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Backstage Pass: Decades of Sex, Drugs, Tragedy and the Darker Side of Rock & Roll
Win a free print copy of this book!
18 days and 15:46:35
10 copies available
U.S. only
Not a memoir for the faint of heart.
This is rock and roll stripped to the bone. Sex, drugs, chaos, and survival behind the Sunset Strip’s most notorious stages.
For more than a decade, Jason “JD” DeCosta lived inside the madness of Hollywood’s music scene. Not as an observer, but as the guy holding it together when everything went sideways.
A signed major-label musician turned production manager, and eventually general manager, JD worked on both sides of the stage at legendary venues like The Roxy Theatre, Whisky a Go Go, and The Viper Room. No PR spin. No cleaned-up legends. Just what actually happened backstage.
From unforgettable nights with Amy Winehouse, Adele, Marilyn Manson, Courtney Love and Paris Hilton, Ozzy Osbourne, Prince, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Scott Weiland, Chris Cornell, Chester Bennington, Mike Tyson, Snoop Dogg, and dozens more, Backstage Pass rips open the truth behind Hollywood’s wildest years.
Inside, you will step into the
Live-venue riots, neo-Nazi punks, and nights where survival mattered more than music
Illegal raves and secret after-hours parties that quietly funded the scene
The porn actresses JD knew when they were young and rising, and the tragic paths many of them later took
Mental collapse, near-miss record deals, broken bands, and the long road back
Prince’s Cloud Guitar, the Nicholson Room at On the Rox, and the elite partying above The Roxy
JD did not just work backstage.
He lived there. And eventually, he ran it.
But Backstage Pass is not just about the stars. It is about survival.
Raw, darkly funny, and brutally honest, Backstage Pass exposes the real cost of chasing fame and living fast. It is Hunter S. Thompson meets Scar Tissue. A confessional, no-filter ride through Hollywood’s unglamorous underbelly.
If you have ever wondered what really happens when the doors close and the lights go down, this is your all-access pass.
Buckle up.
This is rock and roll stripped to the bone. Sex, drugs, chaos, and survival behind the Sunset Strip’s most notorious stages.
For more than a decade, Jason “JD” DeCosta lived inside the madness of Hollywood’s music scene. Not as an observer, but as the guy holding it together when everything went sideways.
A signed major-label musician turned production manager, and eventually general manager, JD worked on both sides of the stage at legendary venues like The Roxy Theatre, Whisky a Go Go, and The Viper Room. No PR spin. No cleaned-up legends. Just what actually happened backstage.
From unforgettable nights with Amy Winehouse, Adele, Marilyn Manson, Courtney Love and Paris Hilton, Ozzy Osbourne, Prince, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Scott Weiland, Chris Cornell, Chester Bennington, Mike Tyson, Snoop Dogg, and dozens more, Backstage Pass rips open the truth behind Hollywood’s wildest years.
Inside, you will step into the
Live-venue riots, neo-Nazi punks, and nights where survival mattered more than music
Illegal raves and secret after-hours parties that quietly funded the scene
The porn actresses JD knew when they were young and rising, and the tragic paths many of them later took
Mental collapse, near-miss record deals, broken bands, and the long road back
Prince’s Cloud Guitar, the Nicholson Room at On the Rox, and the elite partying above The Roxy
JD did not just work backstage.
He lived there. And eventually, he ran it.
But Backstage Pass is not just about the stars. It is about survival.
Raw, darkly funny, and brutally honest, Backstage Pass exposes the real cost of chasing fame and living fast. It is Hunter S. Thompson meets Scar Tissue. A confessional, no-filter ride through Hollywood’s unglamorous underbelly.
If you have ever wondered what really happens when the doors close and the lights go down, this is your all-access pass.
Buckle up.
342 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 11, 2025
212 people are currently reading
7001 people want to read
About the author
J.D. DeCosta
1 book45 followersJason “JD” DeCosta is the author of Backstage Pass: Decades of Sex, Drugs, Tragedy and the Darker Side of Rock & Roll, a #1 Amazon bestseller in three categories, including Artist Biographies and Pop Culture Music.
Those years, the chaos, the brilliance, the pressure, the addiction, the fame, and the tragedy, became the backbone of his memoir Backstage Pass: Decades of Sex, Drugs, Tragedy and the Darker Side of Rock & Roll .
JD worked behind the curtain with artists who defined entire eras: Amy Winehouse, Adele, Marilyn Manson, Ozzy Osbourne, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Prince, Scott Weiland, Chris Cornell, Chester Bennington, Mike Tyson, Snoop Dogg, Courtney Love, Adam Levine, Paris Hilton, and many others. Some nights were legendary. Some were disasters. All were unforgettable.
His writing pulls no punches. No PR gloss. No nostalgia filter. Just the raw truth of what it costs to chase the spotlight and what it takes to survive behind it.
More at: www.stonehousepress.uk
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
October 19, 2025
I didn’t expect to get pulled in this hard. Backstage Pass isn’t just another “rock memoir.” It feels like you’re being let into the side door of every famous club you’ve ever heard about... the Roxy, the Whisky, and then realizing how messy and real it all was behind the lights.
What surprised me most was the honesty. It’s raw without trying to be shocking. The stories are wild, famous names, insane nights, total chaos,but there’s this undercurrent of heart that runs through the whole thing. You can feel the burnout, the ambition, the love for music, and the sadness that comes with watching people lose themselves to the scene.
As someone who grew up obsessed with 90s and 2000s music, I couldn’t stop picturing the moments he describes. The backstage fights, the broken soundchecks, the surreal conversations with artists who were legends to me. Some of it’s hilarious, some of it hits harder than I expected.
It’s the kind of book you finish and just sit there for a minute, processing. I’ve read The Dirt and Scar Tissue, but this one feels different,, less myth and more memory. Messy, human, and real in the best possible way.
What surprised me most was the honesty. It’s raw without trying to be shocking. The stories are wild, famous names, insane nights, total chaos,but there’s this undercurrent of heart that runs through the whole thing. You can feel the burnout, the ambition, the love for music, and the sadness that comes with watching people lose themselves to the scene.
As someone who grew up obsessed with 90s and 2000s music, I couldn’t stop picturing the moments he describes. The backstage fights, the broken soundchecks, the surreal conversations with artists who were legends to me. Some of it’s hilarious, some of it hits harder than I expected.
It’s the kind of book you finish and just sit there for a minute, processing. I’ve read The Dirt and Scar Tissue, but this one feels different,, less myth and more memory. Messy, human, and real in the best possible way.
Read
January 28, 2026As a voracious reader of rock bios this was a quick read and typical of shocking stories about rock stars. My biggest takeaway from this read was the exploitation of show venue workers at the expense of appeasing badly behaved musicians. It breaks my heart that people do not stand up to these tyrants. It creates poor morale and toxic work environments.
I am mainly talking about Adele and Marilyn Manson... I would have told those two divas to f*ck all the way off! Despicable behavior.
Standing up to to these pukes starts with controlling riders. The music industry has allowed these to get out of control. A venue should not have to spend extra money providing things for artists. Promoters need to accept responsibility and reign in this outrageous behavior. Provide a dressing room, a potty and water. That's it. If the performer and their entourage want anything else, then they should stock their tour bus.
*quietly tucking my soap box away*
I am mainly talking about Adele and Marilyn Manson... I would have told those two divas to f*ck all the way off! Despicable behavior.
Standing up to to these pukes starts with controlling riders. The music industry has allowed these to get out of control. A venue should not have to spend extra money providing things for artists. Promoters need to accept responsibility and reign in this outrageous behavior. Provide a dressing room, a potty and water. That's it. If the performer and their entourage want anything else, then they should stock their tour bus.
*quietly tucking my soap box away*
December 6, 2025
As a fan of rock music I really enjoyed this memoir. JD DeCosta was in several band trying to make it big. He also worked many years at the Roxy. He shares his experiences at the Roxy. All the backstage debauchery , drugs, and demands of some of the biggest names in music. This book is a very easy and fun read. I recommend it to all rock fans. * I won a copy of this book from the publisher *
January 12, 2026
shockingly boring and poorly written
February 15, 2026
When the stage lights dim, the real story begins.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐️ (4.5/5)
Backstage Pass: Decades of Sex, Drugs, Tragedy and the Darker Side of Rock & Roll by JD DeCosta isn’t a glossy tribute to rock nostalgia it’s a bruised, unfiltered confession from someone who lived on both sides of the spotlight. From running production at legendary Sunset Strip venues to chasing his own music dreams, DeCosta writes with the authority of someone who didn’t just witness the chaos he survived it.
Summary
For over a decade, JD worked behind the scenes at iconic venues like The Roxy Theatre, Whisky a Go Go, and The Viper Room the beating heart of Hollywood’s rock excess. The book plunges readers into riotous nights, illegal raves, backstage meltdowns, and encounters with artists like Amy Winehouse, Prince, Ozzy Osbourne, and Chester Bennington among many others.
But beyond the wild stories lies something heavier. DeCosta doesn’t glamorize the destruction. He exposes the mental health struggles, institutionalization, broken friendships, near-miss record deals, and the quiet devastation that fame often hides. The book moves between dark humor and brutal honesty, showing how survival not stardom became the real achievement.
Why This Rock Memoir Stands Out
• A rare dual perspective: musician and production manager
• Raw, no-filter storytelling without romanticizing excess
• Honest exploration of mental health and addiction
• Dark humor balanced with emotional vulnerability
• A powerful reminder that behind every legend is a human being
Final Thoughts
Backstage Pass is less about celebrity gossip and more about the cost of living fast in a world built on illusion. JD DeCosta strips away the myth of rock & roll and reveals the people underneath flawed, searching, often breaking, and sometimes rebuilding.
It’s chaotic, uncomfortable, reflective, and deeply human. If you’ve ever wondered what truly happens when the doors close and the music fades, this book hands you the pass and doesn’t soften what you’ll see.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐️ (4.5/5)
Backstage Pass: Decades of Sex, Drugs, Tragedy and the Darker Side of Rock & Roll by JD DeCosta isn’t a glossy tribute to rock nostalgia it’s a bruised, unfiltered confession from someone who lived on both sides of the spotlight. From running production at legendary Sunset Strip venues to chasing his own music dreams, DeCosta writes with the authority of someone who didn’t just witness the chaos he survived it.
Summary
For over a decade, JD worked behind the scenes at iconic venues like The Roxy Theatre, Whisky a Go Go, and The Viper Room the beating heart of Hollywood’s rock excess. The book plunges readers into riotous nights, illegal raves, backstage meltdowns, and encounters with artists like Amy Winehouse, Prince, Ozzy Osbourne, and Chester Bennington among many others.
But beyond the wild stories lies something heavier. DeCosta doesn’t glamorize the destruction. He exposes the mental health struggles, institutionalization, broken friendships, near-miss record deals, and the quiet devastation that fame often hides. The book moves between dark humor and brutal honesty, showing how survival not stardom became the real achievement.
Why This Rock Memoir Stands Out
• A rare dual perspective: musician and production manager
• Raw, no-filter storytelling without romanticizing excess
• Honest exploration of mental health and addiction
• Dark humor balanced with emotional vulnerability
• A powerful reminder that behind every legend is a human being
Final Thoughts
Backstage Pass is less about celebrity gossip and more about the cost of living fast in a world built on illusion. JD DeCosta strips away the myth of rock & roll and reveals the people underneath flawed, searching, often breaking, and sometimes rebuilding.
It’s chaotic, uncomfortable, reflective, and deeply human. If you’ve ever wondered what truly happens when the doors close and the music fades, this book hands you the pass and doesn’t soften what you’ll see.
February 21, 2026
Backstage Pass by J.D. Decosta is one of the most unhinged books I have had the honor to read this year. The author did not just narrate his professional work across the Sunset Strip; he takes the reader directly through all available emotions: from the sultry suggestion of an infamous Anna Nicole Smith, grotesque admiration of a deteriorating Amy Winehouse, the absurdity of a Marilyn Manson, the megalomaniacal bully, and then the sad fragility of Brian Wilson, a broken, hauntingly fragile legend. The author literally saw everything in the music industry's backstage world.
The author narrates the bizarre life of running the backstage scene across several clubs, especially the Roxy, pulling back the curtain on the astounding life behind its doors. Backstage Pass is an unfiltered narrative into the not-so-glamorous reality that exists in the nightlife scene, both with the performers and the staff at the Roxy. It captures the sad reality of individuals in the pop scene who are in it for a good time but not a long time, the exhilarating experience of being free from the influence of the outside world for a moment, and the pain of losing close acquaintances to the life of drugs and the nightlife scene. The author did a wonderful job shedding light on the behaviors and characters that frequent the Roxy, from A-list celebrities to the regular club-goers. He also speaks about his struggles getting a foothold in the holy grail music industry, taking the reader on a rollercoaster experience of what the music space offered, from his time as an upcoming artist to his managerial job at the Roxy.
I recommend Backstage Pass by J.D. Decosta to readers who seek an unfiltered look into the life of a professional musician who operated just outside the glare of global superstardom while offering an honest perspective on the 'almost famous' reality, navigating major-label deals alongside the bizarreness of rock legends and troubled stars who visited the Roxy and the Whisky a Go Go. I received an ARC for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The author narrates the bizarre life of running the backstage scene across several clubs, especially the Roxy, pulling back the curtain on the astounding life behind its doors. Backstage Pass is an unfiltered narrative into the not-so-glamorous reality that exists in the nightlife scene, both with the performers and the staff at the Roxy. It captures the sad reality of individuals in the pop scene who are in it for a good time but not a long time, the exhilarating experience of being free from the influence of the outside world for a moment, and the pain of losing close acquaintances to the life of drugs and the nightlife scene. The author did a wonderful job shedding light on the behaviors and characters that frequent the Roxy, from A-list celebrities to the regular club-goers. He also speaks about his struggles getting a foothold in the holy grail music industry, taking the reader on a rollercoaster experience of what the music space offered, from his time as an upcoming artist to his managerial job at the Roxy.
I recommend Backstage Pass by J.D. Decosta to readers who seek an unfiltered look into the life of a professional musician who operated just outside the glare of global superstardom while offering an honest perspective on the 'almost famous' reality, navigating major-label deals alongside the bizarreness of rock legends and troubled stars who visited the Roxy and the Whisky a Go Go. I received an ARC for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 19, 2025
I picked up Backstage Pass thinking it would be a fun rock memoir, something entertaining but light. That’s not really what this book is. Reading it in my fifties, it hit me in ways I didn’t expect and honestly wasn’t prepared for.
The author doesn’t write like someone trying to impress you. He writes like someone who has seen too much and is finally telling the truth, even when it doesn’t make him look great. The famous names are there, sure, and those moments are interesting, but what stayed with me were the in-between parts. The exhaustion. The pressure. The feeling of being stuck in a life that once felt exciting and now just feels heavy.
I’ve never worked in the music industry, but I recognized the patterns. Chasing something because it’s what you’ve always done. Ignoring the signs that it’s taking more than it’s giving. Watching people around you fall apart and pretending it’s normal because everyone else is doing the same thing. That part felt very real to me.
As a woman, I appreciated that this book doesn’t soften things or make excuses. The way women are treated, the imbalance of power, the emotional damage that gets left behind, it’s all there. He doesn’t lecture about it, and he doesn’t clean it up either. He just shows you what it was like, and lets you sit with it.
This isn’t a smooth or pretty book. Some sections are uncomfortable. Some are darkly funny in a way that made me laugh and then feel a little guilty about it. And some parts are just sad, plain and simple. I had to put it down a few times, not because it was boring, but because it was a lot.
Backstage Pass isn’t really about music, at least not to me. It’s about what happens when a dream becomes a job, and then becomes a trap. I’m glad I read it at this stage of my life, when I can see the warning signs clearly and understand the cost of staying too long in a world that’s no longer good for you.
The author doesn’t write like someone trying to impress you. He writes like someone who has seen too much and is finally telling the truth, even when it doesn’t make him look great. The famous names are there, sure, and those moments are interesting, but what stayed with me were the in-between parts. The exhaustion. The pressure. The feeling of being stuck in a life that once felt exciting and now just feels heavy.
I’ve never worked in the music industry, but I recognized the patterns. Chasing something because it’s what you’ve always done. Ignoring the signs that it’s taking more than it’s giving. Watching people around you fall apart and pretending it’s normal because everyone else is doing the same thing. That part felt very real to me.
As a woman, I appreciated that this book doesn’t soften things or make excuses. The way women are treated, the imbalance of power, the emotional damage that gets left behind, it’s all there. He doesn’t lecture about it, and he doesn’t clean it up either. He just shows you what it was like, and lets you sit with it.
This isn’t a smooth or pretty book. Some sections are uncomfortable. Some are darkly funny in a way that made me laugh and then feel a little guilty about it. And some parts are just sad, plain and simple. I had to put it down a few times, not because it was boring, but because it was a lot.
Backstage Pass isn’t really about music, at least not to me. It’s about what happens when a dream becomes a job, and then becomes a trap. I’m glad I read it at this stage of my life, when I can see the warning signs clearly and understand the cost of staying too long in a world that’s no longer good for you.
December 5, 2025
I cannot tell you enough of just how amazing this book truly is. I originally got the book on amazon because a friend recommended it and they said it was way more than just celebrity stories and anecdotes etc (which im not really into) but let me tell you, this book is wayyyyy more than just celebrity stories! somehow, starting right from the about me section, this guy JD took me on a whirlwind ride... though philosophy, psychology, existential crisis and dark comedy by the time I got to chapter 4. It's quite incredible how he interwove his own unusual experiences into these totally cool stories that are really unusual themselves. Every bridge had me contemplating and looking at my own life and my own journey and what I am doing and what I want to do in the future...The stories even had me thinking about all these different aspects and I actually not only was entertained completely but I also learned alot. Alot about the music business, artists and celebrities, Hollywood, people, myself and questions I havent even though of.
This book should be in colleges and part of the curriculum for anyone wanting to go into the music business. It's like a handbook with a ton of knowledge and everyword seems honest and authentic. I am actually going to order about 10 of these books to give to all my girlfriends...I think they will love it like i did. If you do anything. at least get the kindle and I promise you'll get something from it. Even if by chance you don't, you will definitely be entertained!
One thing though - if you are easily offended, dont get this book or maybe actually you should get this book as it is real and not polished. Also, there are a bunch of sexual situations and some dirty language strewn thoughtout , but it is done in a appropriate way. I wasn't offended at all. Anna
This book should be in colleges and part of the curriculum for anyone wanting to go into the music business. It's like a handbook with a ton of knowledge and everyword seems honest and authentic. I am actually going to order about 10 of these books to give to all my girlfriends...I think they will love it like i did. If you do anything. at least get the kindle and I promise you'll get something from it. Even if by chance you don't, you will definitely be entertained!
One thing though - if you are easily offended, dont get this book or maybe actually you should get this book as it is real and not polished. Also, there are a bunch of sexual situations and some dirty language strewn thoughtout , but it is done in a appropriate way. I wasn't offended at all. Anna
December 17, 2025
I picked up Backstage Pass mostly cause I love music and figured it would be a cool behind the scenes type book. What I didnt expect was how much it pulled me in. Each chapter drops you right into whats happening, like you’re standing nearby watching things go down instead of hearing about it years later. It never felt exagerated or over done, it just felt honest.
What really worked for me was the short sections inbetween the chapters. Those little vignettes made everything feel connected and gave the bigger stories more meaning. They slow things down a bit and make the whole book feel like a real stretch of someones life, not just a bunch of random stories put together. Some of those parts honestly stayed with me more than the main chapters did.
The chapters themselves are funny, awkward, intense, and sometimes uncomfortable in a good way. You see the highs but also the burnout and personal cost that comes with living that kind of life for so long. As someone who likes traveling and meeting new people, a lot of it felt familiar to me. You meet people fast, share these big moments, then move on before you really process what just happened. This isnt a clean or polished memoir and thats why it works. It feels worn in and real, like someone finally telling the full story without worrying about how it sounds. I ended up reading the whole thing faster than I planned and kept thinking about certain chapters even after I was finished. If you’re into music and want something that actually feels real and not glossy, this book is def worth reading.
What really worked for me was the short sections inbetween the chapters. Those little vignettes made everything feel connected and gave the bigger stories more meaning. They slow things down a bit and make the whole book feel like a real stretch of someones life, not just a bunch of random stories put together. Some of those parts honestly stayed with me more than the main chapters did.
The chapters themselves are funny, awkward, intense, and sometimes uncomfortable in a good way. You see the highs but also the burnout and personal cost that comes with living that kind of life for so long. As someone who likes traveling and meeting new people, a lot of it felt familiar to me. You meet people fast, share these big moments, then move on before you really process what just happened. This isnt a clean or polished memoir and thats why it works. It feels worn in and real, like someone finally telling the full story without worrying about how it sounds. I ended up reading the whole thing faster than I planned and kept thinking about certain chapters even after I was finished. If you’re into music and want something that actually feels real and not glossy, this book is def worth reading.
December 6, 2025
This memoir impressed me because it works on more than one level. On the surface, it tells stories from a world most people never see. But as I kept reading, I realized the real strength of the book is how much thinking is happening behind the stories.
What I appreciated most is how the author connects his experiences to larger ideas about human behavior, ambition, and time. References to Nietzsche, Lord of the Flies, and films like The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and Amadeus appear naturally and with purpose. They help frame the experiences instead of distracting from them. These references show a mind that reflects deeply, not just someone remembering events.
As a teacher who enjoys science, art, and philosophy, I found this approach very engaging. The book often made me stop and think about identity, self-control, and what happens when people are placed in extreme environments. There is a strong awareness of how creative worlds affect people psychologically and emotionally.
What also stood out is the honesty. The author does not pretend to be above his past, but he also does not explain it away. There is accountability without preaching, and reflection without pretending to have everything figured out.
This memoir feels intelligent without feeling academic. It shows that real life experience and philosophical thinking can exist together on the page. A memorable and thoughtful book that stayed with me after I finished reading it. Carlos
What I appreciated most is how the author connects his experiences to larger ideas about human behavior, ambition, and time. References to Nietzsche, Lord of the Flies, and films like The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and Amadeus appear naturally and with purpose. They help frame the experiences instead of distracting from them. These references show a mind that reflects deeply, not just someone remembering events.
As a teacher who enjoys science, art, and philosophy, I found this approach very engaging. The book often made me stop and think about identity, self-control, and what happens when people are placed in extreme environments. There is a strong awareness of how creative worlds affect people psychologically and emotionally.
What also stood out is the honesty. The author does not pretend to be above his past, but he also does not explain it away. There is accountability without preaching, and reflection without pretending to have everything figured out.
This memoir feels intelligent without feeling academic. It shows that real life experience and philosophical thinking can exist together on the page. A memorable and thoughtful book that stayed with me after I finished reading it. Carlos
December 11, 2025
THIS IS THE BOOK! This is the friggin book ive been waiting for. I have always secretly wanted to be musician since I was little and I definitely took a different route as I have been a financial advisor for one of the big companies for almost two decades. Even though I look like the complete opposite from someone who had a desire to be a rock star, well, that has always been my ultimate dream (which ofcourse I know is gone...haha) and this book is the closest thing I have ever read to being right there in the reality of what it must be like to be in the scene and behind the scene. This author has lived the journey that i always wanted to take but I never quite knew how and I ended up on a much safer journey that has brought me wealth, a great family and definitely other perks but I always just wanted to dip my feet into the rock and roll lifestyle. I guess this is as close as I will get of getting a total clear perspective of what really goes on and with so many different artists.
The book is really well written and has a ton of humor and dark humor which I can really appreciate. JD take you on a journey and i promise you will be entertained and also maybe learn a bit about yourself. If you have a great sense of humor and are into quality writing and storytelling, THIS IS THE BOOK FOR YOU!!
The book is really well written and has a ton of humor and dark humor which I can really appreciate. JD take you on a journey and i promise you will be entertained and also maybe learn a bit about yourself. If you have a great sense of humor and are into quality writing and storytelling, THIS IS THE BOOK FOR YOU!!
February 18, 2026
I picked this up expecting a straight music memoir, but it ended up being much more about environment, pressure, and what it’s like to live around a scene that most of us only ever see from the outside.
What really stood out to me wasn’t just the closeness to famous names, but the routine behind all the chaos. Long nights, strange encounters, moments that feel absurd in the moment, and then the quiet afterwards when everyone clears out and you’re left processing what actually happened. That rhythm comes through really well. It doesn’t glamourise everything, and it doesn’t try to clean things up either.
Coming at this from the UK, the Hollywood setting was interesting without feeling over the top or unrelatable. You don’t need to recognise every artist or venue to get what’s going on. It’s more about people navigating work, ambition, burnout, and identity in a pretty intense cultural space.
I also liked that it doesn’t feel like a highlight reel. Some parts are uncomfortable, reflective, or just oddly ordinary, which honestly made it feel more real. It reads like someone looking back honestly, not trying to impress or sell you on anything.
If you’re into music culture, recent history, or how big scenes actually function behind the curtain, this is well worth a read. I finished it thinking less about fame and more about the people doing the work around it.
What really stood out to me wasn’t just the closeness to famous names, but the routine behind all the chaos. Long nights, strange encounters, moments that feel absurd in the moment, and then the quiet afterwards when everyone clears out and you’re left processing what actually happened. That rhythm comes through really well. It doesn’t glamourise everything, and it doesn’t try to clean things up either.
Coming at this from the UK, the Hollywood setting was interesting without feeling over the top or unrelatable. You don’t need to recognise every artist or venue to get what’s going on. It’s more about people navigating work, ambition, burnout, and identity in a pretty intense cultural space.
I also liked that it doesn’t feel like a highlight reel. Some parts are uncomfortable, reflective, or just oddly ordinary, which honestly made it feel more real. It reads like someone looking back honestly, not trying to impress or sell you on anything.
If you’re into music culture, recent history, or how big scenes actually function behind the curtain, this is well worth a read. I finished it thinking less about fame and more about the people doing the work around it.
February 19, 2026
Backstage Pass is not just a rock & roll memoir, it’s a raw, deeply human story about survival, identity, and the cost of chasing freedom in a world fueled by excess. Jason “JD” DeCosta takes readers far beyond the glamorized myths of Hollywood’s Sunset Strip and into the unfiltered reality behind legendary venues like The Roxy and Whisky a Go Go.
Yes, the book delivers the chaos you expect sex, drugs, wild nights, and unforgettable encounters with iconic artists. But what truly elevates this story is its emotional depth. JD doesn’t glorify the madness; he examines it. Beneath the backstage passes and celebrity moments lies a powerful exploration of mental health, loss, reinvention, and what it means to keep going when everything falls apart.
The writing is brutally honest, often darkly funny, and surprisingly reflective. Some chapters make you laugh, others make you uncomfortable, and a few stay with you long after you’ve closed the book, especially the moments dealing with depression, institutionalization, and family loss. These sections give the story its heart.
What stands out most is that this book isn’t really about fame at all. It’s about people, flawed, searching, breaking, and rebuilding. Backstage Pass is immersive, thought-provoking, and emotionally grounding. Much more than a rock memoir, it’s a reminder that behind every myth is a human story worth telling.
Yes, the book delivers the chaos you expect sex, drugs, wild nights, and unforgettable encounters with iconic artists. But what truly elevates this story is its emotional depth. JD doesn’t glorify the madness; he examines it. Beneath the backstage passes and celebrity moments lies a powerful exploration of mental health, loss, reinvention, and what it means to keep going when everything falls apart.
The writing is brutally honest, often darkly funny, and surprisingly reflective. Some chapters make you laugh, others make you uncomfortable, and a few stay with you long after you’ve closed the book, especially the moments dealing with depression, institutionalization, and family loss. These sections give the story its heart.
What stands out most is that this book isn’t really about fame at all. It’s about people, flawed, searching, breaking, and rebuilding. Backstage Pass is immersive, thought-provoking, and emotionally grounding. Much more than a rock memoir, it’s a reminder that behind every myth is a human story worth telling.
December 15, 2025
this is the BOMB! I been looking for a book that was non fiction that had real stories but also had a theme and related to music. Live music espeically. I've read all the memoirs like scar tissue, the dirt and others, and in some ways this is much better. It takes you into the live music world and you feel like you are sitting right beside the author, while he experiences all these different situations that are sometimes tragic, sometimes funny, and sometimes crazy sexual or debaucherous. I am definitely a fan and my buddy had told me about this book cause he saw an Ad on Amazon and I ended up buying it and am so pleased that I did... now, I have to let him know that I got it and it was teriffic and he and my other buddies need to get their OWN copy cause if I let them borrow mine, I will never see it again. One thing though... If you are highly sensitive and have thin skin, then this book is not for you... I give this book a 5 and would give it 6 stars if I could but I could see some highly sensitive easily offended people giving it a 2 or 3 star just cause it's truthful and that's too much for some!
February 1, 2026
I really enjoyed this book! It’s not my usual genre these days but I loved it anyway. And I didn’t even know who a lot of the celebrities were that he mentioned. It’s just a great read regardless.
I would say if you liked old school Tucker Max books, it’s the same kind of rowdy insanity, but from the perspective of the adult in the room who has to manage it all.
I LOVE that the author doesn’t pull any punches. He tells the whole story. The fun, party atmosphere and the tragic overdoses. He’s straight up about what the porn industry does to young women. He does all this without scolding or grandstanding. That’s a tough line to walk.
My only criticism (and it’s very small) is that sometimes the writing style was a little too perfect. The author has a tendency to wrap up each story with a South Park style “What I’ve learned today”. It’s not necessarily bad, it’s just not my preference.
I’ll close out by saying I love that this book is written in plain, regular language. This is a book anyone could enjoy. I read a lot of books where the author is trotting out his longest most exotic words to sound smart and it kinda gets on my nerves so this was refreshingly different!
I would say if you liked old school Tucker Max books, it’s the same kind of rowdy insanity, but from the perspective of the adult in the room who has to manage it all.
I LOVE that the author doesn’t pull any punches. He tells the whole story. The fun, party atmosphere and the tragic overdoses. He’s straight up about what the porn industry does to young women. He does all this without scolding or grandstanding. That’s a tough line to walk.
My only criticism (and it’s very small) is that sometimes the writing style was a little too perfect. The author has a tendency to wrap up each story with a South Park style “What I’ve learned today”. It’s not necessarily bad, it’s just not my preference.
I’ll close out by saying I love that this book is written in plain, regular language. This is a book anyone could enjoy. I read a lot of books where the author is trotting out his longest most exotic words to sound smart and it kinda gets on my nerves so this was refreshingly different!
February 24, 2026
"Backstage Pass" is a wild, unapologetic ride through the dark underbelly of Hollywood's music scene. JD's story is a no-holds-barred expose of the sex, drugs, and chaos that defined the Sunset Strip's most iconic venues.
This isn't a glamorous tell at all! it's a raw, darkly comic look at the price of fame and the cost of survival. JD's experiences with legendary musicians and infamous parties are both fascinating and disturbing, revealing the blurred lines between rockstar excess and self-destruction.
What sets Backstage Pass apart is JD's unique perspective – a musician turned behind the scenes operator who lived and breathed the madness. His story is a cautionary tale of a man caught between two worlds, struggling to find his place amidst the mayhem.
Prepare for a front-row seat to the debauchery, heartbreak, and occasional moments of triumph that defined an era. This book is not for the faint of heart, but if you're ready for an unflinching look at the real Hollywood, buckle up and take the ride.
This isn't a glamorous tell at all! it's a raw, darkly comic look at the price of fame and the cost of survival. JD's experiences with legendary musicians and infamous parties are both fascinating and disturbing, revealing the blurred lines between rockstar excess and self-destruction.
What sets Backstage Pass apart is JD's unique perspective – a musician turned behind the scenes operator who lived and breathed the madness. His story is a cautionary tale of a man caught between two worlds, struggling to find his place amidst the mayhem.
Prepare for a front-row seat to the debauchery, heartbreak, and occasional moments of triumph that defined an era. This book is not for the faint of heart, but if you're ready for an unflinching look at the real Hollywood, buckle up and take the ride.
December 24, 2025
My first review here on Goodreads. I decided to by the kindle version of this book from a friends suggestion who actually worked in music a while ago. Man, this book is off the hook...it almost seems like fiction. Some of the stories are really kind of nuts and I can't believe that so much went on behind the scenes after a show. I always imagined that it would be chill backstage and bands would want to decompress and mellow out after a big energetic show... I was really wrong. ha.
I also really liked the stories that are inbetween the chapters.. they are kind of philisophical and also thought provoking. I learned quite a few new things... definitely dug the quotes that the author used from movies, philosophers and other famous people. It was an easy read and I finished it ina bout a week.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to be entertained, learn something at the same time and then have stimulating thoughts about it. Really really great book.
I also really liked the stories that are inbetween the chapters.. they are kind of philisophical and also thought provoking. I learned quite a few new things... definitely dug the quotes that the author used from movies, philosophers and other famous people. It was an easy read and I finished it ina bout a week.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to be entertained, learn something at the same time and then have stimulating thoughts about it. Really really great book.
December 27, 2025
This book is a fantastical trip down the highways of so many of our collective memories as products of “The Valley” music scene! What a fun read, and with insight that only you could sprinkle in there J…
It was almost 30 years ago in Utah, when I first met JD; backstage when his band played (I want to say at a show with Henry Rollins). Possum Hill and I stayed friends and several years later ran into Jason at On The Rocks, at one of those notorious after parties. We had an instant connection that has lingered through time. If anyone needs proof that JD Decosta is a LEGIT human I am here to tell you, he is one of the good ones! He even picked up my Grandma and brought her to visit me in LA County Jail, that time I got in trouble for something that “wasn’t my fault!” 😉 I have no doubt of the validity of these stories, and shudder to think of the thousands that were left out.
I will say it again… I’m proud of you kid!!
It was almost 30 years ago in Utah, when I first met JD; backstage when his band played (I want to say at a show with Henry Rollins). Possum Hill and I stayed friends and several years later ran into Jason at On The Rocks, at one of those notorious after parties. We had an instant connection that has lingered through time. If anyone needs proof that JD Decosta is a LEGIT human I am here to tell you, he is one of the good ones! He even picked up my Grandma and brought her to visit me in LA County Jail, that time I got in trouble for something that “wasn’t my fault!” 😉 I have no doubt of the validity of these stories, and shudder to think of the thousands that were left out.
I will say it again… I’m proud of you kid!!
February 11, 2026
I recommend this book for any music fan.
Literally, a backstage pass to The Roxy, famed music theatre on Hollywood's Sunset Strip. Jason 'JD' DeCosta recollects his time as the stage manager of the Roxy during the heyday of punk, grunge, and all things sex and drugs and rock & roll. J.D. can give both sides of this entertaining story as he alternates with stories of his own as a wannabe rock & roll idol. The not-so-hidden message is; be careful what you wish for. JD shares his insiders view of what really happens with the "big" names in the music world as he name-drops his way through decades of shows at the Roxy and the debaucherous after-parties at bar next door "On the Rox". This book is proof that JD is a "people-person" and many of the genius of the music world trusted him with their secrets and relied on him for all of their wishes. I recommend this book for any music fan.
Literally, a backstage pass to The Roxy, famed music theatre on Hollywood's Sunset Strip. Jason 'JD' DeCosta recollects his time as the stage manager of the Roxy during the heyday of punk, grunge, and all things sex and drugs and rock & roll. J.D. can give both sides of this entertaining story as he alternates with stories of his own as a wannabe rock & roll idol. The not-so-hidden message is; be careful what you wish for. JD shares his insiders view of what really happens with the "big" names in the music world as he name-drops his way through decades of shows at the Roxy and the debaucherous after-parties at bar next door "On the Rox". This book is proof that JD is a "people-person" and many of the genius of the music world trusted him with their secrets and relied on him for all of their wishes. I recommend this book for any music fan.
February 18, 2026
JD DeCosta’s *Backstage Pass* provides a thrilling, no-holds-barred look at what it’s like to be in the midst of Hollywood’s most infamous music clubs, where the difference between glamour and pandemonium is often a thin line. Based on his experience as a musician turned production and general manager on the Sunset Strip, DeCosta provides a series of vivid, true stories that convey the excitement of the live music scene, the unpredictability of fame, and the toll of living in the fast lane. With cameos by big-name artists and nights that are at turns exhilarating and disturbing, the story is very much of the moment. What makes this memoir so compelling is that it’s not a celebration of the lifestyle but a consideration of what it means to survive and thrive in the midst of it all. *Backstage Pass* is darkly entertaining and unflinching, giving readers a true insider’s look at what happens when the curtain goes down.
February 18, 2026
Backstage Pass by JD DeCosta is a no-holds-barred and deeply engrossing account of the chaos, excess, and survival that existed behind some of the most legendary music clubs in Hollywood. Told from the point of view of someone who lived and breathed the experience on both sides of the stage, this memoir peels back the glamour to expose the unpredictable truth of the Sunset Strip, from the wild nights and backstage dramas to the experiences with legendary artists and the emotional cost of living in the fast lane. JD’s prose is straightforward, raw, and profoundly human, veering from dark humor to moments of introspection about fame, ambition, and resilience. Rather than a series of anecdotes about celebrities, this memoir delves into the experience of what it means to survive in a world that is fueled by adrenaline and excess.
January 27, 2026
I honestly loved Backstage Pass. I couldnt put it down and ended up finishing it in two days while I was camping, which says a lot. The movie quotes really hit and I loved the philosophy quotes too. They added another layer to the whole experience and made me stop and think.
It was a very easy read but still super engaging and very very intriguing since the tragedy wasn't depressing, it was actually more like dark comedy. I kept reading longer than I planned and didn’t feel like the book dragged at all.
I also finished this with a bunch of questions for the author, which I think is always a good sign. This one definitely stuck with me after I closed it. Highly recommend.
It was a very easy read but still super engaging and very very intriguing since the tragedy wasn't depressing, it was actually more like dark comedy. I kept reading longer than I planned and didn’t feel like the book dragged at all.
I also finished this with a bunch of questions for the author, which I think is always a good sign. This one definitely stuck with me after I closed it. Highly recommend.
January 29, 2026
Backstage Pass: Decades of Sex, Drugs, Tragedy and the Darker Side of Rock & Roll is a raw and unfiltered look behind the myths of the music industry. This book doesn’t glorify excess — it exposes the cost of fame, addiction, and the relentless pressure that lives backstage, far from the spotlight. The stories feel authentic, often uncomfortable, and grounded in lived experience rather than nostalgia.
What makes it compelling is the honesty. There’s no attempt to soften the darker moments, and that’s exactly why it works. If you’re interested in rock history beyond the glamour — the human toll, the mistakes, and the consequences — this is a gripping and sobering read.
What makes it compelling is the honesty. There’s no attempt to soften the darker moments, and that’s exactly why it works. If you’re interested in rock history beyond the glamour — the human toll, the mistakes, and the consequences — this is a gripping and sobering read.
February 6, 2026
My God! It wasn't until I read Backstage Pass that I realised what a sheltered life I've led. Author JD is an entertaining tour guide leading the reader into the wild, debauched and occasionally dangerous world of club land. Excess all areas doesn't begin to cover it and the author is not afraid to name names with Adele and Marilyn Manson coming across particularly badly. Authentic, heartfelt and also wise - Backstage Pass is a must-read for the diehard rock fan.
January 26, 2026
An opulent ride through mayhem
In Backstage Pass, JD DeCosta shares his history of time spent managing clubs in Hollywood, especially The Roxy. From stars whose flight path was just beginning to those whose life was ending, this was a fun romp for lovers of music.
I received this book from a Goodreads giveaway.
In Backstage Pass, JD DeCosta shares his history of time spent managing clubs in Hollywood, especially The Roxy. From stars whose flight path was just beginning to those whose life was ending, this was a fun romp for lovers of music.
I received this book from a Goodreads giveaway.
February 3, 2026
Some funny stories. Some gross. Some devastating.
“Talent and fame don’t make you bulletproof. Sometimes they just buy you time. They give you distractions, they give you noise—but they don’t cure the sickness underneath.” p195
I ran this quote through my mind when I read it and thought about how only Christ can bring true fulfillment and peace.
“Talent and fame don’t make you bulletproof. Sometimes they just buy you time. They give you distractions, they give you noise—but they don’t cure the sickness underneath.” p195
I ran this quote through my mind when I read it and thought about how only Christ can bring true fulfillment and peace.
February 15, 2026
This raw, behind-the-scenes memoir dives deep into the chaos of rock and roll life with honesty and dark humor. It goes beyond celebrity stories to show the real cost of chasing fame and surviving the music scene. Gritty, intense, and reflective, it’s a compelling read for music fans who want the truth behind the spotlight.
February 23, 2026
Wow that is quite interesting and not my usual type of read,but the honesty that he gives around backstage on the music industry as quite interesting. Often uncomfortable, but lived experience and feels very honest if you want a no holds barred...
December 29, 2025
Great read, it takes me back to the good days of music and Hollywood night life that will never be the same again
January 9, 2026
Interesting
It was a interesting take on what is really going on behind the scenes! ESPECIALLY with the rock and roll artists!
It was a interesting take on what is really going on behind the scenes! ESPECIALLY with the rock and roll artists!
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