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I Killed Pink Floyd's Pig: Inside Stories of Sex, Drugs, and Rock & Roll
I Killed Pink Floyd's Pig is an all-access behind-the-scenes VIP tour of when rock was great, courtesy of Beau Phillips, a respected radio programmer and former head of marketing at MTV.Phillips was an insider and occasional accomplice who witnessed the legends of classic rock in their heyday and takes readers inside the dressing rooms, hotel suites, and private planes of Led Zeppelin, the Rolling Stones, AC/DC, Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney, and dozens more to enjoy funny, decadent, and never-been-told stories of sex, drugs, and rock and roll.The book's foreword was written by Sammy Hagar, former lead singer for Van Halen. He and Phillips met in the late 1970s, early in Hagar's career. Sammy wrote, "Beau has seen all of the rock and roll craziness--and his book is loaded with amazing stories."
1 pages, Audiobook
First published June 7, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
April 1, 2017
Another book written by someone who thinks they are more important in each story than perhaps they were.
In any case, I didn't enjoy the bragging and self-importance.
In any case, I didn't enjoy the bragging and self-importance.
September 4, 2024
"Once upon a time, rock gods ruled the earth..."
I am a huge music fan, so I put "I Killed Pink Floyd's Pig" on my to read list as soon as I came across it. I didn't know what to expect, especially with the book's somewhat campy title. fortunately, I really enjoyed the book, and it far exceeded any expecataions I had going in.
Beau Phillips:
The author writes with a great natural style that was entertaining and engaging. He also read the audio version I have, and he did a great job of the audio, too This one shouldn't have trouble holding the finicky reader's attention..
As the book's title indicates, it is a collection of a few dozen stories around the golden age of radio rock, circa 1979-1994. A special time in the industry where radio stations had real soul, and were not homogenized, corporatized cookie-cutters like they are today; says Phillips.
I won't give away any spoilers here, but a wide variety of rock and roll stories were covered; some were famous, others obscure. There were also some touching heartwarming stories. He's got a story of how generous Paul MacCartney was with a fan who had a terminal cancer diagnosis, as well as a heartbreaking story about the death of Eric Clapton's 4 year old son. A real tear-jerker a few times...
A small point of contention: In one of the later chapters talking about the plane crash that killed members of Lyrnyd Sykryd, he says that band member Artimes Pile died shortly after. According to Google, Pile is still alive and well in 2024.
******************
I really enjoyed this one. It was a fun read; all around. I would definitely recommend it to any music fans.
5 stars.
I am a huge music fan, so I put "I Killed Pink Floyd's Pig" on my to read list as soon as I came across it. I didn't know what to expect, especially with the book's somewhat campy title. fortunately, I really enjoyed the book, and it far exceeded any expecataions I had going in.
Beau Phillips:
The author writes with a great natural style that was entertaining and engaging. He also read the audio version I have, and he did a great job of the audio, too This one shouldn't have trouble holding the finicky reader's attention..
As the book's title indicates, it is a collection of a few dozen stories around the golden age of radio rock, circa 1979-1994. A special time in the industry where radio stations had real soul, and were not homogenized, corporatized cookie-cutters like they are today; says Phillips.
I won't give away any spoilers here, but a wide variety of rock and roll stories were covered; some were famous, others obscure. There were also some touching heartwarming stories. He's got a story of how generous Paul MacCartney was with a fan who had a terminal cancer diagnosis, as well as a heartbreaking story about the death of Eric Clapton's 4 year old son. A real tear-jerker a few times...
A small point of contention: In one of the later chapters talking about the plane crash that killed members of Lyrnyd Sykryd, he says that band member Artimes Pile died shortly after. According to Google, Pile is still alive and well in 2024.
******************
I really enjoyed this one. It was a fun read; all around. I would definitely recommend it to any music fans.
5 stars.
December 30, 2022
I quite enjoyed this easy read! I learned new things about these bands. I even cried!
July 23, 2014
Awesome read, specially if you grew up around the Tacoma/Seattle area listening to KISW at their peak (late 70s-94). While i remember some of these events, it was great to learn insider info. Great for any fan of music, and a quick read. Its bringing the movie FM to life.
August 9, 2018
I’ve always wondered what radio promoters do. It seemed like quite a life, hanging out with creative musicians, hustling the details of deals, seeing where the money goes. And this book shows that it’s what I was thinking, and more. There are plenty of stories of the author’s time working promotions and other jobs at a rock station in Seattle and later at VH-1. From the stories, I’m not sure if the national spotlight would be considered the big league – it seems the local radio stories are just as cool and interesting, if not better. Lots of band name-dropping and stories about the ones you know. Most show the wild side of rock. The best, in my estimation, were the ones that showed the humanity in rock, the stories about Eric Clapton and the Make-a-Wish story with Paul McCartney. Another favorite – the everyone-gets-a-tux Tom Petty concert. From a business perspective, this gives some great ideas for promoting products, or in this case stations. And it gives examples of failures as well – always check that you’ve got the right album name before printing thousands of buttons. But it’s best for the stories about the big rock acts over the past 30 years and what goes on behind the scenes in the radio stations that supported them. The author mixes stories about things he did with stories about things he’s seen, and that’s a great combination here.
November 19, 2022
Beau Phillips’ observations about the state of the music industry in the epilogue mirror what I’ve seen as a former radio listener. Radio used to be so much fun! Today, when I have the misfortune of not having a fresh podcast to listen to and find myself in the world of FM radio, I can’t wait to turn it off.
But I Killed Pink Floyd’s Pig is a brilliant collection of stories of rock’s golden era, when radio stations competed aggressively for listeners and publicity. The hijinks were so silly and creative. While we will never have something like this era again in music, it was fun to spectate through Beau’s eyes for 260 pages.
But I Killed Pink Floyd’s Pig is a brilliant collection of stories of rock’s golden era, when radio stations competed aggressively for listeners and publicity. The hijinks were so silly and creative. While we will never have something like this era again in music, it was fun to spectate through Beau’s eyes for 260 pages.
April 28, 2022
This was an extremely fun and short read. I went with audiobook and it was a great choice since the author is a radio host so the stories were pleasant to listen to.
In this book, the author presents a plethora of short stories about some of the most famous musicians and rock bands in history. Some of the stories are funny and made me laugh, some were profound and touching. All make great "did you know?" stories if you're in the company of someone who's a rock fan.
I'm glad the author decided to create this collection of his memories, I enjoyed them a lot.
In this book, the author presents a plethora of short stories about some of the most famous musicians and rock bands in history. Some of the stories are funny and made me laugh, some were profound and touching. All make great "did you know?" stories if you're in the company of someone who's a rock fan.
I'm glad the author decided to create this collection of his memories, I enjoyed them a lot.
January 2, 2023
Not particularly well-written or anything, but some good yarns here, by virtue of the access. Here’s a radio station guy in the era when that really pulled and had some muscle, and as a result there are loads of good stories in the bank. Quite fun.
December 6, 2021
Beau Phillips was a rock radio station DJ, music director, program director and frequent promotor of concerts and events. Back in the days before corporate control of radio stations, people chose music and the success of artists relied on people like Phillips. As a result, record companies gave special access and perks to radio professionals. Phillips was a key player in the Seattle area throughout the late 70s, 80s and into the 90s. This book is a collection of stories from that golden age.
If you have ever heard that rockers trash hotel rooms, take advantage of groupies and take drugs, here is your evidence – a series of firsthand accounts. Some of his stories are just funny, some are XXX rated. This is not for the faint of heart. The book includes Zeppelin trashing hotel rooms, Van Halen with girls lined up backstage, the death of Pink Floyd’s pig and dozens of other episodes.
I was a musician who played in clubs back in the day. I have friends who toured as well as friends in the radio and record industries. I have heard many of these stories or stories like them. I’d like to think that much of it is urban legend, but I know better. It was fun to hear from an insider. In some cases, he clarifies exaggerated tales, but in many, he elaborated and gave context. A funny trip backstage to the wild and wacky world of rock radio and hair band debauchery in the age of classic rock. Very enjoyable.
If you have ever heard that rockers trash hotel rooms, take advantage of groupies and take drugs, here is your evidence – a series of firsthand accounts. Some of his stories are just funny, some are XXX rated. This is not for the faint of heart. The book includes Zeppelin trashing hotel rooms, Van Halen with girls lined up backstage, the death of Pink Floyd’s pig and dozens of other episodes.
I was a musician who played in clubs back in the day. I have friends who toured as well as friends in the radio and record industries. I have heard many of these stories or stories like them. I’d like to think that much of it is urban legend, but I know better. It was fun to hear from an insider. In some cases, he clarifies exaggerated tales, but in many, he elaborated and gave context. A funny trip backstage to the wild and wacky world of rock radio and hair band debauchery in the age of classic rock. Very enjoyable.
November 14, 2022
Did you fact check this?
Artimus Pyle is absolutely, most positively NOT DEAD!!! I enjoyed the book up until that point. But now I wonder what else is not true. Artimus is alive and well, touring with his band the APB.
Artimus Pyle is absolutely, most positively NOT DEAD!!! I enjoyed the book up until that point. But now I wonder what else is not true. Artimus is alive and well, touring with his band the APB.
March 13, 2021
DJ and program director recites tale of making mistakes with stars during promotions and/or sabotaging competing radio stations. Felt like an extended entertainment tonight interview.
March 10, 2022
DNF at about 25%. Think I’d rather not know these stories!
June 17, 2018
A life well-lived, a story well-told.
Beau Phillips harnesses the power of Rock & Roll between the years 1979 to 1994 when a collaboration was forged between radio stations, record labels, music retailers, and concert promoters; four industries united to provide platforms to create superstars. Top radio stations were the mega phone that fanned the flames with their own personalities and attitudes. The DJ’s were the life-line to exciting new songs.
Thirty-five chapters, each one a story of a different band or musician, all of them entertaining. Here are five of my personal favorites:
1. Eric Clapton’s Tears in Heaven
2. Tuxedo Tom Petty
3. Paul McCartney and the Girl in the Black Beret
4. Freebird Flies in Cleveland
5. Def Leppard Hits the Beach
Beau said it best: Back in the day, music listeners had only two options; listen to the radio or buy the album. Radio had tremendous influence. Without radio, artists stood little chance of survival.
Since the advent of social media bands can build a loyal following without radio. In view of the FCC ‘Telecommunication Act’ songs have become ‘fillers’ sandwiched between commercials. Music fans no longer need to pay twelve dollars for an album with one good song. Record stores have become a fading memory. Gone are live DJ’s, local-ism, and creative spirit.
If radio were a movie, they’d be rolling the credits. It was fun while it lasted, but this movie is almost over.
Sad, and unfortunately true. I’m happy to have been a part of ‘history.’
Beau Phillips harnesses the power of Rock & Roll between the years 1979 to 1994 when a collaboration was forged between radio stations, record labels, music retailers, and concert promoters; four industries united to provide platforms to create superstars. Top radio stations were the mega phone that fanned the flames with their own personalities and attitudes. The DJ’s were the life-line to exciting new songs.
Thirty-five chapters, each one a story of a different band or musician, all of them entertaining. Here are five of my personal favorites:
1. Eric Clapton’s Tears in Heaven
2. Tuxedo Tom Petty
3. Paul McCartney and the Girl in the Black Beret
4. Freebird Flies in Cleveland
5. Def Leppard Hits the Beach
Beau said it best: Back in the day, music listeners had only two options; listen to the radio or buy the album. Radio had tremendous influence. Without radio, artists stood little chance of survival.
Since the advent of social media bands can build a loyal following without radio. In view of the FCC ‘Telecommunication Act’ songs have become ‘fillers’ sandwiched between commercials. Music fans no longer need to pay twelve dollars for an album with one good song. Record stores have become a fading memory. Gone are live DJ’s, local-ism, and creative spirit.
If radio were a movie, they’d be rolling the credits. It was fun while it lasted, but this movie is almost over.
Sad, and unfortunately true. I’m happy to have been a part of ‘history.’
September 13, 2021
Beau Phillips used to be Seattle's KISW radio DJ (before later going to VH1). This book is 35 stories from his time as a rock radio DJ in the 80s and 90s. Some of the stories are kind of fun, a few have aged rather poorly (and he's only occasionally aware of that). His storytelling style is like someone's fun/drunk uncle telling fishing stories or something like that. Everything either just works out in his favor (in the nick of time, or in just the right way...), or it was the greatest humiliation of his life, from which he later recovered. Some of the stories aren't even his, but he reports them as though they happened to him after he tells you that he heard it from someone else.
Ultimately, the bands that he references just aren't that important to me, so I'm not the right audience. I listen to a few of them, but most of them were well before my time.
I got this as a (signed) gift, though. So I had to read it, and didn't hate it; it just wasn't for me.
Ultimately, the bands that he references just aren't that important to me, so I'm not the right audience. I listen to a few of them, but most of them were well before my time.
I got this as a (signed) gift, though. So I had to read it, and didn't hate it; it just wasn't for me.
August 12, 2020
If you lived through and loved rock and roll in the 80's and 90's, and enjoy the stories and characters of that era, you will definitely enjoy this book. Easy, quick prose, a bit over the top (goes with the territory and Phillips even cops to this in the epilogue)... thoroughly enjoyable based on frank, interesting, often decadent stories that ring true/believable. Very sharp epilogue also on the death of album rock radio and the $reasons$ behind it. A bygone, great era, Phillips was there and right in the middle of it.
February 9, 2021
Great read of first hand experiences.
I gave this book 5 stars because I couldn't put it down. True life experiences told by one of the best in radio history. The Seattle radio stations broadcast across the Puget sound area I've lived most of my life. Reading the book makes you feel almost a part of the scene. It acknowledges all your wonders of rock & roll bands. The good and the bad. Rock stars are human. You'll see that while reading. Enjoy.
I gave this book 5 stars because I couldn't put it down. True life experiences told by one of the best in radio history. The Seattle radio stations broadcast across the Puget sound area I've lived most of my life. Reading the book makes you feel almost a part of the scene. It acknowledges all your wonders of rock & roll bands. The good and the bad. Rock stars are human. You'll see that while reading. Enjoy.
February 16, 2021
I loved most of the stories, cried with a couple of them (Clapton's story always gets to me).
The book has a good collection of stories. It made me think of the old days when radio was a huge point in getting an artist or band's career up. Me, as a kid, was totally blown away by hearing a new single or discovering a new artist. I still miss those days.
If you're a rock fan this book is for you.
The book has a good collection of stories. It made me think of the old days when radio was a huge point in getting an artist or band's career up. Me, as a kid, was totally blown away by hearing a new single or discovering a new artist. I still miss those days.
If you're a rock fan this book is for you.
March 4, 2024
The late 70s and early 80s were a bit before my time, but these stories are crazy and exactly how I imagined 80s rock bands to be--just simply nuts! The book is written with a small chapter about each band or person, almost all of them rock and roll legends. It is a quick read and entertaining, I found myself just shaking my head. My favorite stores were about Bon Jovi and Paul McCartney, both of whom were just like I imagined they would be!
January 9, 2021
SPOILERS
Some fun stories about days on the radio side of the music business. A couple stories that were a little off color for me (ex. making fun of homeless people). A tiny bit about how much the music industry has changed since 1970. I honestly wish there had been more of that interspersed in with the stories rather than just the epilogue. Still, it was mostly a fun listen.
Some fun stories about days on the radio side of the music business. A couple stories that were a little off color for me (ex. making fun of homeless people). A tiny bit about how much the music industry has changed since 1970. I honestly wish there had been more of that interspersed in with the stories rather than just the epilogue. Still, it was mostly a fun listen.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 9, 2021
This is the kind of 'behind the scenes' look at the lives of some very famous rock stars that I like to read about and the age of the DJ and call in's are really missed by many of us who love music.
Thank you for an honest peek into your life as well as those who you had a chance to get to know.
Yes! More please!!!
Thank you for an honest peek into your life as well as those who you had a chance to get to know.
Yes! More please!!!
December 20, 2022
I have a broadcasting degree that, unfortunately, didn't push me into the field as easily as I hoped it would. Stories like these, however, are the only thing that makes me jealous of the glory days of rock radio. From the 70s to the '90s, this book has several short, individual tailes of the crazy things that happened in/during Beau Phillips life.
June 22, 2018
I really enjoyed reading this book. Each chapter focuses on a certain rock individuals or groups, highlighting fun, sad or just plain interesting events. Each chapter is full of interesting tales without being to long and boring. a good read for anyone interested in classic rock.
November 14, 2021
Sad for what once was
This book was so much fun and filled with laughter, tears, and unflinching honesty. In the end (Rush) it made me sad for a time that once was and won’t ever return. Thank you for the stories sir and thank you to everyone in your book for the MUSIC!!!!
This book was so much fun and filled with laughter, tears, and unflinching honesty. In the end (Rush) it made me sad for a time that once was and won’t ever return. Thank you for the stories sir and thank you to everyone in your book for the MUSIC!!!!
January 17, 2022
Good short stories about Rock n Roll
Good short stories about Rock n Roll in the pre internet days of the 1980s. We thought it would always be the same, but little did we realize we were living through a very special era in music.
Good short stories about Rock n Roll in the pre internet days of the 1980s. We thought it would always be the same, but little did we realize we were living through a very special era in music.
February 22, 2022
Seattle rock radio DJ and promoter, Beau Phillips recounts his experience of his encounters with the big names of rock music in the '80s and early '90s. Sex, drugs, rock 'n' roll forms the foundation of many stories. I enjoyed it.
March 13, 2024
Stories about the peak of Rock radio. The author obviously has great tales from having been there, but also has excellent observations about why that time was so unique, and all the factors that changed so that there will never be another time like it. Some obvious editing errors, but whatevs.
September 19, 2017
Fun stories of rock excess from a music industry insider. I do wish he had focused more on his time as an executive at VH1.
August 24, 2018
This was a great book!! Well written and brought back lots of great memories!!!
December 12, 2020
*Listened to audiobook*
I will never tire of reading about the crazy shenanigans rock stars get into. Loved all the crazy stories.
I will never tire of reading about the crazy shenanigans rock stars get into. Loved all the crazy stories.
December 21, 2020
Good short stories
Has a nice flow to it. I liked the easy read and short stories. Give it a shot it’s worth it
Has a nice flow to it. I liked the easy read and short stories. Give it a shot it’s worth it
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews