stories come packed with exclusive, behind-the-scenes photos from the highs, lows, and weird in-betweens of a life in music.

288 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2025

About the author

Ruud Jolie is a Dutch guitarist best known for his work with the symphonic metal band Within Temptation.

Reviews

[M.C. Ryder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Within Temptation is one of my favorite bands, but I know only the face of Within Temptation and that is Sharon. I'm not as familiar with who all is in the band, but without the band members there would be no Within Temptation. So, when I heard a book was being released by one of the band's members, I didn't hesitate to order a copy. The guys who are in the band are just human. They have their ups and downs, moments in the spotlight and moments in the shadow. I enjoyed the humor and hearing about life on the road. However, I would have liked more stories that made me feel as if I were with them. I also would have liked it more in chronicle order instead of fast forwarding and going back in time throughout the book. As someone who have never had an opportunity to see them live in concert, I enjoyed the images provided throughout the pages. It's also humbling to know that a band like Within Temptation, who is big and loved by the fans, still have moments of impostor syndrome and still get nervous before going out on stage. Is easy to forget they are human and not machines. Just because they are shining bright in the spotlight doesn't mean they battle insecurities in the shadows.

I highly recommend to fans of Within Temptation and even non-fans. You might just become a fan after reading this once in a lifetime behind the curtain access of a influential band.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great collection of anecdotes of life on tour from one of the Netherlands' biggest bands. Engaging and entertaining!

[Your Common House Bat · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for fans of Within Temptation if you ask me. Jolie has a blunt and dirty sense of humor that made the book very entertaining. I got to learn about the band (a mix of stuff I already knew and a whole lot that I didn't). I am very glad that there was no censorship to be found and that he touched on the good, the bad, and the ugly. The adventures and the misadventures. The photos were also really cool. And I found quite a bit of his story to be relatable in some weird way. My favorite part was the balcony story.
I like that this book includes a touch of Dutch culture (some phrases and fun facts) as well.