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Riding So High: The Beatles and Drugs
‘Who gave the drugs to the Beatles? I didn’t invent those things. I bought it from someone who got it from somebody. We never invented the stuff.’ – John Lennon
Riding So High charts the Beatles’ extraordinary odyssey from teenage drinking and pill-popping, to cannabis, LSD, the psychedelic Summer of Love and the darkness beyond.
Drugs were central to the Beatles’ story from the beginning. The acid, pills and powders helped form bonds, provided escape from the chaos of Beatlemania, and inspired colossal leaps in songwriting and recording. But they also led to break-ups, breakdowns, drug busts and prison.
The only full-length study of the Beatles and drugs, Riding So High tells of getting stoned, kaleidoscope eyes, excess, loss and redemption, with a far-out cast including speeding Beatniks, a rogue dentist, a script-happy aristocratic doctor, corrupt police officers and Hollywood Vampires. ‘The deeper you go, the higher you fly…’
‘An essential new work in Beatles historiography.’ – Erin Torkelson Weber, author of The Beatles and the Historians
Riding So High charts the Beatles’ extraordinary odyssey from teenage drinking and pill-popping, to cannabis, LSD, the psychedelic Summer of Love and the darkness beyond.
Drugs were central to the Beatles’ story from the beginning. The acid, pills and powders helped form bonds, provided escape from the chaos of Beatlemania, and inspired colossal leaps in songwriting and recording. But they also led to break-ups, breakdowns, drug busts and prison.
The only full-length study of the Beatles and drugs, Riding So High tells of getting stoned, kaleidoscope eyes, excess, loss and redemption, with a far-out cast including speeding Beatniks, a rogue dentist, a script-happy aristocratic doctor, corrupt police officers and Hollywood Vampires. ‘The deeper you go, the higher you fly…’
‘An essential new work in Beatles historiography.’ – Erin Torkelson Weber, author of The Beatles and the Historians
366 pages, ebook
First published October 9, 2017
127 people are currently reading
438 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
March 24, 2018
A while ago I was listening to a podcast and a Beatles expert was asked which books still needed to be written about the band (considering there have been so many already). Without hesitation, she replied that she would like to see a book about the Beatles and drugs, which she felt had not been properly addressed. In this account of the Beatles and their relationship with drugs, the author attempts to discuss their drug use over the years, how they influenced them, drug references in their songs and the repercussions for them personally.
We begin with the Beat poet Royston Ellis in 1960, introducing them to substances other than the usual drink and cigarettes. Of course, Hamburg saw them introduced to pills, to help them cope with the long hours and, later, there is the famous visit from Bob Dylan to their New York hotel, kick starting a love affair with cannabis (although they were aware of it earlier), and the dinner party where John and George were introduced to LSD by their dentist, who slipped it into their drinks.
There are all kinds of people along the way who influenced the Beatles in their experimentation with drugs. Some are well known, others less so. I don’t think I have ever read Paul McCartney recalling how Mr Asher (Jane’s father) showed him the best way to get the best out of an inhaler before; little knowing that he had been aware of these tricks, and many more, for years. Other important influences on the Beatles included members of the Rolling Stones and Robert Fraser; particularly in the mid-Sixties.
We read of the decline, and death, of Brian Epstein, and of his dependence on drugs. The introduction of heavier drugs – cocaine and heroin. The peer pressure that members of the band were under to conform to what the others were doing. By 1968, John Lennon was using heroin, and cocaine, heavily. Meanwhile, Norman Pilcher, who had already busted singers such as Donovan, had, “set his sights on bagging a Beatle.” As the band became embroiled in excessive use of drugs and addiction, the establishments attitude towards the Beatles changed and they became fair game and open to drug busts.
The book continues beyond the Beatles to look at the repercussions of drugs arrests, which caused issues for the ex-Beatles. There is much about John and Harry Nilsson in the Seventies, of his immigration issues and his lost weekend. Meanwhile, Paul was busted throughout the Seventies, culminating in his arrest in Japan. George and Ringo also struggled with addiction, with Ringo eventually emerging from alcoholism.
This is an interesting read. I knew much of what was within the book; although there were odd nuggets that were less familiar to me. Overall, this addresses an important part of the Sixties counter culture, which influenced all of the Beatles in different ways. It shows how drug use changed not only the Beatles music, but the relationships within the band, between the various members and those who worked for, or with, them, and the influence of the women in their life. A good addition to my Beatles bookshelves.
We begin with the Beat poet Royston Ellis in 1960, introducing them to substances other than the usual drink and cigarettes. Of course, Hamburg saw them introduced to pills, to help them cope with the long hours and, later, there is the famous visit from Bob Dylan to their New York hotel, kick starting a love affair with cannabis (although they were aware of it earlier), and the dinner party where John and George were introduced to LSD by their dentist, who slipped it into their drinks.
There are all kinds of people along the way who influenced the Beatles in their experimentation with drugs. Some are well known, others less so. I don’t think I have ever read Paul McCartney recalling how Mr Asher (Jane’s father) showed him the best way to get the best out of an inhaler before; little knowing that he had been aware of these tricks, and many more, for years. Other important influences on the Beatles included members of the Rolling Stones and Robert Fraser; particularly in the mid-Sixties.
We read of the decline, and death, of Brian Epstein, and of his dependence on drugs. The introduction of heavier drugs – cocaine and heroin. The peer pressure that members of the band were under to conform to what the others were doing. By 1968, John Lennon was using heroin, and cocaine, heavily. Meanwhile, Norman Pilcher, who had already busted singers such as Donovan, had, “set his sights on bagging a Beatle.” As the band became embroiled in excessive use of drugs and addiction, the establishments attitude towards the Beatles changed and they became fair game and open to drug busts.
The book continues beyond the Beatles to look at the repercussions of drugs arrests, which caused issues for the ex-Beatles. There is much about John and Harry Nilsson in the Seventies, of his immigration issues and his lost weekend. Meanwhile, Paul was busted throughout the Seventies, culminating in his arrest in Japan. George and Ringo also struggled with addiction, with Ringo eventually emerging from alcoholism.
This is an interesting read. I knew much of what was within the book; although there were odd nuggets that were less familiar to me. Overall, this addresses an important part of the Sixties counter culture, which influenced all of the Beatles in different ways. It shows how drug use changed not only the Beatles music, but the relationships within the band, between the various members and those who worked for, or with, them, and the influence of the women in their life. A good addition to my Beatles bookshelves.
August 30, 2018
When I was a teenager, and first starting to develop my music tastes in earnest, I was having a conversation with my Grandma about '60s rock. She was of the WWII generation who told their baby boomer kids to "turn that down!" "Well, I guess I guess I like the Beatles better than some of them," she conceded, "At least they didn't do drugs like some of those other groups."
I work with a baby boomer woman who loved the Ed Sullivan-era Beatles, and we occasionally have conversations about our enjoyment of the band. One day we were paging through the photos in a Paul McCartney biography, one of which showed him being arrested during his infamous pot bust in Japan. She looked at me with big sad eyes. "You mean Paul McCartney used drugs?"
Erm...Maybe the Beatles got away with so much for so long because many people apparently believed they were squeaky-clean? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
It is fairly clear that the Beatles' use of drugs both mirrored and influenced what was going on in the culture at large in the 60s. In fact, you can pretty much chart what was going on in the decade and how radically it changed in just a few years by listening to and looking at the Beatles. Has there ever been a more astounding clarion call into the future than "Tomorrow Never Knows?"
The author doesn't express personal judgment and reports on the darker aspects of drugs with the same even hand. The harder, more addictive drugs that were creeping into the scene in the latter part of the decade made things more difficult and divisive for the band and no doubt contributed to their breakup. This book also spends a good amount of time discussing the criminally overlooked contributions of the Beatles' manager Brian Epstein, a fascinating personality, and the prescription drug abuse that took his life too soon.
Kudos also to the author for recognizing that tobacco and alcohol are indeed drugs, and are just as if not more hazardous than some largely illegal drugs--and which in the form of cigarettes took Beatle George Harrison's life.
Anyway, this well-written and fascinating book collects an incredible amount of research and history and distills it down for us. While most fans at least are aware of the high points of the Beatles' history with drugs (the busts, Sgt. Pilcher, the dentist, etc.), this book not only describes those incidents in further detail, but fills in readers on many overlooked parts of history of which
even avid fans may not be aware. RIDING SO HIGH is clearly an essential contribution to Beatles lit.
I work with a baby boomer woman who loved the Ed Sullivan-era Beatles, and we occasionally have conversations about our enjoyment of the band. One day we were paging through the photos in a Paul McCartney biography, one of which showed him being arrested during his infamous pot bust in Japan. She looked at me with big sad eyes. "You mean Paul McCartney used drugs?"
Erm...Maybe the Beatles got away with so much for so long because many people apparently believed they were squeaky-clean? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
It is fairly clear that the Beatles' use of drugs both mirrored and influenced what was going on in the culture at large in the 60s. In fact, you can pretty much chart what was going on in the decade and how radically it changed in just a few years by listening to and looking at the Beatles. Has there ever been a more astounding clarion call into the future than "Tomorrow Never Knows?"
The author doesn't express personal judgment and reports on the darker aspects of drugs with the same even hand. The harder, more addictive drugs that were creeping into the scene in the latter part of the decade made things more difficult and divisive for the band and no doubt contributed to their breakup. This book also spends a good amount of time discussing the criminally overlooked contributions of the Beatles' manager Brian Epstein, a fascinating personality, and the prescription drug abuse that took his life too soon.
Kudos also to the author for recognizing that tobacco and alcohol are indeed drugs, and are just as if not more hazardous than some largely illegal drugs--and which in the form of cigarettes took Beatle George Harrison's life.
Anyway, this well-written and fascinating book collects an incredible amount of research and history and distills it down for us. While most fans at least are aware of the high points of the Beatles' history with drugs (the busts, Sgt. Pilcher, the dentist, etc.), this book not only describes those incidents in further detail, but fills in readers on many overlooked parts of history of which
even avid fans may not be aware. RIDING SO HIGH is clearly an essential contribution to Beatles lit.
August 19, 2019
Goodden goes in depth into the Beatles drug use from early years to Beatlemania to later years and into their solo careers at the book's end.
I even learned things I never knew like the word "tea" being used to mean pot in certain songs and interviews, but not all songs. Sometimes the cigar is just a cigar after all.
The revelation that McCartney used cocaine as early as 1967 and that Lennon had flat after Hendrix used it was rather new to me or I had just forgotten after the numerous books I have read on the band.
But Goodden uses a ton of quotes from the Beatles themselves, wives, friends, producers, engineers, etc.. and it is quite a good book.
I even learned things I never knew like the word "tea" being used to mean pot in certain songs and interviews, but not all songs. Sometimes the cigar is just a cigar after all.
The revelation that McCartney used cocaine as early as 1967 and that Lennon had flat after Hendrix used it was rather new to me or I had just forgotten after the numerous books I have read on the band.
But Goodden uses a ton of quotes from the Beatles themselves, wives, friends, producers, engineers, etc.. and it is quite a good book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2023
Very well documented narration of the king and turbulent relation with drugs. From the highs of the LSD era to the lows of the heroin use in the let it be sessions. I consider myself an unhealthily obsessed Beatles fan but even I learned many new things
April 16, 2018
A real surprise. I've read many books about the Beatles both as individuals and as a group so I didn't expect to learn anything new about them but Goodden did a fine job of assembling relevant quotes from various interviews to present a compelling story of how drugs weren't just a sideline to their career but an integral part of it from start to finish. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to know all they can about the band that literally changed the world we live in.
April 28, 2024
A comprehensive exploration of the relationship between The Beatles and drugs. Published in 2018, this book delves into the band's experiences with various substances and their impact on their music, relationships, and cultural legacy.
In "Riding So High," Joe Goodden takes readers on a fascinating journey through The Beatles' drug use, from their early experimentation with marijuana and LSD to their later struggles with addiction and legal troubles. Through meticulous research and firsthand accounts, Goodden sheds light on the complex and often controversial role that drugs played in the band's career.
Interwoven with the narrative are insights into the social and cultural context of the 1960s, exploring the broader phenomenon of drug use during the era and its influence on music, art, and society. Goodden examines the ways in which The Beatles' attitudes towards drugs evolved over time, from initial curiosity and experimentation to disillusionment and caution.
As "Riding So High" unfolds, readers are treated to a wealth of anecdotes, interviews, and archival material that offer new perspectives on familiar stories and shed light on lesser-known aspects of The Beatles' history. Goodden explores the impact of drugs on the band's creative process, their relationships with each other and with their fans, and the ways in which drug use shaped their music and public image.
In summary, "Riding So High: The Beatles and Drugs" is a thought-provoking and enlightening read for fans of The Beatles and anyone interested in the intersection of music, culture, and substance use. Joe Goodden's thorough research, engaging writing style, and nuanced analysis make this book an essential addition to the literature on one of the most iconic bands in history.
In "Riding So High," Joe Goodden takes readers on a fascinating journey through The Beatles' drug use, from their early experimentation with marijuana and LSD to their later struggles with addiction and legal troubles. Through meticulous research and firsthand accounts, Goodden sheds light on the complex and often controversial role that drugs played in the band's career.
Interwoven with the narrative are insights into the social and cultural context of the 1960s, exploring the broader phenomenon of drug use during the era and its influence on music, art, and society. Goodden examines the ways in which The Beatles' attitudes towards drugs evolved over time, from initial curiosity and experimentation to disillusionment and caution.
As "Riding So High" unfolds, readers are treated to a wealth of anecdotes, interviews, and archival material that offer new perspectives on familiar stories and shed light on lesser-known aspects of The Beatles' history. Goodden explores the impact of drugs on the band's creative process, their relationships with each other and with their fans, and the ways in which drug use shaped their music and public image.
In summary, "Riding So High: The Beatles and Drugs" is a thought-provoking and enlightening read for fans of The Beatles and anyone interested in the intersection of music, culture, and substance use. Joe Goodden's thorough research, engaging writing style, and nuanced analysis make this book an essential addition to the literature on one of the most iconic bands in history.
May 18, 2018
Thanks to this book, I now have in mind the correct big picture about the Beatles’ high rides. Like any other Beatles’ fan, I was reading articles now and then, facts, rumours and anecdotes about the Beatles’ excesses, addictions and psychedelia – bits and pieces scattered all over the media. But Joe Goodden had the amazing patience and energy to read everything, classify all the information according to periods, albums or individuals, check all the facts and create this masterpiece. And it was a real ride reading it!
http://www.oldiesmusicblog.com/review...
http://www.oldiesmusicblog.com/review...
January 23, 2018
One of my favorite Beatles books that I've read. The author does a tremendous job at compiling information about the 4 lads from Liverpool and their inner circles throughout the years. The Beatles were both vague and forthcoming in various interviews about their usage of drugs, but Joe has done a great job of wading through the BS and has compiled the definitive book on the Beatles drug use and how is influenced their music.
May 20, 2018
As a Beatles fan I loved this book, it provided a different angle on the Fab Four, we read enough about who wrote this song and who plays guitar here and there, this story tells a story behind the scene.
It makes me realize just how much drugs influenced their song writing and which songs are totally "drug" songs.
It makes me realize just how much drugs influenced their song writing and which songs are totally "drug" songs.
March 1, 2019
Fantastic story about how drugs helped the Beatles creativity but contributed to their demise. It also clearly interfered with their relationships and identities. When you play with fire, you get burned. Tons of incredible anecdotes. A must for Beatles fans and anyone who does not fear alcohol and drugs.
July 12, 2019
The Fab Four
I found this book fascinating, these guys were normal fellers with enormous drive and talent, strong work ethic and clever minds. With the help of canny business people they reached the top of the music industry and beyond. They lived the dream and also the nightmare of descent into addictions, then came back to real life. This book recounts all of it to date.
I found this book fascinating, these guys were normal fellers with enormous drive and talent, strong work ethic and clever minds. With the help of canny business people they reached the top of the music industry and beyond. They lived the dream and also the nightmare of descent into addictions, then came back to real life. This book recounts all of it to date.
November 13, 2019
Reasonably readable. I don't think it would interest anyone who wasn't a Beatles fan. There was a lot of repetition. Wouldn't recommend it. I'm not sure how true it is - I think it may have been more excessive!
April 25, 2019
Better than drugs
December 28, 2021
One of the things I was so caught off guard by in Peter Jackson's Get Back was how much of a secondary or even tertiary character John Lennon felt like in most of the first half of the documentary. Was he really that checked out? Did he really not want to be there that badly?
What I didn't know (added to the list of the many, many other things I didn't know), was that John was struggling with a heroin addiction during the Let It Be recording sessions. This felt so tragic that I turned my next stop in my on-going Beatles' education to Riding So High, which details without either judgement or glamorization each of the four's (very different) relationship to drugs and alcohol. (And yes, we can call this #2 in the Hey! There's a Lyric for That!™ series of books.)
While lots of pages are given over to some of the more headline-grabbing stories (John's fascination with acid, the life-long love of weed that got Paul in legal trouble in no less than six different countries, etc), I got the most out of the chronology of the band's early years in Hamburg. Goodden really paints the picture of that frenzied time with these unknown teenagers from Liverpool playing 8-hour sets in front of drunk and rowdy crowds, running almost solely on scotch and speed for months at a time, sleeping in a hovel, and all the while just having the time of their lives. Its a a jubilant portrait of this period in Beatles history, and a lot more fun than some of the hard read that follows, including the chronicles of Brian Epstein's overdose, Lennon's years-long drug-induced lassitude, and Ringo's frightening bout with alcoholism. Its a well-rounded portrait of the Beatles' history with and musical inspiration from drugs that feels absolutely vital to understanding the band.
What I didn't know (added to the list of the many, many other things I didn't know), was that John was struggling with a heroin addiction during the Let It Be recording sessions. This felt so tragic that I turned my next stop in my on-going Beatles' education to Riding So High, which details without either judgement or glamorization each of the four's (very different) relationship to drugs and alcohol. (And yes, we can call this #2 in the Hey! There's a Lyric for That!™ series of books.)
While lots of pages are given over to some of the more headline-grabbing stories (John's fascination with acid, the life-long love of weed that got Paul in legal trouble in no less than six different countries, etc), I got the most out of the chronology of the band's early years in Hamburg. Goodden really paints the picture of that frenzied time with these unknown teenagers from Liverpool playing 8-hour sets in front of drunk and rowdy crowds, running almost solely on scotch and speed for months at a time, sleeping in a hovel, and all the while just having the time of their lives. Its a a jubilant portrait of this period in Beatles history, and a lot more fun than some of the hard read that follows, including the chronicles of Brian Epstein's overdose, Lennon's years-long drug-induced lassitude, and Ringo's frightening bout with alcoholism. Its a well-rounded portrait of the Beatles' history with and musical inspiration from drugs that feels absolutely vital to understanding the band.
December 26, 2022
There are so many Beatle books on the market, and more coming out on what seems a daily basis, that I usually wonder if any of them will offer new insights. Most don’t. Riding So High, however, is the exception. The interesting thing is that the Beatles never denied drug use but they did not go into much detail about it. This book dives deep from school boy days of ciggies and beer though to the solo years and the ongoing reliance on anything to address the insanity of fame that lasted decades.
Apart from describing the drug of choice at various stages of their careers, Riding So High also analyses the effects of the different drugs on the revolutionary music they were making at the time.
There are some surprises. Alcohol seems a constant factor for all four both as band & solo musicians. George had serious health issues, hepatitis, after years of booze and coke to address his anxiety about solo touring. John made a repeated fool of himself during the “Lost Weekend” months by subsisting on a diet of brandy Alexanders. Ringo also had multiple embarrassing incidents until both he and his wife ended up in rehab. Paul was downing a bottle of whisky to ease his depression after the breakup.
There is virtually no discussion of music in this book. There are already multiple books that go through this. But, as a Beatle book which takes a unique look at one particular facet of their career, this book is fascinating. Highly recommended.
Apart from describing the drug of choice at various stages of their careers, Riding So High also analyses the effects of the different drugs on the revolutionary music they were making at the time.
There are some surprises. Alcohol seems a constant factor for all four both as band & solo musicians. George had serious health issues, hepatitis, after years of booze and coke to address his anxiety about solo touring. John made a repeated fool of himself during the “Lost Weekend” months by subsisting on a diet of brandy Alexanders. Ringo also had multiple embarrassing incidents until both he and his wife ended up in rehab. Paul was downing a bottle of whisky to ease his depression after the breakup.
There is virtually no discussion of music in this book. There are already multiple books that go through this. But, as a Beatle book which takes a unique look at one particular facet of their career, this book is fascinating. Highly recommended.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2020
Very interesting. Highlights the substances behind the actions
Does not cast moral judgment but doesn't advocate their use.
Correctly identifies cigarettes and alcohol as the most long term and unavoidable issues to both the beatles and society.
Pot and speed as relitively benign but at times a serious problem to the band.
LSD as a massive influence but to some destructive drug.
Coke and Herion to be some to the most destructive things to happen even to more tolerant band members.
I was impressed by the research and scope but I feel there were some events skimmed over, probably for lack of sourcing. Some areas that relied on unreliable testimony, but with such illegal activities this may be inevitable. And some of the data is interpreted by the author in ways I think are not the more reasonable conclusion and protect certain individuals.
That said it is so well written that I can't help but respect it and the work of the author. Hopefully it will open the door to further discussion and revelation
Does not cast moral judgment but doesn't advocate their use.
Correctly identifies cigarettes and alcohol as the most long term and unavoidable issues to both the beatles and society.
Pot and speed as relitively benign but at times a serious problem to the band.
LSD as a massive influence but to some destructive drug.
Coke and Herion to be some to the most destructive things to happen even to more tolerant band members.
I was impressed by the research and scope but I feel there were some events skimmed over, probably for lack of sourcing. Some areas that relied on unreliable testimony, but with such illegal activities this may be inevitable. And some of the data is interpreted by the author in ways I think are not the more reasonable conclusion and protect certain individuals.
That said it is so well written that I can't help but respect it and the work of the author. Hopefully it will open the door to further discussion and revelation
May 14, 2021
As far as I know, this is the first book/essay that tries to chronicle the arrival of drugs in the Fab Four's lives, their progression to stronger and stronger substances, their struggle to stop using and the impact of drugs on the relationships within and around the group.
I always knew the Boys used drugs of course, but this made me realize how deep into it they got and how devastating the consequences (no matter how many times George Harrison says that everyone should use LSD at least once in their life, given the impact of it on all four of them, I have zero temptation to try lol).
The book does all this without judgment, which is amazing. They were four amazing and talented guys who changed the world, and while no one should applaud the use of substances that can destroy you, mind, body and soul, there is also no need to put them down for it. It's all about the context, and the sixties plus the incredible pressures of a never-seen-before level of fame were conducive to using alcool and drugs to help them cope.
A very good book which sheds light on the dark side of the Beatles.
I always knew the Boys used drugs of course, but this made me realize how deep into it they got and how devastating the consequences (no matter how many times George Harrison says that everyone should use LSD at least once in their life, given the impact of it on all four of them, I have zero temptation to try lol).
The book does all this without judgment, which is amazing. They were four amazing and talented guys who changed the world, and while no one should applaud the use of substances that can destroy you, mind, body and soul, there is also no need to put them down for it. It's all about the context, and the sixties plus the incredible pressures of a never-seen-before level of fame were conducive to using alcool and drugs to help them cope.
A very good book which sheds light on the dark side of the Beatles.
April 19, 2022
I was quite impressed with Riding So High. Goodden provides an abridged Beatles history through the lens of drug use, which is also partly a cultural history of the scenes the Beatles were a part of during those times (primarily "Swinging London" in the mid-late 60s). I particularly appreciated that the story didn't end with the breakup of the band, but continued to trace the lives of each Beatle as they dealt with going solo and faced the ramifications of their substance dependency through the latter parts of their lives.
Neither glamorizing nor demonizing the drug usage, but instead presenting it in a matter-of-fact way and rounding out the story with opinions from the Beatles themselves as well as their many colleagues, friends, confidants. The book is also very well-sourced with fantastic citations, so if you are looking for more Beatles books to dive into afterwards you'll have plenty of ideas by the end of this one.
Neither glamorizing nor demonizing the drug usage, but instead presenting it in a matter-of-fact way and rounding out the story with opinions from the Beatles themselves as well as their many colleagues, friends, confidants. The book is also very well-sourced with fantastic citations, so if you are looking for more Beatles books to dive into afterwards you'll have plenty of ideas by the end of this one.
Read
October 16, 2024I'd heard good things about this book, so finally I've followed up. Drugs always seem to be in the background of the Beatles' story, but this book brings them to the forefront. It's a tricky subject given that the living Beatles are probably satisfied leaving the subject behind them for good. For those of us who try to delineate the dizzying number of narratives that have emerged over the decades, this book is a nice litmus test of exactly what we know about a subject that is unlikely to receive a spotlight in any official perspective. Quite a few of these are stories avid fans will have heard before, but with additional focus and context. My personal highlight was the chapter dedicated to John's and George's drug busts, which I hadn't explored in much detail before.
August 3, 2023
A sprawling collection of most published works surrounding the Beatles and drugs. Timeline jumps around a bit, particularly during the LSD era, and is slightly repetitive. That being said, interesting read for a fan who wants most of the hard to find drug associated information concerning the Beatles, in one place.
Authors leans towards a favoritism of Paul, and paints Paul and George in an interesting light; especially concerning John’s personality traits during his time using, while skirting the alleged negative sides of Paul’s uses.
All in all, great read for a fan looking for an easy read.
Authors leans towards a favoritism of Paul, and paints Paul and George in an interesting light; especially concerning John’s personality traits during his time using, while skirting the alleged negative sides of Paul’s uses.
All in all, great read for a fan looking for an easy read.
July 3, 2023
Fascinating little book which is an eye-opener as far as John Lennon goes. The others - aside from George and LSD - are largely in the right place at the right time - getting a spliff off Dylan, for example - but in Lennon's case particularly, you can see his addictive personality at work: the guy hoovers up drugs ("they'll do SOMETHING").
I was thinking this morning that his 'ecstasy' album would have been amusing - 1989 time.
I was thinking this morning that his 'ecstasy' album would have been amusing - 1989 time.
June 19, 2024
A worthwhile addition to the Beatles biographies
I thought I knew everything about the Beatles but this book has a lot of detail that fell down the cracks of their successful attempts to avoid talking about their drug use. Better than that, this book isn't just a shallow exposé written to shock. It gives perspective to other biographies and is well written. I don't often finish a book, to be honest, but this was easy to read.
I thought I knew everything about the Beatles but this book has a lot of detail that fell down the cracks of their successful attempts to avoid talking about their drug use. Better than that, this book isn't just a shallow exposé written to shock. It gives perspective to other biographies and is well written. I don't often finish a book, to be honest, but this was easy to read.
April 23, 2018
Full disclosure: I have been a fan of the author's website for several years.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I have read many books about the Beatles over the years, but even I learned info that I didn't previously know by reading this book. The depth of the research the author did to write this book really shows.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I have read many books about the Beatles over the years, but even I learned info that I didn't previously know by reading this book. The depth of the research the author did to write this book really shows.
November 30, 2018
Really interesting book that helps give a different perspective on some of the most famous music from this celebrated band. I enjoyed the story of the first time they smoked cannabis with Bob Dylan, that was a classic! If you are into the Beatles you should check out this book to give you another look at those four clean cut lads from Liverpool.
January 16, 2018
A fine compilation of anecdotes, stories and interview material on the subject of drugs and the role they played in the Beatles' creative and personal lives. The author also adds his own perspective on the subject. Contains a great bibliography and plenty of notations. Good read!
June 9, 2019
Interesting
If you find such minutiae interesting and it so happens I do. Taken overall it paints a more druggy picture of the Fabs than I had previously recognised. Well researched and written.
If you find such minutiae interesting and it so happens I do. Taken overall it paints a more druggy picture of the Fabs than I had previously recognised. Well researched and written.
August 19, 2019
Great read, exhaustively researched and takes you through their entire history and how its interwoven with various drugs, how it affected the music and more importantly, how it affected their relationships with each other and the world at large. Eye opening.
May 11, 2021
I always enjoy a Beatles related book. This was a unique very specified look into the Beatles and their drug taking ways. While I didn't necessarily learn anything new per se, it was still a good read.
Grade: A-
Grade: A-
March 5, 2025
This book gives a nice insight in the drugs usage of the Beatles. I never realised that their intake was that extreme. Concerning the style of the book I sometimes whished it was a bit less of a summary.
April 23, 2020
My review is at my website:
https://workingwow.net/2020/04/23/boo...
https://workingwow.net/2020/04/23/boo...
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