Diary of a Punk

by Mike Hudson

"In this brutally frank memoir of his years in and out of the pagans, singer Mike Hudson has written a shocking and sometimes disturbing account of a life lived outside society's boundaries"--back cover.

Genres: Music, Biography

160 pages, Paperback

First published March 5, 2008

Reviews

[Tom Schulte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hudson, a seasoned newspaper writer tells his story of life in Cleveland punk band Pagans directly and succinctly. At times the prose reminds me of blunt descriptions by Henry Miller and at its best, the way Tosches Nick would tell it. Mike is not trying to impress with his craft, or even the extremities of his life: noise and vodka. Hudson look back on the tracks and the wreckage and summarizes what to me is rather sad: obviously reliving the joys in sorrows, he writes such presence of people he despised while living music, like more pretentious artists, but those bitter notes are not covered by a love for music at the end as attests to not even wanting a device to play recorded music.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was written by a member of the editorial staff of the Niagara Falls Reporter, an independent newspaper whose mission statement (printed in every issue) is, "To Comfort The Afflicted and Afflict the Comfortable". As this newspaper is published in my hometown, I was eager to read this book, and it was a good read! Reporter reporter :) and one-time singer Mike Hudson gives us an in-depth look at the world of the punk rocker through the his own eyes and those of his brother Brian, a roadie who worked with the Ramones and many other punk-rock stars. Brian's journey into CBGBLand had more than its share of dark moments and a bitter conclusion (with three of the four Ramones now literally underground, how could it have been otherwise?), but you'll have to read all about it for yourself - don't miss it!!

[Joemichael · Rating 4 out of 5]

great book from a great punk band of the 80's REAL PUNK ROCK!!!

[Ned · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Mike Hudson has a biting, unapologetic writing style that reminds me a little of Hunter S. Thompson. There is not much written on mid 70s' Punk in Ohio and this book definitely helps to fill the gap. The Pagans were an extremely underrated band at a time when most associated this style of music with the growing scenes of New York and L.A.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it.

[Clif · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good read. Cuts right to the Pagans timeline. Hudson writes like the detective novel written he is, very hard boiled. He calls lots of people out that he feels stifled the Pagans career and takes plenty of blame himself. If you are a fan of the band a must read.

[christopher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining and funny, but the writing was sometimes so bad that I couldn't exactly figure out what he was saying. Still lots of hilarious anecdotes about being in the Pagans and 70s Cleveland. I would like to have a beer (or a quart of vodka, I guess) with Mike Hudson

[JJ Kitchenette · Rating 1 out of 5]

For someone who claims to be a writer this is one poorly written, bloviated, ego fest.

[Keri Kresler · Rating 1 out of 5]

Signed by the author.