Lonely Boy

by Steve Jones, Ben Thompson

Ask anyone who knows about music and they’ll tell you: without Steve Jones, punk rock would not exist. This is not hyperbole. The prototypical street– urchin–turned–Sex-Pistols–guitarist was the inspiration for and creator of the punk movement, which started shaking the culture in late 1970s London and is just as strong today.

Sex and Thievery presents never–before–told stories of an abused boy who was neglected by his mother and stepfather and abandoned by his biological father. It chronicles the petty crime and anger of his youth, which fueled the musical onslaught to come, the meteoric rise of the Pistols, the role of impresario Malcolm McLaren, and how a band with one album defined a generation and changed history.

Sex and Thievery educates people on where it all started, straight from the guy who inspired the whole scene.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, Biography, Memoir, Punk, Autobiography, Audiobook

308 pages, Hardcover

First published January 10, 2017

About the author

Steve Jones is an English rock guitarist, singer and actor. He is best known as a guitarist with the English punk rock band the Sex Pistols formed in London in 1975. He was ranked in Rolling Stone's list of the "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time". In 2006, the Sex Pistols—the four original, surviving members and Sid Vicious—were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but they refused to attend the ceremony.

Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Nigeyb · Rating 4 out of 5]

In short, if you can answer yes to at least two of the following statements...

"I like punk rock"
"I like the Sex Pistols"
"I like music biographies"

...then you will almost certainly find a lot to enjoy in Steve Jones' 'Lonely Boy: Tales from a Sex Pistol'.

Despite happily admitting to a very unreliable memory, with some glaring blanks, this feels to me a far more honest and reliable memoir than either of John Lydon's autobiographies. What makes it so refreshingly readable is that Steve Jones confesses to an extraordinary number of the terrible things he has done in his life....

“You know that bit in A Clockwork Orange where the main guy has his eyes forced open to make him feel like sh*t every time he remembers what a rotten c*nt he was? That’s pretty much how writing this book is going to feel for me.”

It's all here. Childhood neglect; sexual abuse by his stepfather; industrial scale burglary and theft; approved schools; and so on into the whirlwind that was UK punk rock c1975-78.

Despite many unhappy memories 'Lonely Boy: Tales from a Sex Pistol' is both funny, and quite touching. His recent, teetotal years based in Los Angeles, working through the 12 step programme almost every day, have clearly helped him achieve some perspective, acceptance and wisdom about the bad things that happened to him, and which he inflicted on other people.

Steve Jones has got a lot of great anecdotes to tell, the majority about sex and drugs and rock n roll and, at just 308 pages, 'Lonely Boy: Tales from a Sex Pistol' doesn't outstay its welcome.

I enjoyed this far more than I was expecting. A delight.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steve Jones has the distinction of being the only author I've reviewed on Goodreads who called me "candy ass" in a message via MySpace when I was 16 or 17. It's a notable distinction.

I haven't been a mega fan of the Sex Pistols for a long time. I was 15 when I bought a (physical!) copy of "Never Mind the Bullocks...", and descended into what is now hilariously referred to as "bandom." I was in college by the time I realized I moved on from my intense punk focus and really, it was only downhill from there for me. However, whenever a vaguely related book is released, I have to buy it and read it.

It's a lifetime commitment and at this point, probably just a nod to my teenage self.

I've read both of John's books; I've read Glen's as well; and I've read a lot of everything else in-between.

I think Steve Jones has the important distinction of not only having made me feel very uncomfortable on MySpace as a teenager, but also writing probably the most honest and least self-serving book of the three. Also, just as importantly, it's the most fun to read.

I listened to Jonesy's Jukebox (online, God Bless the Internet) when it was on Indie back in 2004/5, so I knew he had a good sense of humor. It's impressive how well it came across in writing. I read several passages out loud to my (long-suffering, non-Sex Pistols fan) husband. I even read one out loud to my toddler, but I don't think the joke landed so well with him.

As a longterm Pistols fan, there wasn't exactly any "new" information here--it was just nice to have a different perspective. Ultimately, every biography is self-serving to the person who writes it--no one wants to paint themselves as a total asshole, yet surprisingly, Steve comes dangerously close to doing just that.

However, ultimately, it comes across as more redemptive than anything else. Steve has benefited from trying to improve his life and behavior, making amends when he needs to and being honest with himself (instead of falling into cycles of self-deception).

Too often, especially in rock'n'roll specific memoirs, we see these icons excusing their behavior: making excuses or downplaying the things that they've done. I don't think Steve does any of those things purposefully (there are far too many unflattering stories, told without excuse, for that to be true), but he also does give himself credit when it is necessary. Without him, the Sex Pistols never would have rolled into formation and promptly set themselves on fire. Unlike Lydon, he won't take responsibility for everything that happened, which is certainly a nice change.

Definitely a great book for any Sex Pistols fan, beginner or novice, as well as anyone who enjoys a good laugh or good music.

[Nestor Rychtyckyj · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a big fan of the Sex Pistols since I got my hands on the “Anarchy in the UK” single back in 1976. Their story has been told numerous times but finally we get the autobiography of Steve Jones, who helped found the band. We’ve heard from John Lydon in his two books and Glen Matlock covered his stay in the band with the enjoyable “I was a Teenage Sex Pistol”.
First of all, this book is hilarious in many spots; as a non-British reader I had to frequently google names and slang to understand what Jonesy was talking about. In some cases it didn’t help so a little guesswork usually worked. As everybody knows Jones is quite comfortable in swearing so there is quite a bit of that throughout the book.

His upbringing was certainly not easy and certain incidents led to problems down the road. He remembers Malcolm McLaren fondly even though the Pistols had to take him to court and win. The story of the Pistols is told in a very straightforward manner – they just were not ready for the attention that the Grundy incident brought to them, but he believes that the Pistols were not destined for a long career no matter what other decisions could have been made (Keep Glen – no Sid?). His relationship with Johnny Rotten is difficult, but you can see the respect and the appreciation he has for Johnny’s talents underneath the bitter infighting.

Steve Jones covers his descent into drug usage and his rehabilitation and return to rock & roll as a performer and a DJ on LA radio. The Pistols reunited several times and played in front of thousands of fans, but any future reunions are up in the air.

There were a couple of important things that I learned from this book. I knew about Jonesy’s career as a thief, his insatiable sexual drive and his problems with booze and drugs, but I was flabbergasted to learn that he enjoyed listening to Boston & Foreigner while in the Pistols. AGGH – it’s OK – Never Mind the Bollocks makes up for everything. Also, a note to myself – if I ever happen to run into Steve Jones and tell him how much I loved the Pistols – I better damn well memorize the song order on Bollocks, because he may just ask me.

A fantastic rock & roll memoir – fully deserving of 5 stars (and more !!!)

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've waited decades for Jones to give his side of the story regarding the Pistols, in fact I never thought he would, so this book was always going to be something special for me. He was always my favourite Pistol, always seemed the most grounded, the most affable and along with Cook was there through it all from the Wally Nightingale "Strand" beginnings in 1972 right up to their demise as a band in January 1978 and the whole "Swindle" period of '79/'80.

Firstly I have to give him credit for his honesty. This really is a warts and all account of his life, he brings everything to the table, from his unhappy childhood, the sexual abuse he suffered as a young boy, his criminality which led to spells in Borstal and Prison, sex addiction, drug addiction, alcoholism... it's an uncomfortable read in places but fascinating. Happily he survived the bedlam and is 25 years+ sober and is now seemingly a happy and reasonably contented person.

In all honesty this book could have used an extra 100 pages or so. He gives fascinating accounts of his pre-fame friendships with the likes of Malcolm McLaren and Vivienne Westwood, goes into great detail over the carnage the break up of the band wrought on his equilibrium, but skips through his glory years at lightning pace. There's even less information shared on his time with The Professionals, or filming The Great Rock 'N' Roll Swindle, and a little too much time afforded to his two solo albums and the Pistols' reunion shows. This part of the book does however contain his honest and hilarious opinions on John Lydon. In short, the majority of the book is concerned with his addictions and recovery, and to be fair it's a fascinating read.

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

open and forthright book about the life of guitarist of the sex pistols from his growing up in west London to life after the pistols

[MissBecka Gee · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nope. Nope. Nope. Nope. Nope.
I knew he was a bit of an asshole going into this.
I guess I just assumed some of it was for show.
It was not.

This not only highlights what an extreme ass he is, but also that he has no remorse for his behaviour.
In this book he giddily relays stories of abuse to women, outing people in 12 step programs he's met, talking trash about people who need to work for a living and bands he thinks suck.
I think the worst part was that he kept trying to say that he was just "being himself" and means no harm, it's an extremely egotistical man being a giant ass for 9 hours on an audio.
The stories are spotty and not as interesting as I would hope for someone full on in the punk scene.
Overall, very disappointing and I would skip it.

[Edward · Rating 4 out of 5]

"It was almost like those builders didn't want me to get in there and develop my driving skills by hot-wiring bulldozers to smash up their tea huts, the inconsiderate ****s."

That's on page one, get around this book.

[Colm Mccrory · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fucking rotter!

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I once took creative writing classes the tutor spoke about autobiographies. The first version, he said, is the truth, and after writing it you burn it. The second version is close to the truth, but you only arrange to have it published after your death. The third version, the one that's all cleaned up, is the one that you get published whilst you're alive. Steve Jones clearly never took the same class, because for all intents and purposes "Lonely Boy" is the version of an autobiography that most celebrities would burn. Thank God that he didn't.

The book is about as warts and all as it can get, almost surprisingly not 'genital warts and all'. It reminds me of Klaus Kinski's autobiography, "Uncut", in that both were sex mad and both were good at getting it. The book is a no holds barred account of Jones' life, from his poor upbringing to the flash of limelight and the long slow burn. It's painfully honest about all manner of addictions, and it isn't preachy or full of bravado either. There's several things he isn't proud of - and they are laid out on the page. It's also funny and at times quite sad: a real page-turner. And kudos for covering his life as a whole, not simply content to focus on the Pistols' money shots. This is what happens when you give a poor boy a guitar and a need. A compelling, essential autobiography.

[Geevee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Insightful, funny and at times jaw-droppingly rockstar, but most of all it read and felt honest. It's not nor is it in any way set out to be a great literary work of biography more just a straight-forward, no nonsense account of Steve's life.

I have loved the Pistols since I first heard them as a young lad. Old enough to buy the records with my pocket money but certainly not old enough or allowed (even if I could have got a very rare ticket) to see them.

No need for me to outline how the Pistols hit the mainstream news and what happened post-Grundy as that's common knowledge or easy to find on the web. What I would highlight is how the Pistols' story is so well served from before and to formation and then from break-up by Steve's book.

His honesty and antics make for great reading. I loved his guitar playing - especially the Pretty Vacant intro - but I think he'd have driven me crazy or to despair had I been in his circle or worked with him. But then the intensity, desperation, attitude mixed with talent (sometimes unknown or unrecognised until after events), circumstance, luck and hard work make for punk and what came and has gone after.

A great book from a troubled, talented and highly likeable chap who has done me no wrong :)

[Stephen McQuiggan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Could have been called 'Confessions Of A Pussy Hound' - when Steve said he was only in it for the piss up and the birds after the show, he wasn't joking. The early part deals with burgeoning kleptomania, illiteracy, and sexual abuse - although there is a distinct lack of the 'poor me' shtick you might expect; Jones willingly points the finger at himself for his own shortcomings. One of the problems here is that he can't really remember a great deal, so you get more of a feel of what it was like to be in the Pistols rather than actual detail. That said, Lydon is revealed to be as big an irritant as you always thought, and Sid comes out of it as a pathetic, if tragic, clown. Did anyone who ever met Nancy Spungen actually like her? I've never read any account of her that did not contain the words 'vile' and 'obnoxious'. It's a bit repetitive by the end, like a well meaning pub bore droning in your ear, but it's rarely less than entertaining. Only truly shocking thing here is the mid eighties 'Fabio' look - Steve mate, don't kid yourself - it was fucking awful.

[Bob Schnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Watching "Pistol," the FX/Hulu adaptation of this autobiography, made me realize that I had to read it. Steve Jones is the founder of the group the Sex Pistols and he has a lot of stories to tell before, during and after their brief existence. Not being very literate, he has learned to tell a good tale and it is obvious that this book was basically narrated (I wonder if he did an audio version?). The part about the Sex Pistols is a good counter-narrative to the movie "The Great Rock & Roll Swindle" which was essentially Malcolm McLaren's view. We also get to learn about Steve's childhood, his projects after the Pistols and his various struggles with alcohol, drug and sex addictions. It is a wonder that he is still alive to talk about it.

A good book and now I want to re-watch the show.

[Techrtr · Rating 2 out of 5]

Taken out of the context of the Sex Pistols, Steve Jones isn't a very interesting person. He's really quite an idiot and kind of a creepy dude. If the Pistols hadn't come along, he probably would have ended up in prison for a sex crime.

He's a terrible writer - semi literate in fact, and just getting through this book was a real challenge for me. I'm a big fan of punk and the Sex Pistols and I hoped to get a lot of excellent insights about the band in this book. Unfortunately only a very small portion of Lonely Boy is devoted to the Pistols and the information that is there isn't all that interesting.

Honestly, don't pay full price for this book. I found one in the bargain bin. I would have been very disappointed if I'd paid full price.

Some stories are best left untold.

[Marti · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a little bit like the Kenny Jones [Small Faces] biography as it's an "as told to" format that sounds like the subject is speaking to you. However, Steve Jones was certainly not the guy who left the party first to get a good night's sleep. Although Jones' upbringing and schooling was backward compared to his bandmates (he had to fend for himself a lot), he is not the complete "foul mouthed yob" I was expecting either (yes, he had a knack for stealing anything that was not nailed down, like amps, guitars, clothes, and cars.).

Being the first to be taken under Malcolm McLaren's wing, he eagerly latched on because he thought it was the closest he would ever get to something like The Warhol Factory. Things might have been different had they not done the infamous Bill Grundy show which set the band on a course to crash and burn by making them Public Enemy Number One.

And he makes a good point that the 1990's was the first time the Sex Pistols consistently played for audiences who wanted to hear them. Prior to that their shows were in all the wrong venues, where religious kooks and rednecks did nothing but throw things at the stage. The Pistols may be beloved now, but I don't think their music will ever be used in a car ad (at least not in America). It's just too bad that Jones and Rotten cannot coexist together for long.

The Hulu show may have taken a lot of liberties with the timeline, but it was still pretty accurate.

[Josef · Rating 4 out of 5]

First and foremost this is a good read and I'm glad I picked this up from the local library. At first I was going to ignore it as I've read quite a bit about the Sex Pistols, but then a friend of mine told me it was worthwhile. It was refreshing to read about the Pistols from the point of view of someone different than John Lydon. As much as I respect the guy I think he has become a bitter and rather uninteresting person, which I find a shame. Jones does confirm that in the book and I can see why the four original Pistols have grown apart from one another. Funny enough it's Steve and Lydon who both reside in LA now. As for the book it's a really fun read as Jones really does not lack in the humour department. At the same time it's a very honest account of his life, his many mistakes, his drug abuse and his eventual transition into sobriety. And of course there is the Sex Pistols, The Professionals (could have been a bit longer) and other bands and projects in the years after the Pistols. Definitely worth reading if you're into good ole' rock'n'roll biographies.

[Harriet Hudson-Clise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is so lol

[Keen Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m sure that I am not alone in not knowing a whole lot about Steve Jones’ post Pistols period, aside from his playing in a band with two G N’R members and John Taylor from Duran Duran and the fact that he lives in LA and plays football with fellow ex-pats, I couldn’t have told you anything else and so I was intrigued to see what this biography would throw up. I had no idea of his chronic heroin, sex, alcohol and thieving addictions, nor of his 80s musical output which was interesting to read about.

Jones makes for interesting enough company, this isn’t a great biography, but it isn’t a bad one either. It’s fair to say that its riddled with third rate puns and some poor attempts at humour, but there is also an honesty and authenticity that comes through often enough to make Jones and his story appealing. He certainly doesn’t shy away from confronting demons, exposing charlatans and calling people out on their behaviour which is refreshing to see. He’s open enough about his many shortcomings and explains the likely origins of his many addictions which was particularly revealing. Lines like, “She knew that I wasn’t stealing stuff in a bad way, it was just because I wanted to look the part.” when talking about stealing from Vivienne Westwood’s shop were unintentionally funny. So does this mean he was stealing in a good way?

It was interesting to learn that when the Sex Pistols were trying to recruit a lead singer that McLaren went as far as travelling up to Glasgow in order to try and get Midge Ure to front the band, but he had already committed elsewhere. I was also pleasantly surprised by some of the people he cited as big influences on him, the likes of Rod Stewart and Roxy Music are not the first names you think of when listening to “Never Mind the Bollocks”

It’s interesting to cross reference this book with many of the other bios that cover the same era, from the likes of John Lydon, Chrissie Hynde, Nick Kent and Viv Albertine, you begin to build up quite a picture that is all the more interesting from the contrasting, often opposing versions. Lydon was all brash, Hynde incredibly restrained, Albertine very vivid and Kent’s was pretty dark, but patch them altogether and you get some highly compelling tensions and a very colourful overview.

So overall this was a pretty enjoyable read and actually quite hard to put down and if you have the time you will easily polish it off within a day. Jones manages to bring something interesting and fresh on the punk era and his first hand experience of it, which makes this essential reading for punk/Pistols fans and enjoyable reading for those with an interest in the music of the period.

[Kevin Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's good to get a view and an account of the Sex pistols by someone who was in it first, right at the beginning and to all so a get deep insight into the person himself, Steve Jones. I have first hand knowledge of a lot of places mentioned in this book, both in London and in Los Angeles which obviously makes the book more closer to home for me personally, but all so I have been a pistols fan from way back when they began, when I was just a mere 12 years old, what an introduction to get ready for my teenage years.
The book is very open account from the lead guitarist of the Sex Pistols as the story unfolds from before the Sex pistols ever existed, from the child that Steve Jones was to the adult that he has become, of which you get an in brief and his honest version of how the Sex pistols started, how the Sex pistols became huge and of course how the Sex pistols quickly detoriated and imploded.
The addictions that Steve Jones battles on a daily basis and how he tries to treat human beings a lot better than he used to, while all so going into what he did after the Sex pistols and right up to the present day. Steve Jones comes across as a working class man that you could get on with and get to know quiet easy. Which for a Sex pistol, I don't feel you could not say that about all of them. A great read, I could not put the book down, once started I had to finish it there and then.

[Barry Rutter · Rating 3 out of 5]

This follows the pattern of other musical biographies (Elvis Costello, Chrissie Hynde etc) in that the first third about Steve's childhood and teenage years in London is interesting and illuminating, as is the second third where he gives his view on the formation and early highlights of the Sex Pistols. But the final third is nothing more than a list of drug-taking and bad behaviour that's as boring to read as he must have been irritating to be around.
Definitely worth reading for the background on the Pistols but I can't imagine anyone really cares how vile he was as he drank, injected and shagged his way around LA.

[Chris M · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sex Pistols were HIS band. He was the driving force at the beginning, but this book is so much more than a rock n roll biography .
Honest , shocking yet heart warming . Steve Jones finally gives his side of the story regarding the Sex Pistols but along the way , he honestly , sometimes shockingly so, tells you all the ups and down of his journey from Shepherds Bush to LA. From thief to DJ.
From guitar hero to drug addiction, from addiction to recovery. It was one hell of a journey for the man who helped change the music scene forever .
Funny and sad but never dull. Great book.

[Peter Thomson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Far better than I'd hoped for, Jones' transparent honesty and wicked humour make this well worth reading. Brilliant!

[catnipthief · Rating 5 out of 5]

Minél több (ön)életrajzot olvasok el, különösen, ha zenészét, annál inkább igaznak tűnik, hogy szinte mindegyik ugyanolyan. Mindegyikben van egy valamiben az úgynevezett normálistól elütő gyerek, aki aztán valahogy mégis társaságra lel egy pár hasonló különc közt, aztán miközben csinálnak valami forradalmit, magasra emelkednek, nagyot zuhannak, nyekkenős földetérésből feltápászkodnak, szimultán megdugnak és belőnek mindent és mindenkit, aztán valahogy a feltámadások alatt ránk erőltetnek valami second-hand mirelit-megvilágosodást is.
A gond ezzel az, hogy ez egy idő után kurva unalmassá válik/válhat.
A képlet itt is hasonló, de a Sex Pistols simán legendás gitárosának könyve mégse piszkálta ki ezt az érzést belőlem.
Konkrétan leég az arcomról a bőr, hogy már megint majdnem leírom, végülis le is írom ezeket a szokásos, blőd és üreges frázisokat most mindjárt, hogy Steve „kendőzetlen őszinteséggel” meg „húsbavájó kíméletlenséggel” "nagyító alatt vizsgálva" „néz szembe démonaival”, mert az a nagy újság, hogy nem tudok mást tenni. A Lonely boy a szó valódi értelmében őszinte, de egyben a szó legjobb értelmében mer kicsi is maradni. Megküzd a függőségekkel, meg a démonokkal, de mindezt a saját kicsit imádnivalóan cinikus módján meséli el, egy pillanatig sem sugallva, hogy mélyebb összefüggésekre bukkant volna, és ha bukkant is, azt sem próbálja rocksztármódra ránk erőltetni. Vállalja, hogy nem nagyon szeret és szokott olvasni, és szembenéz azzal is, hogy közel 40 éves koráig alig tudott írni és olvasni, tök természetesen elmeséli, hogy hogyan baszkurálja el mondjuk a 12 lépéses programot, és pöcsöl vele pár évig, vagy hogy hogyan élte meg a környékbeli pedofílok közeledését, vagy azt, hogyan molesztálta a nevelőapja. Ez vagyok én, ezek a sebeim és ilyen zenéket meg efféle kétségbevonható hülyeségeket csináltam, ezt és ezt loptam el, ennyit meg ennyit dugtam meg, hol egy ilyen, hol egy olyan cirmantott le az aluljáróban. Így és így mentem tönkre. Ha tetszik, az tök jó, ha nem, az se baj, olvass mást. Cheers mate.
A vén punk manapság transzcendentális meditációra járkál néha, de nem hiszi, és nem állítja, hogy az élete tótágast állt tőle.
Röviden tényleg mentes ettől a ki-ha-én-nem attitűdtől, ami sok ilyen életrajz sajátja. Saját jelentőségét nem nagyítja hülye jelzőkkel hatalmasra, de nem is bagatellizálja el.
De ez ilyen ízlésdolog, mert sokan harapnak az arrogánsabb önéletrajzokra is, és például azok közül Miles Davis önéletrajza szintén a kedvenc olvasmányaim közt van, de amikor ilyen kicsit bumfordian kisszerű, vagy hogy mondjam már, eszköztelen és sminknélküli életírással találkozom, az olyan nekem, mint a sivatagban egy pohár víz, vagy egy meglepetés-szopás a csajodtól hajnalban. Excuse my French, de érted. Flake önéletrajza (ha nem ismernéd: a Rammstein billentyűse), a Villanycigány volt ilyen jó.
Egy kurvajó rocksztori, szinte már Bukowski-nyersesség, fanyar brit humorral. Valószínűleg segít, ha képben vagy a Sex Pistols-t illetően, mert a páciens memóriája bevallottan olyan, mint a lukas vödör, de azt hiszem, anélkül is nagy fun lehet. Az biztos, hogy én elég rég szórakoztam ilyen jól bármin is.

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great autobiography. It's everything you want a story like this to be: honest, hits the important points, doesn't spend too much time on stuff that isn't important, and Jones names names.

Jones, admittedly, was a bit (understatement) of a jerk for much of his young life. He had some hardships as a child but he admits that it wasn't any tougher than most people had it. Because of some of these hardships, or genetics (Jonesey is oddly introspective about some things and totally glosses over others), Jones is at various times a kleptomaniac, a sex addict, an alcoholic, and a junkie. He freely admits that his pursuit of these pastimes led him to treat others like shit. This may be true, but they make for some entertaining events in his life.

I've seen other reviewers say that Jones' poor memory is a problem for them. He certainly admits to not remembering certain things in his life, but I did not feel that he forgot about anything vital to his story.

One heads up for anyone wanting to read this: there is a tremendous amount of British slang in Jonesey's writing and he explains none of it. Most of the meanings you can pick up through context, but sometimes a sentence is jarring because of it. My advice is don't worry about it, you'll figure out what he means soon enough.

I thought it was interesting that Chrissie Hynde wrote the foreword. Hynde's book, which I reviewed here on Goodreads, is so opposite of Jones'. Where Jones is introspective and honest with himself and the reader about his actions, Hynde does none of that. Then again, Hynde's foreword is about two paragraphs (and crappy ones at that) so maybe it fits.

Jones is not afraid to tell the truth as he sees it about people. This includes the Sex Pistols, obviously, but also other rock stars and others in his life. As noted above, he names names, so you don't have to try to figure out who he's talking about. I wonder if he upset some people (including Hynde, who comes off pretty poorly) with the publication of this book.

It's a great read, even if you don't remember the Pistols or punk or that time. He does talk a little about his amazing radio show, Jonesey's Jukebox, which the younger readers in Los Angeles may at least recognize. But if you're into music, honesty, drug use, sex, British slang, and/or fancy clothes, you will enjoy this book.

[Tom Boniface-Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic read! Really good to hear from one of the not so often talked about members of the Sex Pistols. Sid Vicious once called Steve Jones and Paul Cook ‘a couple of sheep’, so it’s good that Jones now gets a chance to tell his side.

It’s a very familiar story, so getting a perspective that isn’t Johnny Rotten or Sid does shed some new light, although he does seem to skip over the immediate aftermath of the Pistols notorious split, his and Cook’s time in Brazil with Ronnie Biggs and the subsequent (sort of) continuation of the Pistols. Some more time spent here would have been nice.

There’s no doubting that Steve had a pretty shitty childhood, and good on him to conquer some of the demons that manifest in drink and drugs. Twenty-six years sober is no small feat. So sad he’s never been able to have a romantic relationship though, and no kids either. Means his story really lives up to its title.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had sveral laugh out loud moments listening to this. I was motivated to read it after watching the Pistol mini-series it was based on. It was refreshing to get a point of view not about Sid or Johnny. I found a lot about Steve Jones relatable in that he was a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and had a fairly rough upbringing. He tells it like it is warts and all about himself and doesn't hold back on the dirt on others. He has now been sober since about 89 or 90 and there is a lot to admire in his story. His parting words which I agree on " As you get older, I find myself being nicer to people." Indeed.

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

"One thing I've realized about myself when I was growing up is that I never asked questions the way other kids did. I think I'd have felt like I was bothering someone, so rather than ask 'why?' if there was something I didn't understand, I just let it go and glossed it over. It wasn't that I wasn't curious or didn't notice what was going on around me, but if I was confused about something I never expected anyone would want to help me." -pg. 49-50

[Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good rock n roll bio. That aside, many life lessons to be learned here and after having survived mayhem, being able to grow and want to be a better human being on the back end of your life is at least, admirable. Well done. Peace.

[Lucie Pop · Rating 3 out of 5]

i actually read this not knowing who the fuck the sex pistols were (sorry i don’t have british 70s culture) because i want to watch the show that’s out in a few days so yeah it was interesting now i’m ready for the show

[Tory Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're not a fan of the Sex Pistols, the rise of the London punk scene or Steve Jones, you might not dig this as much as I did. But I loved the excellent Danny Boyle-created show this was based on, and the book was just as good, including more of the Before and After of his life in the Pistols.

[Stuart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply Wow! Great book, especially for the audio version as read by the author, Sex Pistols guitarist and DJ; Steve Jones.

A lesson in what childhood trauma can do to a person also an account of an addictive personality’s struggle to get sober and turn their life around. I loved the insights into touring and spending time with John Lydon.

Great read!