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Harder to Breathe
Two decades after Songs About Jane, Maroon 5’s original drummer presents an unflinching examination of fame, anxiety, mental health, and recovery
In the nineties, Ryan Dusick and his friends Adam Levine and Jesse Carmichael dreamed about making it big . . . and against all odds, they did. This inside story recounts Maroon 5’s founding and their road to becoming Grammy-winning megastars, told through the eyes of former drummer Ryan Dusick. He takes readers behind the scenes of the band’s meteoric rise to success—and the grueling demands that came with it—as well as his personal struggles with anxiety and addiction after his departure from the band.
For Maroon 5, fame came with a platinum debut record, jam sessions with Prince in his own living room, and encounters with celebrities such as Jessica Simpson, Justin Timberlake, John Mayer, and Bono. For Dusick, stardom came to an abrupt halt with the devastating loss of his ability to play drums due to chronic nerve damage.
Alongside Maroon 5’s story of camaraderie and pressure, Dusick interweaves his own narrative: a decade lost to liquor and antianxiety medication, his ferocious commitment to recovery, and his current perspective as a professional counselor. With a candor that will speak to anyone who has struggled with mental health, Harder to Breathe moves beyond celebrity to examine the nature of human heartbreak and resilience, and to buoy anyone currently facing similar challenges.
Ultimately, Harder to Breathe is a roller-coaster memoir about how making it to the top sent Dusick to the bottom—and how he let go of the past and embraced a new future, one breath at a time.
In the nineties, Ryan Dusick and his friends Adam Levine and Jesse Carmichael dreamed about making it big . . . and against all odds, they did. This inside story recounts Maroon 5’s founding and their road to becoming Grammy-winning megastars, told through the eyes of former drummer Ryan Dusick. He takes readers behind the scenes of the band’s meteoric rise to success—and the grueling demands that came with it—as well as his personal struggles with anxiety and addiction after his departure from the band.
For Maroon 5, fame came with a platinum debut record, jam sessions with Prince in his own living room, and encounters with celebrities such as Jessica Simpson, Justin Timberlake, John Mayer, and Bono. For Dusick, stardom came to an abrupt halt with the devastating loss of his ability to play drums due to chronic nerve damage.
Alongside Maroon 5’s story of camaraderie and pressure, Dusick interweaves his own narrative: a decade lost to liquor and antianxiety medication, his ferocious commitment to recovery, and his current perspective as a professional counselor. With a candor that will speak to anyone who has struggled with mental health, Harder to Breathe moves beyond celebrity to examine the nature of human heartbreak and resilience, and to buoy anyone currently facing similar challenges.
Ultimately, Harder to Breathe is a roller-coaster memoir about how making it to the top sent Dusick to the bottom—and how he let go of the past and embraced a new future, one breath at a time.
369 pages, Hardcover
Published November 15, 2022
6 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
November 26, 2022
Full disclosure - I worked with Maroon 5 at the beginning of their career. I was in the industry when Songs About Jane was released so I was really interested in reading this. I remember that first promo tour when the band came to our office to schmooze us and play. Ryan was our favorite. :)
I really enjoyed reading this and reliving Maroon 5's early years. The band worked really hard to achieve the success they have now. I appreciated Ryan's openness and honesty in writing about his mental health struggles and addiction. Yes, there's enough juicy backstage stuff in here to satisfy a Maroon 5 fan but there's also the hard stuff about addiction and recovery. Kudos to Ryan for coming through to the other side and still being cool.
I really enjoyed reading this and reliving Maroon 5's early years. The band worked really hard to achieve the success they have now. I appreciated Ryan's openness and honesty in writing about his mental health struggles and addiction. Yes, there's enough juicy backstage stuff in here to satisfy a Maroon 5 fan but there's also the hard stuff about addiction and recovery. Kudos to Ryan for coming through to the other side and still being cool.
November 25, 2022
Imagine that from the time you're a young teen, you work tirelessly towards one goal and just when that work not only begins to pay off but pay off in ways that far exceeds your wildest expectations, you are stricken down by physical pain and have to abandon your dream, then watch as continues to skyrocket on without you. This is the story of Ryan Dusick, the drummer who founded the band Maroon 5. Just when the band was breaking out with its funk-inspired, multiplatinum, Grammy Award-winning album Songs About Jane, Dusick was slowly sinking into physical disability caused by relentless touring and, apparently, his poor drumming technique.
Unable to drum due to shoulder damage, his bandmates, including frontman Adam Levine (whom Dusick essentially "discovered" when Levine was a pimply-faced 14-year-old with a high voice), give Dusick the bad news that he's out of the band. After all, they need a drummer who can play the drums.
Dusick then descends into years of emotional turmoil, drinking, benzoids, and self pity. You can't really blame him. I don't think too many people would be able to rise from the ashes of getting kicked out of the band he himself formed and then watch as it ascends into the kind of fame most bands can only fantasize about.
Dusick is an intelligent writer (he apparently wrote the book himself), and comes across as a good guy despite sometimes not acting as such. At his worst, he repeatedly cheats on his live-in girlfriend, Shantell. I would have liked to have heard more about her. She seems very much the reason he's even alive today but unfortunately she only comes across as the "woman who keeps staying with the cheater." (I'm sure there's more to her, we just don't really hear about it.)
Dusick goes to rehab and comes out a passionate acolyte of Alcoholic Anonymous and something called The Matrix in L.A. The last quarter of the book is filled with self-help jargon so it gets a bit flat at that point, but it is heartening to see that Dusick has moved on to find a fulfilling career that has nothing to do with the vagaries of rock stardom.
If you're a Maroon 5 fan, this is required reading. There is a lot about the founding of the band, its original incarnation as Kara's Flowers, its very slow, grinding journey to the top of the charts. (Adam Levine, despite Dusick's best efforts, still comes across as a bit of a d-bag.) If you're interested in the entertainment and music industries, also essential reading. Lots of really interesting stuff about both, as well as some fun anecdotes involving various celebs (Leo DiCaprio, John Mayer, Prince, etc).
Thank you so much to publisher, BenBella, NetGalley, and Ryan Dusick for this truly entertaining and insightful memoir. I just reviewed Harder to Breathe by Ryan Dusick. #HardertoBreathe #NetGalley
Unable to drum due to shoulder damage, his bandmates, including frontman Adam Levine (whom Dusick essentially "discovered" when Levine was a pimply-faced 14-year-old with a high voice), give Dusick the bad news that he's out of the band. After all, they need a drummer who can play the drums.
Dusick then descends into years of emotional turmoil, drinking, benzoids, and self pity. You can't really blame him. I don't think too many people would be able to rise from the ashes of getting kicked out of the band he himself formed and then watch as it ascends into the kind of fame most bands can only fantasize about.
Dusick is an intelligent writer (he apparently wrote the book himself), and comes across as a good guy despite sometimes not acting as such. At his worst, he repeatedly cheats on his live-in girlfriend, Shantell. I would have liked to have heard more about her. She seems very much the reason he's even alive today but unfortunately she only comes across as the "woman who keeps staying with the cheater." (I'm sure there's more to her, we just don't really hear about it.)
Dusick goes to rehab and comes out a passionate acolyte of Alcoholic Anonymous and something called The Matrix in L.A. The last quarter of the book is filled with self-help jargon so it gets a bit flat at that point, but it is heartening to see that Dusick has moved on to find a fulfilling career that has nothing to do with the vagaries of rock stardom.
If you're a Maroon 5 fan, this is required reading. There is a lot about the founding of the band, its original incarnation as Kara's Flowers, its very slow, grinding journey to the top of the charts. (Adam Levine, despite Dusick's best efforts, still comes across as a bit of a d-bag.) If you're interested in the entertainment and music industries, also essential reading. Lots of really interesting stuff about both, as well as some fun anecdotes involving various celebs (Leo DiCaprio, John Mayer, Prince, etc).
Thank you so much to publisher, BenBella, NetGalley, and Ryan Dusick for this truly entertaining and insightful memoir. I just reviewed Harder to Breathe by Ryan Dusick. #HardertoBreathe #NetGalley
September 23, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was hesitant to request this book because I'm not really into reading about how bands became famous. But something told me this would be worth reading. This book was actually very interesting and Ryan Dusick is such a good writer.
He tells his story with raw emotion and honesty. I admire him for putting his story out there.
I have a somewhat similar personality and could relate to how tough it is to adapt to change and not having "me time" as an introvert.
I'm so happy he found a career after he left the band.
I was hesitant to request this book because I'm not really into reading about how bands became famous. But something told me this would be worth reading. This book was actually very interesting and Ryan Dusick is such a good writer.
He tells his story with raw emotion and honesty. I admire him for putting his story out there.
I have a somewhat similar personality and could relate to how tough it is to adapt to change and not having "me time" as an introvert.
I'm so happy he found a career after he left the band.
February 14, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and HighBridge Audio for sending this audiobook for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Harder to Breathe is a memoir written by Ryan Dusick, the original drummer of the pop band Maroon 5. The story covers a number of decades beginning with a young boy and his friends that were so inspired by music and dreamt of making it big and continues on with a behind-the-scenes look at their seemingly rapid (though of course there was a lot of years and hard work leading up to it) rise to international stardom. We then hear about Ryan’s struggles to cope when a key component of his identity, the ability to play drums, is taken away from him.
I listened to an audio version of this book that was narrated by the author. This is my preferred way to “read” memoirs as I feel hearing the author verbalize their own experience adds that extra special something to the experience. I was impressed by Ryan’s narration and it was very easy to listen to - like listening to an honest and down to earth friend having a chat.
Ryan’s memoir covers some difficult topics, from anxiety and depression to substance abuse. I appreciated the candour at which these important mental health issues were discussed. Ryan also was very humble and honest about his own failings and mistakes along the way. I definitely got an appreciation for the desperate downward spiral that Ryan’s life took after he lost his dream and what he felt was the most important part of his identity.
I went into listening to this memoir with only a small knowledge of Maroon 5. I knew a few of their hits but not much more. It was interesting to learn more about the creative process involved in creating an album and the realities of life on the road during the long stretches of touring.
I’m happy that I listened to this memoir. It was inspiring and it also gave me a new appreciation for the art of drumming!
Harder to Breathe is a memoir written by Ryan Dusick, the original drummer of the pop band Maroon 5. The story covers a number of decades beginning with a young boy and his friends that were so inspired by music and dreamt of making it big and continues on with a behind-the-scenes look at their seemingly rapid (though of course there was a lot of years and hard work leading up to it) rise to international stardom. We then hear about Ryan’s struggles to cope when a key component of his identity, the ability to play drums, is taken away from him.
I listened to an audio version of this book that was narrated by the author. This is my preferred way to “read” memoirs as I feel hearing the author verbalize their own experience adds that extra special something to the experience. I was impressed by Ryan’s narration and it was very easy to listen to - like listening to an honest and down to earth friend having a chat.
Ryan’s memoir covers some difficult topics, from anxiety and depression to substance abuse. I appreciated the candour at which these important mental health issues were discussed. Ryan also was very humble and honest about his own failings and mistakes along the way. I definitely got an appreciation for the desperate downward spiral that Ryan’s life took after he lost his dream and what he felt was the most important part of his identity.
I went into listening to this memoir with only a small knowledge of Maroon 5. I knew a few of their hits but not much more. It was interesting to learn more about the creative process involved in creating an album and the realities of life on the road during the long stretches of touring.
I’m happy that I listened to this memoir. It was inspiring and it also gave me a new appreciation for the art of drumming!
April 11, 2023
Harder to Breathe A Memoir of Making Maroon 5, Losing It All, and Finding Recovery
by Ryan Dusick ryan_michael_dusick
<3 This memoir was so well done and the narration made a lengthy experience worth listening to. They will no doubt be some triggers, but I do wish more Men would be open to sharing their struggles with Mental Health and the disease of addiction. I learned of some new artists and it reminded of so many of my favorites. Despite the subject matter, I think there is something in here for everyone. <3
#NAMI #INNERCHILD #ADDICTION #SUPPORT #12STEPS #SERVICE #FELLOWTRAVELERS #THERAPY #EMPOWERMENT #NATURE #ExperienceStrengthHope #Sponsor #Anxiety #Depression #CBT #THOUGHTSTOP #OneDayAtATime #Forgiveness #Travel
#HardertoBreathe #NetGalley
In the nineties, Ryan Dusick and his friends Adam Levine and Jesse Carmichael dreamed about making it big . . . and against all odds, they did. This inside story recounts Maroon 5's founding and their road to becoming Grammy-winning megastars, told through the eyes of former drummer Ryan Dusick. He takes listeners behind the scenes of the band's meteoric rise to success—and the grueling demands that came with it—as well as his personal struggles with anxiety and addiction after his departure from the band.
For Maroon 5, fame came with a platinum debut record, jam sessions with Prince in his own living room, and encounters with celebrities such as Jessica Simpson, Justin Timberlake, John Mayer, and Bono. For Dusick, stardom came to an abrupt halt with the devastating loss of his ability to play drums due to chronic nerve damage.
Alongside Maroon 5's story of camaraderie and pressure, Dusick interweaves his own narrative: a decade lost to liquor and antianxiety medication, his ferocious commitment to recovery, and his current perspective as a professional counselor. With a candor that will speak to anyone who has struggled with mental health, Harder to Breathe moves beyond celebrity to examine the nature of human heartbreak and resilience, and to buoy anyone currently facing similar challenges.
by Ryan Dusick ryan_michael_dusick
<3 This memoir was so well done and the narration made a lengthy experience worth listening to. They will no doubt be some triggers, but I do wish more Men would be open to sharing their struggles with Mental Health and the disease of addiction. I learned of some new artists and it reminded of so many of my favorites. Despite the subject matter, I think there is something in here for everyone. <3
#NAMI #INNERCHILD #ADDICTION #SUPPORT #12STEPS #SERVICE #FELLOWTRAVELERS #THERAPY #EMPOWERMENT #NATURE #ExperienceStrengthHope #Sponsor #Anxiety #Depression #CBT #THOUGHTSTOP #OneDayAtATime #Forgiveness #Travel
#HardertoBreathe #NetGalley
In the nineties, Ryan Dusick and his friends Adam Levine and Jesse Carmichael dreamed about making it big . . . and against all odds, they did. This inside story recounts Maroon 5's founding and their road to becoming Grammy-winning megastars, told through the eyes of former drummer Ryan Dusick. He takes listeners behind the scenes of the band's meteoric rise to success—and the grueling demands that came with it—as well as his personal struggles with anxiety and addiction after his departure from the band.
For Maroon 5, fame came with a platinum debut record, jam sessions with Prince in his own living room, and encounters with celebrities such as Jessica Simpson, Justin Timberlake, John Mayer, and Bono. For Dusick, stardom came to an abrupt halt with the devastating loss of his ability to play drums due to chronic nerve damage.
Alongside Maroon 5's story of camaraderie and pressure, Dusick interweaves his own narrative: a decade lost to liquor and antianxiety medication, his ferocious commitment to recovery, and his current perspective as a professional counselor. With a candor that will speak to anyone who has struggled with mental health, Harder to Breathe moves beyond celebrity to examine the nature of human heartbreak and resilience, and to buoy anyone currently facing similar challenges.
February 23, 2023
Harder to Breath is an in depth book about the amazing band, Maroon 5. Written by their founding drummer and hugely foundational member, Ryan Dusick. Just a disclaimer, I have been a fan of Maroon 5 since I was a kid and Ryan was my favorite member until he left the band. Ryan takes us through the process of him organically meeting the other founding members of the band as kids, just hanging out and each having a love of music. This background made me love the band even more as they truly worked so hard to get where they are today. It was interesting to listen to the band history through the eyes of Ryan because he was struggling so much with his own health during their rise to fame and was very open and honest about what he went through and how he unfairly blamed the other band members when he was replaced. I think everyone has at one time been somewhere that they were unfairly removed from something or someone they loved due to circumstances out of their control. I found myself empathizing with Ryan at different parts of his journey and at the end just being so proud of the work he has done on himself and the place he is today. He is a great testimony that we all go through hard times but you will end up where you are supposed to in the end. He said something that has stuck with me in this book “To get through anxiety, you have to go through it” which means you have to actually confront the issues and go through the work to make yourself better. The book was narrated by Ryan and he did a great job and had a pleasing voice to listen to.
June 3, 2023
"Harder to Breathe" is an extraordinary memoir by Ryan Dusick. It features the story of his life as the founding drummer of Maroon 5 and his transformation into a passionate mental health advocate.
What sets "Harder to Breathe" apart is Ryan’s distinctive blend of heartfelt vulnerability and introspection - and lighthearted humor. It’s a well-paced and accessible read for anyone! I really enjoyed the fun moments and intimate details where Ryan recounts the early days of Maroon 5 and their rise to stardom. But this book is so much more than a making-of-the-band memoir; it delves into the human experience and the profound impact being a touring musician can have on one's mental health. What I love most about this book, is Ryan doesn't shy away from sharing his own battles with anxiety and self-doubt. His willingness to lay bare his innermost struggles is inspiring, as it encourages readers to confront their own demons and embrace the journey of healing. Even in the darkest moments, Ryan’s wit and self-deprecating charm infuse the narrative with refreshing authenticity. The book is a testament to his resilience, reminding us that it's possible to find hope even when the world feels heavy.
Through his courage and openness, Ryan reminds us that no matter how difficult life may seem, there is always hope and the potential for positive change. This book is a must-read for Maroon 5 fans as well as those new to his story - in fact anyone seeking solace, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of the human spirit.
What sets "Harder to Breathe" apart is Ryan’s distinctive blend of heartfelt vulnerability and introspection - and lighthearted humor. It’s a well-paced and accessible read for anyone! I really enjoyed the fun moments and intimate details where Ryan recounts the early days of Maroon 5 and their rise to stardom. But this book is so much more than a making-of-the-band memoir; it delves into the human experience and the profound impact being a touring musician can have on one's mental health. What I love most about this book, is Ryan doesn't shy away from sharing his own battles with anxiety and self-doubt. His willingness to lay bare his innermost struggles is inspiring, as it encourages readers to confront their own demons and embrace the journey of healing. Even in the darkest moments, Ryan’s wit and self-deprecating charm infuse the narrative with refreshing authenticity. The book is a testament to his resilience, reminding us that it's possible to find hope even when the world feels heavy.
Through his courage and openness, Ryan reminds us that no matter how difficult life may seem, there is always hope and the potential for positive change. This book is a must-read for Maroon 5 fans as well as those new to his story - in fact anyone seeking solace, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of the human spirit.
March 21, 2023
Just read this, or rather listened to the audiobook on a road trip to Florida and back from Canada. It was fantastic. Felt like Ryan was right there beside me telling me the personal details of the story of the band and his life, laughing at the funny bits but giving such detail that his struggles are completely understandable.
When I first bought the book I thought I’d relate to him but as it turned out, I’m actually a lot like his Dad. And this helped me understand my son a little more and how I might need to let him struggle a bit rather than always jumping in to make things better. My son is a young athlete trying to get a scholarship and there’s tremendous pressure. At times he suffers from anxiety like Ryan did at that age and I can see that he needs to learn coping skills. Ryan is a great author but also personally narrates the audio version which makes it a little more authentic. Whether you’re looking for a book about a bands struggle to make it big or the incredible personal journey of a man who struggled you will find something valuable in this read. I recommend this book to anyone.
When I first bought the book I thought I’d relate to him but as it turned out, I’m actually a lot like his Dad. And this helped me understand my son a little more and how I might need to let him struggle a bit rather than always jumping in to make things better. My son is a young athlete trying to get a scholarship and there’s tremendous pressure. At times he suffers from anxiety like Ryan did at that age and I can see that he needs to learn coping skills. Ryan is a great author but also personally narrates the audio version which makes it a little more authentic. Whether you’re looking for a book about a bands struggle to make it big or the incredible personal journey of a man who struggled you will find something valuable in this read. I recommend this book to anyone.
February 17, 2023
I remember being a teenager and attending a Maroon 5 concert at the local college. They were just starting to be a big name and we just knew they had something special. Being able to reconnect my memories to the story told in this book was wonderful. I enjoyed learning about their humble beginnings as a bunch of nutty teens looking to have some fun. The rollercoaster that Ryan went through until his moment of stepping away seemed difficult. I commend him for making it out with so much growth as a person.
I would have preferred more about Ryan’s life post Maroon 5. His struggles through sobriety and lessons learned were the most inspiring parts of this book. Overall, if you’re a fan, give this one a listen!
Thank you NetGalley, HighBridge Audio, and author Ryan Dusick for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. "Harder to Breathe" audiobook is expected to be published Feburary 21, 2023!
I would have preferred more about Ryan’s life post Maroon 5. His struggles through sobriety and lessons learned were the most inspiring parts of this book. Overall, if you’re a fan, give this one a listen!
Thank you NetGalley, HighBridge Audio, and author Ryan Dusick for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. "Harder to Breathe" audiobook is expected to be published Feburary 21, 2023!
August 20, 2023
This is such a great book for everyone- especially Maroon 5 fans, anyone who wants to know what life is like for someone in a band, and in particular, for anyone who has a person in their life with addiction or sobriety. Ryan’s excellent writing style is a nod to his UCLA degree in English, I loved his honesty, raw vulnerability, humbleness, story telling ability and genuine passion. His is a wonderful story that gives hope, optimism, an example of how hard life is; and especially that you can’t judge a book by its cover or assume you know what any person is goi g through. I loved this book, and thank you Ryan for your commitment to helping others live better lives.
April 26, 2024
I have loved Maroon 5 since I was a little kid and never knew why their original drummer left. Reading this book was so emotional and inspiring. As a musician, I could not fathom the feeling of being told I could not perform, I literally don’t know what I would do. This was a great read and once again super inspiring and motivating. Would highly recommend to anyone trying to make it in the music industry and anyone struggling with mental health, addiction, etc.
March 6, 2023
I could not put this book down. Always a Maroon 5 fan, and always wondered what happened to Ryan. I have read many memoirs, and just because you can tell your story does not make you an author-this guy is the real deal. His writing style is so conversational, and really reels you in. I also could relate to so much of his struggles. I definitely recommend this read.
March 12, 2024
This captivating book is a beautiful portrayal of loss, grief, resilience, and creating meaning. It’s also a fascinating behind-the-scenes look into the music industry and the pressures facing artists.
September 24, 2025
I'm a psychologist and work with things like performance anxiety and OCD. The most important thing is that clients found it useful. Would definitely recommend for musicians who might need to hear that other performers, even those at an incredibly high caliber, experience these things too.
March 22, 2024
An interesting book with good backstory for M5 fans.
January 2, 2025
Great insight into Maroon 5 and life of a musician
December 27, 2025
A great memoir.
March 13, 2023
I like Maroon5 in the way that I’m always happy when a song of theirs comes on but don’t know much about them at all. It was a lot of fun to learn about the band’s beginnings. As the band was hitting it big, Ryan started had to leave the band due to nerve issues and to deal with addiction, and I always find these stories interesting and important.
I found this book so interesting and I am shocked that it’s not bigger than it is. The tone of this book is the only thing that kept it from being 5 ⭐️ for me. Ryan is a therapist now and I feel like a lot of his story was told with a tone that made it seem too polished or like he’d analyzed it so much that it took the reader out of the story and made it a little less propulsive than I thought the content lent to.
The audiobook was read by the author and he did a great job.
I’d definitely recommend this, especially to people who are Maroon5 fans.
*Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an Advanced Listeners Copy in exchange for my honest review.
I found this book so interesting and I am shocked that it’s not bigger than it is. The tone of this book is the only thing that kept it from being 5 ⭐️ for me. Ryan is a therapist now and I feel like a lot of his story was told with a tone that made it seem too polished or like he’d analyzed it so much that it took the reader out of the story and made it a little less propulsive than I thought the content lent to.
The audiobook was read by the author and he did a great job.
I’d definitely recommend this, especially to people who are Maroon5 fans.
*Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an Advanced Listeners Copy in exchange for my honest review.
May 6, 2023
Harder to Breathe is the autobiography of the former founding drummer of Maroon 5, Ryan Dusick. This is a must read for any fan of the band. The book starts out with how he was asked to leave the band after a year and a half of shoulder problems caused by improper drumming techniques and nerve damage. He then dives into his childhood, growing up in Los Angeles, playing and having a passion for baseball. He then went to the prestigious Brentwood school, where he met the other members of Maroon 5, Adam Levine, Jesse Carmichael and Mickey Madden where they formed their first band, Kara's Flowers. Kara's Flowers had a little bit of success with a record deal and a cameo on Beverly Hills 90210 but then fizzled out.
Like many bands, fame was not overnight and they spent years touring all over the country and a name change (from Kara Flower's to Maroon 5) until they had success with their first hit in 2003, "Harder to Breathe". Dusick deep dives into the beginning of their stardom and gives you a backstage pass into the craziness of celebrity life and life on tour. I felt like I was transported back to that time in the early aughts and enjoyed hearing about the parties they attended and the celebrities they met. (There's a funny story about Leonardo DiCaprio). One of their first major tours was with Matchbox 20 in 2003. I saw them in concert that year and enjoyed hearing about life on the road and how kind and generous Rob Thomas (lead singer of Matchbox 20) was to the band.
Years of touring and appearing on talk shows, along with pitching in high school caused nerve damage to his right shoulder and it was getting impossible to even lift a drumstick. Just as he was getting to enjoy the fruits of his labor of 10 years of ups and downs, he was asked to leave the band. They had already secured a new drummer, Matt Flynn, that is with the band to this day. Now with money to spend and no responsibilities, Dusick drank his troubles away. This started a 10 year descent into alcohol, antianxiety medication and benzodiazepines.
During this time, he had an on and off girlfriend, Shantell. She was with him before his stardom, during and after. Besides his parents, she was the steady rock that kept him grounded during his celebrity and offered emotional support during his addiction.
The second half of the book deals with his addiction and his recovery. I have read many celebrity autobiographies and the part about the addiction is always the toughest to get through. The addiction takes over their entire life until they hit rock bottom and realize they have to get clean or else. Dusick eventually did get clean and went on to get his Masters from Pepperdine University and is currently a marriage and family therapist.
This was a very well written book. Dusick (when Kara's Flowers was a break) earned his English degree from UCLA. I was sad when he left the band and wondered what happened to him from time to time, if he was still in the music business.
This is a must read for anyone who is a fan of Maroon 5, rock autobiographies or have struggled with substance abuse.
Like many bands, fame was not overnight and they spent years touring all over the country and a name change (from Kara Flower's to Maroon 5) until they had success with their first hit in 2003, "Harder to Breathe". Dusick deep dives into the beginning of their stardom and gives you a backstage pass into the craziness of celebrity life and life on tour. I felt like I was transported back to that time in the early aughts and enjoyed hearing about the parties they attended and the celebrities they met. (There's a funny story about Leonardo DiCaprio). One of their first major tours was with Matchbox 20 in 2003. I saw them in concert that year and enjoyed hearing about life on the road and how kind and generous Rob Thomas (lead singer of Matchbox 20) was to the band.
Years of touring and appearing on talk shows, along with pitching in high school caused nerve damage to his right shoulder and it was getting impossible to even lift a drumstick. Just as he was getting to enjoy the fruits of his labor of 10 years of ups and downs, he was asked to leave the band. They had already secured a new drummer, Matt Flynn, that is with the band to this day. Now with money to spend and no responsibilities, Dusick drank his troubles away. This started a 10 year descent into alcohol, antianxiety medication and benzodiazepines.
During this time, he had an on and off girlfriend, Shantell. She was with him before his stardom, during and after. Besides his parents, she was the steady rock that kept him grounded during his celebrity and offered emotional support during his addiction.
The second half of the book deals with his addiction and his recovery. I have read many celebrity autobiographies and the part about the addiction is always the toughest to get through. The addiction takes over their entire life until they hit rock bottom and realize they have to get clean or else. Dusick eventually did get clean and went on to get his Masters from Pepperdine University and is currently a marriage and family therapist.
This was a very well written book. Dusick (when Kara's Flowers was a break) earned his English degree from UCLA. I was sad when he left the band and wondered what happened to him from time to time, if he was still in the music business.
This is a must read for anyone who is a fan of Maroon 5, rock autobiographies or have struggled with substance abuse.
November 13, 2024
Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for a free digital copy in exchange for my honest rating and review.
This book was so interesting. It was fun to hear about the early high school days of the members of Maroon 5 and see how they grew into the people they are today. I would’ve liked to know more about Ryan’s life post Maroon 5, but it’s inspiring to hear he’s doing as well as he is! I’m rooting for him!!
This book was so interesting. It was fun to hear about the early high school days of the members of Maroon 5 and see how they grew into the people they are today. I would’ve liked to know more about Ryan’s life post Maroon 5, but it’s inspiring to hear he’s doing as well as he is! I’m rooting for him!!
April 8, 2025
This is a very honest book that was also a quick and engaging read. I was fascinated by the deep look into the origins of Kara’s Flowers and Maroon 5 as well as Dusick’s role in all of it. I do feel like Dusick’s recovery and the story of his days with Maroon 5 may have been better off getting their own focus in two separate books, but the combination of both stories still makes for a fantastic read.
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