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To Air is Human: One Man's Quest to Become the World's Greatest Air Guitarist
Describes how a journalist and guitarist was transformed into Bj”rn Troque, the nation's second greatest air guitarist, detailing the international air guitar subculture and his determined quest to becoming the ultimate air guitarist. Original.
- GenresNonfictionMemoir
304 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 28, 2023
2023: About 10 years after reading this book, I saw an ad for a regional air guitar competition in the local arts and gossip paper. If you ever see this kind of thing in your area, go! It's passionate miming. Hell yeah. Seeing people throw themselves into anything like this is somehow renewing to the soul, so feed your spiritual void.
One of my favorite performers that night was a young dude who was more energetic than skilled, but the way he pulled his face made me laugh so hard and I wanted him to succeed. The person who won the evening used the stage name of The Marquis. In the last showdown he took his shoes off for traction. I remember his feet, ropey with tendons (or ligaments? which one protrudes more through the skin?). He traveled all over the stage, a little ways up the walls, and nailed every flourish in the song. He actually went on to compete in the World Championship and he won that: https://youtu.be/E2RzjHgbiq0.
These days, I sometimes think about people who commit to pursuits like this. What can I revel in like that anymore? It used to be easier to get excited for things. I remember the thrill of childhood discovery extending into young adulthood. When did I lose that happy, eager part of me? I know a lot of it got squelched when I began seeking others to share these things with. It didn't take much, a raised eyebrow, a scoffing tone, to pull back into myself with the new knowledge that my fun was something to be embarrassed about. The dumb is, I didn't go for anything illegal or questionable. I was a hardcore good girl, seeking out the silly, cute, tasty, colorful. It's taken decades to realize my first thoughts should've been "fuck that noise" and continued to enjoy myself.
There are many lessons in the art of air guitar.
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2008: fun to read, similar to Hell Bent for Leather but without the dry British wit (slightly heavier American humor) and no actual instrument. looking back on it, I was surprised at how little actual story there was because I was engaged enough to zip through. there could be more about the psychology behind his persona.
Bonus!: the little dude in the bottom right corner of the right hand pages does a flip-book show
One of my favorite performers that night was a young dude who was more energetic than skilled, but the way he pulled his face made me laugh so hard and I wanted him to succeed. The person who won the evening used the stage name of The Marquis. In the last showdown he took his shoes off for traction. I remember his feet, ropey with tendons (or ligaments? which one protrudes more through the skin?). He traveled all over the stage, a little ways up the walls, and nailed every flourish in the song. He actually went on to compete in the World Championship and he won that: https://youtu.be/E2RzjHgbiq0.
These days, I sometimes think about people who commit to pursuits like this. What can I revel in like that anymore? It used to be easier to get excited for things. I remember the thrill of childhood discovery extending into young adulthood. When did I lose that happy, eager part of me? I know a lot of it got squelched when I began seeking others to share these things with. It didn't take much, a raised eyebrow, a scoffing tone, to pull back into myself with the new knowledge that my fun was something to be embarrassed about. The dumb is, I didn't go for anything illegal or questionable. I was a hardcore good girl, seeking out the silly, cute, tasty, colorful. It's taken decades to realize my first thoughts should've been "fuck that noise" and continued to enjoy myself.
There are many lessons in the art of air guitar.
------------
2008: fun to read, similar to Hell Bent for Leather but without the dry British wit (slightly heavier American humor) and no actual instrument. looking back on it, I was surprised at how little actual story there was because I was engaged enough to zip through. there could be more about the psychology behind his persona.
Bonus!: the little dude in the bottom right corner of the right hand pages does a flip-book show
July 14, 2016
I loved so many things about this one. Both conceptually and in terms of style. Filled to the brim with rock n roll trivia and light hearted humour with just the right amount of personal anecdotes.
Dan is just Dan Crane and writes in first person for most parts- the brilliance of his narrative is in the way he channels his alter egos Björn Türocque (air guitarist) and Jean Luc Retard (there guitarist). Sure, the book is strewn with all the 'air' clichés imaginable. But thrown in at the right moments, they crack you up, bringing out that element of hilarity that envelops everything about Türocque's relentless pursuit of Air Guitar. Although he makes light of it, a lot of passion and preparation goes into an air guitar performance and the finer details of the creative impulses that would drive any air guitarist worth his Air-name are not lost on the reader.
My favourite part, however, is how the book has been presented in a mock-textbook format, complete with illustrations of air guitar moves and ample footnotes on rock trivia or just the occasional joke.
Did I mention the dainty opening quotes on each chapter by stalwarts ranging from Nietzsche to Mick Jagger to Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn?
Much fun. The back cover lists it as 'humor'. I'd add a 'memoir' + 'music' there and we have a winner!
Dan is just Dan Crane and writes in first person for most parts- the brilliance of his narrative is in the way he channels his alter egos Björn Türocque (air guitarist) and Jean Luc Retard (there guitarist). Sure, the book is strewn with all the 'air' clichés imaginable. But thrown in at the right moments, they crack you up, bringing out that element of hilarity that envelops everything about Türocque's relentless pursuit of Air Guitar. Although he makes light of it, a lot of passion and preparation goes into an air guitar performance and the finer details of the creative impulses that would drive any air guitarist worth his Air-name are not lost on the reader.
My favourite part, however, is how the book has been presented in a mock-textbook format, complete with illustrations of air guitar moves and ample footnotes on rock trivia or just the occasional joke.
Did I mention the dainty opening quotes on each chapter by stalwarts ranging from Nietzsche to Mick Jagger to Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn?
Much fun. The back cover lists it as 'humor'. I'd add a 'memoir' + 'music' there and we have a winner!
March 9, 2008
Even though I spend my time in a totally different musical world from the traditional air guitar repertoire, this book definitely got across the sense of ROCK! Way fun - it totally makes me want to watch or join one of these contests.
The author brings up the question of what to do when you realize you're spending more time and effort on fun, goofy, not-really-serious things. Is it worth spending three years trying to be the world's best air guitarist instead of working on your "serious" musical career? What's the appropriate balance between serious pursuit of light-hearted goals vs. half-hearted pursuit of serious goals? Can air guitar be treated as its own art form, instead of just a mockery of "real" guitar-playing?
I think the author and I would agree that something you can pour your heart into is a worthy thing, even if society doesn't take it seriously.
Also, Finland seem pretty friggin' cool.
And there's a list in the back of the top ten best air guitar songs ever.
The author brings up the question of what to do when you realize you're spending more time and effort on fun, goofy, not-really-serious things. Is it worth spending three years trying to be the world's best air guitarist instead of working on your "serious" musical career? What's the appropriate balance between serious pursuit of light-hearted goals vs. half-hearted pursuit of serious goals? Can air guitar be treated as its own art form, instead of just a mockery of "real" guitar-playing?
I think the author and I would agree that something you can pour your heart into is a worthy thing, even if society doesn't take it seriously.
Also, Finland seem pretty friggin' cool.
And there's a list in the back of the top ten best air guitar songs ever.
September 11, 2019
This reads like a really, really long article in "Rolling Stone," which is no surprise really, because that's who the author writes for. He idolizes rock stars and semi-ironically emulates them as an air guitarist, but he really emulates them in his drug, alcohol, and sex-fueled lifestyle. The idea of air guitar competitions sounded fun to me, and there are a few moments where he captures the awesomeness that rocking out on an air guitar feels like. But learning how much literal bodily fluids and excrement are involved in a lot of the performances and after-parties soured me to the scene.
There's a lot of casual sexism and racism, the author seems pretty full of himself even when he's not in the Bjorn Turoque persona, and everybody in the book swears all the time. I don't recommend it.
There's a lot of casual sexism and racism, the author seems pretty full of himself even when he's not in the Bjorn Turoque persona, and everybody in the book swears all the time. I don't recommend it.
November 15, 2010
What an interesting book!
I found this book at Books A Million on clearance for $1, and couldn't resist taking a chance to see what its all about.
What a hilarious, genuine, and fun story! It's stacked with characters, personality, rock 'n roll and guitar, all along one man's journey to achieve his surprising, unorthodox, accidental passion for air guitar. Beyond that, it's a story about trying to reconcile the "adult" you are supposed to be with the wacky, fun, truth that often hides inside of all of us. This book may be even more enjoyable for older generations or classic rock junkies, but with the sub-notes at the bottom of each page filled with interesting facts, references, or witty injections to the story itself, I didn't feel a bit out of the loop on what/when/who/where they were talking about. I also really enjoyed his humor and had plenty of out-loud, ha! moments.
Around page 170, I was feeling a little overloaded with the costume/persona descriptions and felt that there wasn't much else to say about air guitar. I decided to make an effort to finish the book, and within 30 pages I was re-entertained.
Beyond guitarists, musicians, performers, classic rock junkies, or music enthusiasts, this book can reach anyone striving to pursue a passion that is or isn't mainstream or expected.
I found this book at Books A Million on clearance for $1, and couldn't resist taking a chance to see what its all about.
What a hilarious, genuine, and fun story! It's stacked with characters, personality, rock 'n roll and guitar, all along one man's journey to achieve his surprising, unorthodox, accidental passion for air guitar. Beyond that, it's a story about trying to reconcile the "adult" you are supposed to be with the wacky, fun, truth that often hides inside of all of us. This book may be even more enjoyable for older generations or classic rock junkies, but with the sub-notes at the bottom of each page filled with interesting facts, references, or witty injections to the story itself, I didn't feel a bit out of the loop on what/when/who/where they were talking about. I also really enjoyed his humor and had plenty of out-loud, ha! moments.
Around page 170, I was feeling a little overloaded with the costume/persona descriptions and felt that there wasn't much else to say about air guitar. I decided to make an effort to finish the book, and within 30 pages I was re-entertained.
Beyond guitarists, musicians, performers, classic rock junkies, or music enthusiasts, this book can reach anyone striving to pursue a passion that is or isn't mainstream or expected.
December 3, 2014
We saw the transcendent movie Air Guitar Nation at this year's Madison film festival. Despite the International Air Guitar Championships existing for over a decade, an American had never competed. The makers of Air Guitar Nation follow the first two American contenders - C-diddy (the Asian fury) and Björn Töroque. The credits mention Björn's book, so of course I had to pick it up. Sometimes funny, often kind of sad and pathetic, Töroque explains his interest in competing in air guitar, his inexplicable burning to win and his dissatisfaction with his real career and life. While Töroque often comes off petulant and jealous in the movie, his book is very human. Anyone reading it can understand the desire to be the best at something, especially when the rest of life seems so tiring and mundane. ROCK!
January 18, 2008
After watching the documentary "Air Guitar Nation," I had to read this and so far it's not letting me down! Dan Crane, aka Bjorn Turoque, is a musician so he knows a lot of great music and the air guitar medleys and 60 second performance pieces he puts together sound great! He not only names the bands but he adds side notations about the bands and their history. For example he uses a song called "The Mole" by The Bags. His story travels around the word, including two trips to Finland where he not only performs but he learns about the Finnish culture and participates in Finnish rituals such as sauna.
June 9, 2013
I picked this book out at the library on a complete whim. Music is awesome and so is humor so I thought I might enjoy it. And I did in fact, really dig this read. Dan Crane transforms himself into the myth, the legend, Bjorn Turoque; hard air-rocker and preacher of peace through air guitar. Bjorn thirsts for the world championship title as Dan documents his journey through the world of competitive and highly intoxicated air guitar. Surprisingly, Dan also learns a lot about himself through Bjorn as well. The book is also speckled with air guitar tips and demonstrative diagrams and a list of the best air-guitar songs for budding enthusiasts and competitors alike.
June 27, 2010
I knew nothing about the competitive air guitar circuit, which started in Finland, with a semi-joking but semi-serious mission to bring world peace through air guitar (because if everyone is holding an air guitar, no one can hold a weapon). Dan Crane (aka Bjorn Turoque, say it out loud and you'll get it) seems quite aware of straddling the delicate lines between silly and meaningful — when are you an artist and when are you just a grown man in spangly spandex? His journey is epic, hilarious, and more thoughtful than I would have expected.
September 14, 2012
Nie hätte ich gedacht, dass ein Buch, das sich um Nichts (bzw. der Luftgitarre) dreht, so viel Spaß macht. Björn Türoque macht sich auf, der weltbeste Luftgitarrist zu werden, doch sieht er sich zahlreicher talentierter Konkurrenz (besonders dieser mit "Asian Fury") entgegen gestellt. Mit der Unterstützung seiner Freunde und ganz viel Leidenschaft für den Rock im Blut, ist das nächste Ziel der World Championshit in Oulu, Finnland. Eine sehr amüsante, wahre Geschichte, die sich einfach und unterhaltslam wegliest. Man ist beim Auslesen fast ein wenig traurig, dass es nicht weitergeht.
August 15, 2007
Entertaining, quick witted writing makes this book a remarkably fun and easy read. The problem becomes that the magic that is air guitar begins to drag a little by the end. While Crane/Turoque describes the competitions with the eye of a crack sportscaster, you start to get impatient waiting for him to win. But in the end you can't argue that his enthusiasm for the air guitar is not infectious, though you may start to worry that this man may be certifiably insane.
November 28, 2007
This one proves that a true passion for a non-traditional hobby, a lot of liquid courage, and just the right amount of idiocy can get you your fifteen minutes of fame. Did I mention that twelve of those fifteen minutes will be spent dealing with the likes of Carson Daly and the anchors at the Fox News morning show? I am looking forward to the documentary, unless of course it is already on the shelf at Blockbuster. If that is the case, then I guess I just need to start looking.
January 12, 2023
Cleaning laptop; old document; notes from my defunct blog, I wrote a paragraph about this this book. I am sure I found To Air is Human: One Man's Quest to Become the World's Greatest Air Guitarist to be funny, due to my own attempt at humour.
Basically I wrote that I am more of an air drummer, and I should work on my air guitar skills.
Basically I wrote that I am more of an air drummer, and I should work on my air guitar skills.
June 4, 2007
If I were to compete in an air guitar competition the songs I'd consider playing would be:
Gee Angel by Sugar
Talent Show by The Replacements
Have a Drink on Me by AC/DC
It's Not the Way You Rock by Dirty Looks
Girl Like You by The Smithereens
Gee Angel by Sugar
Talent Show by The Replacements
Have a Drink on Me by AC/DC
It's Not the Way You Rock by Dirty Looks
Girl Like You by The Smithereens
August 1, 2007
Really fun/funny read about the world of professional air guitarists.
August 10, 2007
awesomeness in paperback format.
January 8, 2008
I haven't laughed this hard while reading a book in a long time. We should all pick up our air guitars and support world peace!
September 29, 2008
this book will make you love, love, love air guitar and make you want to go see a show and actually enjoy it!
January 17, 2009
this guy his hilarious and wack. i like how people kept pronouncing his name wrong in finland because of his gratuitous umlauts.
April 8, 2011
This book was just a lot of fun to read. Makes me want to rock the air out!
October 18, 2010
This book is for anyone who has ever air-guitar. So, really. a book for all of us. Plus it promotes world peace, because let's face it, how are you gonna hold a gun if you're holding an air guitar?
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews