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My Appetite for Destruction: Sex, and Drugs, and Guns N’ Roses
From Steven Adler, the original drummer for Guns N’ Roses, comes My Appetite for Destruction, the inside story of GNR. Offering a different perspective from the bestselling Slash, Adler chronicles his life with the band, and own intense struggle with addiction, as seen on Dr. Drew’s Celebrity Rehab and Sober House .
286 pages, Hardcover
First published July 27, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 403 reviews
July 22, 2012
As a huge Guns and Roses fan, I was really looking forward to this book. Having read other rock memoirs, such as Nikki Sixx's Herion Diaries, I wasn't expecting much, but I did expect some good stories and some understanding of exactly what lead to the breakup of Guns and Roses.
I really got neither. I stuck through to the end but I kept looking for an excuse to stop. There was just enough history sprinkled throughout that I kept looking for more, but now that I'm done, most of what I learned could have been summarized in a chapter. Most of the rest wasn't worth my time and I'm kind of embarrassed I stuck with it.
The biggest problem is that it's not well written. Some of that is Adler's fault -- he's just not a very good storyteller and gets sidetracked on tangents that he finds interesting but don't contribute to the story. However, a good writer and editor could make better work of the mess that's in this book. Too many details are brought up that don't have a good story to go along with it and don't contribute to the overall story. For instance, there's a throwaway paragraph midway through the book that talks about "The Naked Skydivers from Hell". At some point, Adler and friends got naked and jumped from some hotel balconies into a pool. That's about all that's mentioned about the Naked Skydivers. There's no interesting or funny story to go with it, and it has absolutely no impact on his life at all. It comes up one other time in the story as a side mention that all of them were attending the same event -- again, I have no idea who was in this group other than Adler. A competent editor would have either pressed Adler for more details -- how was this important to you? What did the Naked Skydivers do? Was it a one time thing? -- or would have left it out entirely.
Nikki Sixx's Diaries weren't the highlight of good writing, but they still painted a compelling story of addiction and allows you to get inside the mind of an addict. Sixx isn't a great writer, but he's not a bad one and he knows how to tell a good story. It's relevant in this review because parts of Adler's story intersect with Sixx's. However, in Adler's account, I never get the idea of what makes an addict behave the way he does. I'm not even sure that Adler knows or thinks hard enough about it to understand.
In fact, his whole story shows a distinct lack of understanding of what's going on around him. He does what he wants, regardless of the consequences, and wonders why he keeps having "bad luck". He blames everyone but himself and actively works against those who love him and want to help him. In the end, he's not a very sympathetic character and that's pretty amazing considering this is his side of the story. There's little insight here, poor writing, poor storytelling, poor editing, and barely enough content to keep you going.
I really got neither. I stuck through to the end but I kept looking for an excuse to stop. There was just enough history sprinkled throughout that I kept looking for more, but now that I'm done, most of what I learned could have been summarized in a chapter. Most of the rest wasn't worth my time and I'm kind of embarrassed I stuck with it.
The biggest problem is that it's not well written. Some of that is Adler's fault -- he's just not a very good storyteller and gets sidetracked on tangents that he finds interesting but don't contribute to the story. However, a good writer and editor could make better work of the mess that's in this book. Too many details are brought up that don't have a good story to go along with it and don't contribute to the overall story. For instance, there's a throwaway paragraph midway through the book that talks about "The Naked Skydivers from Hell". At some point, Adler and friends got naked and jumped from some hotel balconies into a pool. That's about all that's mentioned about the Naked Skydivers. There's no interesting or funny story to go with it, and it has absolutely no impact on his life at all. It comes up one other time in the story as a side mention that all of them were attending the same event -- again, I have no idea who was in this group other than Adler. A competent editor would have either pressed Adler for more details -- how was this important to you? What did the Naked Skydivers do? Was it a one time thing? -- or would have left it out entirely.
Nikki Sixx's Diaries weren't the highlight of good writing, but they still painted a compelling story of addiction and allows you to get inside the mind of an addict. Sixx isn't a great writer, but he's not a bad one and he knows how to tell a good story. It's relevant in this review because parts of Adler's story intersect with Sixx's. However, in Adler's account, I never get the idea of what makes an addict behave the way he does. I'm not even sure that Adler knows or thinks hard enough about it to understand.
In fact, his whole story shows a distinct lack of understanding of what's going on around him. He does what he wants, regardless of the consequences, and wonders why he keeps having "bad luck". He blames everyone but himself and actively works against those who love him and want to help him. In the end, he's not a very sympathetic character and that's pretty amazing considering this is his side of the story. There's little insight here, poor writing, poor storytelling, poor editing, and barely enough content to keep you going.
July 6, 2017
The great thing about Steven's book was that he wrote about some things from the band’s history that Duff nor Slash didn’t write about. Like that part about Ritz ‘88 which was actually one of their best performances ever. Did you know they performed 30 minutes late because Axl refused to come on because he couldn’t find a friggin’ bandanna? Or about how they shot the video for Patience? What about that time they shot a cameo for The Dead Pool, and on the day they were going to film the second scene they were in, Steven was in the hospital and Axl was right there the whole time waiting for him to wake up?
It was exciting reading about things from his perspective. I wanted to read about his side about how he got fired from the band and the lawsuits and stuff, and there really were a lot of stuff I didn't know about him yet. Drummers tend to get overlooked and for a fangirl like me, I do like having my own dose of research when it comes to every member of the band. Steven’s just the lovable, adorable, carefree member of the band. He’s like the cute Beatle of Guns N’ Roses. It was fun reading about his experiences, some of them hilarious like that one time Axl kicked him in the balls for no reason. Although his book was by no means "inspirational", at least it was honest. At least he didn't try to play the nice guy and he wrote about how he truly felt. Yes, he was an asshole. But at least he knew he was an asshole and that he didn't try to deny it. And who are we kidding? All five Guns N' Roses members were assholes in their own way anyway.
It was exciting reading about things from his perspective. I wanted to read about his side about how he got fired from the band and the lawsuits and stuff, and there really were a lot of stuff I didn't know about him yet. Drummers tend to get overlooked and for a fangirl like me, I do like having my own dose of research when it comes to every member of the band. Steven’s just the lovable, adorable, carefree member of the band. He’s like the cute Beatle of Guns N’ Roses. It was fun reading about his experiences, some of them hilarious like that one time Axl kicked him in the balls for no reason. Although his book was by no means "inspirational", at least it was honest. At least he didn't try to play the nice guy and he wrote about how he truly felt. Yes, he was an asshole. But at least he knew he was an asshole and that he didn't try to deny it. And who are we kidding? All five Guns N' Roses members were assholes in their own way anyway.
May 28, 2013
I had no opinion of Steven Adler before reading this book. Now that I've read it, I think he's a self-centered, misogynistic asshole who feels sorry for himself.
January 18, 2016
I am torn on this one. Just like Steven Adler, I too have a horrible addiction. I am addicted to trashy rock star biographies. There, it is out in the open. I almost always give them horrible reviews, but what do I expect? I hardly ever read them for their Pulitzer prose. I always feel horrible and dirty after I read it, (like Purell on my eyeballs dirty) But, I will always pick one up when I see one. It is my own fault.
The lesson? Steven Adler is a horrible person. I have to give him an extra star for not wanting to hide this fact. He is a vapid, empty human. He treats women in this book like objects to be conquered. He almost always prefaces his interaction with them as "this smokin hot chick once..." and then fill in the debauchery from there. Adler is almost like a real live Forrest Gump. He is just floating his way through life and history, without a clue. Most of his folksy wisdom begins and ends with an "F" bomb, with no substance. I don't know how I have missed out on Adler on Celebrity Rehab. However, I don't think it would change my perception of him. This guy would steal drugs from a zoo if he could get his hands on them. And in the process, he would not care that he was being trampled by the elephant and eaten by the tigers. His self destruction never seems to phase him. Even now he almost seems to glorify the drug life and wistfully dream of it to return. I hope he proves the world wrong, but this guy is almost a sure bet for someones "ghoul pool."
I feel his pain however. I will say this is my last rock star biography, but, like Adler,I am already setting myself up for failure; I just downloaded Duff Mckagan's book. Crap.
The lesson? Steven Adler is a horrible person. I have to give him an extra star for not wanting to hide this fact. He is a vapid, empty human. He treats women in this book like objects to be conquered. He almost always prefaces his interaction with them as "this smokin hot chick once..." and then fill in the debauchery from there. Adler is almost like a real live Forrest Gump. He is just floating his way through life and history, without a clue. Most of his folksy wisdom begins and ends with an "F" bomb, with no substance. I don't know how I have missed out on Adler on Celebrity Rehab. However, I don't think it would change my perception of him. This guy would steal drugs from a zoo if he could get his hands on them. And in the process, he would not care that he was being trampled by the elephant and eaten by the tigers. His self destruction never seems to phase him. Even now he almost seems to glorify the drug life and wistfully dream of it to return. I hope he proves the world wrong, but this guy is almost a sure bet for someones "ghoul pool."
I feel his pain however. I will say this is my last rock star biography, but, like Adler,I am already setting myself up for failure; I just downloaded Duff Mckagan's book. Crap.
January 17, 2011
Steven Adler certainly has experienced a rough life of the cliche world of sex, drugs and rock & roll. The question that I have to ask is why write a book about it? Not a single event in his life was without remarking about the glory of finding a fix, or retelling in crude detail his sexual exploits with women along the way. Not only was his stories quite juvenile, but there was a conflict between the two Adler's, one a drug addict, the other sober but reliving the days of getting high as something to worship and admire. Adler retold his past, every single second of it, down to details that should have been left to the imagination, and in those details, he seemed to remember all too fondly his days of using drugs, and retold his reckless antics and often odd behavior as a punchline to a hidden joke that could not possibly ever be amusing for the reader, even if they are a huge GNR fan.
Adler certainly did little justice for himself in writing this memoir, nor respect anyone he met along the way, crudely exposing the skeletons in their closet for all to realize with no favor of respect to let them be the ones to air their own dirty laundry. It seems Adler's appetite for destruction has yet to be satisfied. This memoir summarized an immature man who had an excuse for everything, a heavy grudge, ultimately glorifying the days of reckless sex and indulging in drugs to the point he spoke more affectionately of those than he did his own friends and family.
Adler certainly did little justice for himself in writing this memoir, nor respect anyone he met along the way, crudely exposing the skeletons in their closet for all to realize with no favor of respect to let them be the ones to air their own dirty laundry. It seems Adler's appetite for destruction has yet to be satisfied. This memoir summarized an immature man who had an excuse for everything, a heavy grudge, ultimately glorifying the days of reckless sex and indulging in drugs to the point he spoke more affectionately of those than he did his own friends and family.
March 30, 2020
This is a real rock'n'roller autobiography that fulfills every related stereotype you might have, when it comes to superstar musicians and their biographies. Because, on both accounts, it's hard-core as they get. Nothing is held back and, I must say, it's eye opening. At least in my personal case. From this particular band, some of the members that I always took for biggest coolers actually turn out to be the shittiest assholes. Guess who that might be or read the book.
November 14, 2011
I've read enough rock bios to know that when you've truly embraced a sober lifestyle, you stop blaming other people for your problems and you stop making excuses for your past. I'd like to read the sequel if Adler can ever find that place of peace, because there is no excuse for this piece of garbage.
If there's anyone who is a worse writer than Adler, it's his ghost writer, who couldn't find a way to make this dribble tolerable.
If there's anyone who is a worse writer than Adler, it's his ghost writer, who couldn't find a way to make this dribble tolerable.
January 27, 2012
Former Guns and Roses drummer Steven Adlers' memoir begins like a carbon copy of all other rock star biographies. Born in the mid-west - Check. Troubled child hood - check. Moving out to LA based on happenstance - check. Famous folks drifting in and out of their lives - check. Wild groupies - Check and finally success. It's when success hits that Adlers tale take a decidedly more sinister turn.
Unlike Adlers' 80s metal contemporary Nikki Sixx in Adler never has a break. His near death experiences never snap him back to reality. He has people who try to help him, but unlike Sixx, those that attempt are often misguided or are even addicts themselves. No one puts their foot down, there are no ultimatums. Adlers journey is angry and painful. His pain, both physical and mental, can be quite graphic at certain times. However, his memory does become extremely sketchy in spots, especially at the height of his addiction, which is to be expected.
Adler does have some great stories, especially surrounding those murky, shadowy days during Guns and Roses' formation. But for all the fun of the first two thirds of the book, the last third is extremely hard to read. His decent into addiction is tragic and the rebirth comes far too late to give any sense of satisfaction and only a modicum of hope. That being said, Adler is a really likable guy, so you want to root for him. Here's to hoping the next book is all about celebrating his success and sobriety.
Unlike Adlers' 80s metal contemporary Nikki Sixx in Adler never has a break. His near death experiences never snap him back to reality. He has people who try to help him, but unlike Sixx, those that attempt are often misguided or are even addicts themselves. No one puts their foot down, there are no ultimatums. Adlers journey is angry and painful. His pain, both physical and mental, can be quite graphic at certain times. However, his memory does become extremely sketchy in spots, especially at the height of his addiction, which is to be expected.
Adler does have some great stories, especially surrounding those murky, shadowy days during Guns and Roses' formation. But for all the fun of the first two thirds of the book, the last third is extremely hard to read. His decent into addiction is tragic and the rebirth comes far too late to give any sense of satisfaction and only a modicum of hope. That being said, Adler is a really likable guy, so you want to root for him. Here's to hoping the next book is all about celebrating his success and sobriety.
January 2, 2016
Complete waste of time as was Steven Adler's life apparently.
This book taught me nothing and generated ZERO sympathy for the way Steven left the band.
A book of whining and WHY ME? Seriously? Had it made and pissed it away being stupid..
If less than one star were available..
This book taught me nothing and generated ZERO sympathy for the way Steven left the band.
A book of whining and WHY ME? Seriously? Had it made and pissed it away being stupid..
If less than one star were available..
November 11, 2011
I’m a huge fan of Guns N’ Roses, so I’ve read my fair share of biographies about them. After reading the band’s ex-guitarist, Slash’s autobiography, I was more than a bit dubious about picking up ex-drummer Steven Adler’s book. After all, he is the one that has the severest drug problems, and probably has the worst memory of all the band members. However, although I was far from blown away by this autobiography, I did end up enjoying it more than I thought I was going to.
Alder starts the story at his childhood, and quickly sets the tone for the rest of the book - whining, moaning, and a whole heap of blaming others for his own mistakes. He is someone that seems to have an excuse for every bad choice he makes, and is convinced that everyone but himself is to blame for his life has turning out the way it has. Although this sort of attitude is okay for a teenager, on a 40+ year-old man, it just seems pathetic.
I also wasn’t a huge fan of a lot of the anecdotes Adler chose to share with his readers. They seemed random and many of them were pointless to the progression of his life, so I couldn’t understand why he felt the need to keep them in the book. Adler is a recovered drug addict, but you couldn’t tell from reading this book - the many ways he glorifies drug-use is mind-boggling. Instead of facing up to his problems, Adler seems to have deluded himself into a false sense of security, and reading this book, I feel that it is only a matter of time before he falls off the wagon.
For all these flaws though, I did find myself enjoying this book. It was a quick read and, I will admit, some of the stories Adler shared were very entertaining. Overall though, unless you’re a die-hard Guns N’ Roses fan, stay away from this book. There are many more rock biographies on shelfs that don’t smack of desperation, whining and pathetic attempts to relive the ‘glory days’.
Alder starts the story at his childhood, and quickly sets the tone for the rest of the book - whining, moaning, and a whole heap of blaming others for his own mistakes. He is someone that seems to have an excuse for every bad choice he makes, and is convinced that everyone but himself is to blame for his life has turning out the way it has. Although this sort of attitude is okay for a teenager, on a 40+ year-old man, it just seems pathetic.
I also wasn’t a huge fan of a lot of the anecdotes Adler chose to share with his readers. They seemed random and many of them were pointless to the progression of his life, so I couldn’t understand why he felt the need to keep them in the book. Adler is a recovered drug addict, but you couldn’t tell from reading this book - the many ways he glorifies drug-use is mind-boggling. Instead of facing up to his problems, Adler seems to have deluded himself into a false sense of security, and reading this book, I feel that it is only a matter of time before he falls off the wagon.
For all these flaws though, I did find myself enjoying this book. It was a quick read and, I will admit, some of the stories Adler shared were very entertaining. Overall though, unless you’re a die-hard Guns N’ Roses fan, stay away from this book. There are many more rock biographies on shelfs that don’t smack of desperation, whining and pathetic attempts to relive the ‘glory days’.
October 19, 2010
I've got to admit when I saw this book offered on my library's e-book list I jumped at the chance to download it. Not because I was a big Guns N Roses fan growing up, I barely listened to the band and if I did it was only to hear their most famous songs at the time. No, the reason I wanted to read it was because I watched Steven Adler's struggle with addiction on Celebrity Rehab. While I wanted this to be one of those books I just devour (no pun intended) I was suprised at how apathetic I was to his life and struggle. I think I've narrowed it down to the fact that when he tells a story of something going wrong it's because he chalks it up to his crappy luck. In every story he comes out as the one that was wronged. Yes, he knows that he did wrong but really their wrong was worse than his. Or so he would like to believe. I'd love to see him finally battle his addiction but he even says that he's now clean and sober not because he truly wants to be but because if he messes up he's looking at mandatory jail. If you're looking for a book that is literally about sex, drugs and rock and roll this is for you.
September 25, 2013
I was never a fan of GNR but was attracted to the seemingly genuine person Steven Adler could be when he wasn't high on the Celebrity Rehab show. He was always there for his mates and seemed to care deeply about their sobriety. He has relapsed several times....addiction is a life long illness....and he has lost his health, sanity, career (which he is hard at work resurrecting..a talented drummer!) and has a beautiful wife that must have went through hell and back with him. I thought his book was one of those "let me tell you the facts before Axl and Slash tell you their versions" but I was happy to see that he took ownership of all his screw ups and gave kudos where they were earned.
I am not huge on rock and roll tell-alls, but this book read quickly and was hard to put down. Both funny and sad at times, I enjoyed it. Complete with pictures. It truly exemplifies a life that could have gone much further.....and may yet.
I am not huge on rock and roll tell-alls, but this book read quickly and was hard to put down. Both funny and sad at times, I enjoyed it. Complete with pictures. It truly exemplifies a life that could have gone much further.....and may yet.
June 18, 2020
A lot of GnR fans of the teen/young adult female variety I tend to see describe Adler as a puppy and honestly, sometimes I feel the same, he says he makes friends easily and he is almost always smiling and I want to support him and hope he doesn't relapse even though there is just a horrible suspicion he may never fully recover from his addictions. The thing is, this book makes Adler seem like a comple narcissist who glorifies his drug use and objectification of women and luckily my love for the band pushed me through this book and I'm excited to read the other member's perspective of a lot of these events and their interpretations of driving Adler out of the band because I'm not entirely sold on Adler's take.
January 12, 2016
A fascinating read, however Steve Adler does appear to be a giant douche bag.
February 7, 2017
Oh, Steven. Steven, Steven, Steven. It's so nice to see this guy doing well. I was a Guns 'N' Roses fan in a big way after hearing Appetite For Destruction. Such a breath of fresh air. It was a rock 'n' roll record in a great big sea of not rock 'n' roll. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that is thee rock 'n' roll record of my generation. I mean, most of my favorite LP's came out in the 70's, for the most part. Aerosmith, AC/DC, Zeppelin and so on. When Appetite came out, nobody was playing that kind of music. I mean, some were close, but no cigar. It was like buying Rocks or Powerage when they were actually released. I felt a special love and kinship with Guns 'N' Roses because they were a rock band, first and foremost.
When they booted Adler, I don't remember thinking much about it, except they better find a good drummer to replace him. They did and released two albums that would have made one good album (Use Your Illusion) and Adler faded into drug addled semi obscurity. As "things came out" and more members got the boot, I developed sympathy for Adler and felt like he got a raw deal.
Then I saw him on Celebrity Rehab and I was shocked. "That poor son of a bitch," I thought as I ate my dinner and watched Dr. Drew and friends try to save the day.
This is a good read, an entertaining book and a fairly perfect addict testimonial. Adler is forthcoming about all the stupid, lame, hurtful, sexist, violent, self destructive, ridiculous crap he got up to. He even goes so far as to say it right up front; here's the painful truth. Ultimately, in many ways, it's enlightening.
My thing is, I end up identifying with these rockers. I'm a musician, I've been in bands. I think that's why I read bio after bio, soaking up the stories and lore. Adler's first concert was KISS. My first record was Destroyer. So I feel sympathy for the guy. A connection.
Then he goes and spouts some nonsense about "getting tail" and whatnot. Maybe it's because I was raised by my mother but the sexism of the 80's rock scene always made me uncomfortable. It's not just Adler; it seems that every rocker felt like women were for fun, from the Beatles to the advent of AIDS. I have to wonder, though, were I in their shoes, how would I behave? Women throwing themselves at you constantly might alter your point of view.
And, Steven; Gremlins are beautiful.
My Appetite For Destruction is packed with good stories, as one might expect. Oddly enough, one of my favorites is that Adler was friends with Curly's (Three Stooges) granddaughter. It's an insight into a huge band and it makes me want to read Slash's and Duff's bios as soon as possible. I also just picked up a reissue of Appetite For Destruction and have been loving it. I should never have sold my original LP with the Robert Williams art! At least it was for rent, not drugs, eh?
Steven Adler nearly destroyed himself and had plenty of help along the way. I'm happy for him that he's alive and well, fighting the good fight. That might sound overly cheesy and ridiculous but it's the truth. I'm happy Steven Adler is (as of the publication of this book) doing well. He deserves it.
Good book, good read.
When they booted Adler, I don't remember thinking much about it, except they better find a good drummer to replace him. They did and released two albums that would have made one good album (Use Your Illusion) and Adler faded into drug addled semi obscurity. As "things came out" and more members got the boot, I developed sympathy for Adler and felt like he got a raw deal.
Then I saw him on Celebrity Rehab and I was shocked. "That poor son of a bitch," I thought as I ate my dinner and watched Dr. Drew and friends try to save the day.
This is a good read, an entertaining book and a fairly perfect addict testimonial. Adler is forthcoming about all the stupid, lame, hurtful, sexist, violent, self destructive, ridiculous crap he got up to. He even goes so far as to say it right up front; here's the painful truth. Ultimately, in many ways, it's enlightening.
My thing is, I end up identifying with these rockers. I'm a musician, I've been in bands. I think that's why I read bio after bio, soaking up the stories and lore. Adler's first concert was KISS. My first record was Destroyer. So I feel sympathy for the guy. A connection.
Then he goes and spouts some nonsense about "getting tail" and whatnot. Maybe it's because I was raised by my mother but the sexism of the 80's rock scene always made me uncomfortable. It's not just Adler; it seems that every rocker felt like women were for fun, from the Beatles to the advent of AIDS. I have to wonder, though, were I in their shoes, how would I behave? Women throwing themselves at you constantly might alter your point of view.
And, Steven; Gremlins are beautiful.
My Appetite For Destruction is packed with good stories, as one might expect. Oddly enough, one of my favorites is that Adler was friends with Curly's (Three Stooges) granddaughter. It's an insight into a huge band and it makes me want to read Slash's and Duff's bios as soon as possible. I also just picked up a reissue of Appetite For Destruction and have been loving it. I should never have sold my original LP with the Robert Williams art! At least it was for rent, not drugs, eh?
Steven Adler nearly destroyed himself and had plenty of help along the way. I'm happy for him that he's alive and well, fighting the good fight. That might sound overly cheesy and ridiculous but it's the truth. I'm happy Steven Adler is (as of the publication of this book) doing well. He deserves it.
Good book, good read.
September 8, 2012
It’s a good while since I’ve read a rock autobiography and, upon reflection, this book gave me what I pretty much expected from it. It’s not War and Peace and it’s by no way a collection of nursery rhymes. Put simply, this book is a fairly hard-core account of sex, drugs and rock and roll. From this standpoint, it may have a fairly limited appeal being niched to a particular target audience.
Although opinion is divided on them, I’ve always been a fan of Guns and Roses and find that most of their stuff is pure, genius rock and roll. Commonly though, individual band members court no favours and most of the original line-up remain reviled and chastised by certain sectors of the music press and an on-going flurry of internet trolls.
Via this autobiography, in many ways I warmed to Adler, the original drummer of the band. He paints a somewhat mixed-up yet happy-go-lucky childhood flitting between his mum and stepdad and maternal grandparents. He makes no concession that his behaviour even then was fairly frenzied, exasperating and full of energy and ambition, prompting him to start in bands from his mid teens. Soon after a whirlwind success with Guns and Roses his life spun seriously and recklessly out of control forcing him to be sacked from the band and into an ever-downwards spiral of drug-related self-destruction and desolation and on this state he pulls no punches.
Many other reviewers on here paint Adler as a seriously misogynistic and evil character who lacks any niceness or charm. My interpretation is somewhat different and I rather think the book paints him as a seriously honest guy who tells it like it is, warts, gunge, hospitals and all. It’s not a particularly pleasant account but it serves as a very bad advertisement to drug culture and a wild lifestyle and I believe this is Adler’s transparent message.
Adler’s autobiographical shortcomings to me lie with his neglect in mentioning some family members. His crucial relationship with his saviours (his grandparents) is not elaborated on after a certain point and he does not elaborate on his own emotional triggers in any analytical way apart from recognising a black and white need for substances. There is always the hint of some deep-rooted family anger but the reader is left to make their own psychological interpretations here on what is left unsaid.
By the end of the book, there is no illusion that Adler is a reformed character and the narrative just simply peters out with snippets of music-related anecdotes. There is no ‘I’ve promised and I’ve changed’ and this is possibly a wise move on his part.
I enjoyed reading the memoir for its musical memories and I did quite admire the honesty of an unsentimental yet vulnerable addict. I would recommend it to musical fans with strong stomachs, who are ready to lend an empathetic ear to Adler’s calling and plight.
Although opinion is divided on them, I’ve always been a fan of Guns and Roses and find that most of their stuff is pure, genius rock and roll. Commonly though, individual band members court no favours and most of the original line-up remain reviled and chastised by certain sectors of the music press and an on-going flurry of internet trolls.
Via this autobiography, in many ways I warmed to Adler, the original drummer of the band. He paints a somewhat mixed-up yet happy-go-lucky childhood flitting between his mum and stepdad and maternal grandparents. He makes no concession that his behaviour even then was fairly frenzied, exasperating and full of energy and ambition, prompting him to start in bands from his mid teens. Soon after a whirlwind success with Guns and Roses his life spun seriously and recklessly out of control forcing him to be sacked from the band and into an ever-downwards spiral of drug-related self-destruction and desolation and on this state he pulls no punches.
Many other reviewers on here paint Adler as a seriously misogynistic and evil character who lacks any niceness or charm. My interpretation is somewhat different and I rather think the book paints him as a seriously honest guy who tells it like it is, warts, gunge, hospitals and all. It’s not a particularly pleasant account but it serves as a very bad advertisement to drug culture and a wild lifestyle and I believe this is Adler’s transparent message.
Adler’s autobiographical shortcomings to me lie with his neglect in mentioning some family members. His crucial relationship with his saviours (his grandparents) is not elaborated on after a certain point and he does not elaborate on his own emotional triggers in any analytical way apart from recognising a black and white need for substances. There is always the hint of some deep-rooted family anger but the reader is left to make their own psychological interpretations here on what is left unsaid.
By the end of the book, there is no illusion that Adler is a reformed character and the narrative just simply peters out with snippets of music-related anecdotes. There is no ‘I’ve promised and I’ve changed’ and this is possibly a wise move on his part.
I enjoyed reading the memoir for its musical memories and I did quite admire the honesty of an unsentimental yet vulnerable addict. I would recommend it to musical fans with strong stomachs, who are ready to lend an empathetic ear to Adler’s calling and plight.
August 27, 2015
When I thought I couldn't read something more lame than the Sixx one, I read Adler's one, well make sense since this guy from Motley Crue appears.
I'll explain my points for use this word.
-Lame for think that the best years of his life was when he was on his 17-21
-Lame for talk more about sex and drugs than music.
-Lame for involve other people unnecessary for make it "more interesting"
-Lame for all the cliches.
-Lame for say Axl dosnt respect women when he wrote a whole book talking with unnecessary details how many blowjobs,fucks,orgies and cums Steven had (saying names)such an hypocrisy.
and so on...
Looking himself as the victim, arrogant. The time shown the rest of the members kicked him out was a good decision because they saw this shit coming.
I'll explain my points for use this word.
-Lame for think that the best years of his life was when he was on his 17-21
-Lame for talk more about sex and drugs than music.
-Lame for involve other people unnecessary for make it "more interesting"
-Lame for all the cliches.
-Lame for say Axl dosnt respect women when he wrote a whole book talking with unnecessary details how many blowjobs,fucks,orgies and cums Steven had (saying names)such an hypocrisy.
and so on...
Looking himself as the victim, arrogant. The time shown the rest of the members kicked him out was a good decision because they saw this shit coming.
May 19, 2011
Never realized Steven had been thru so much with GNR. He has a great heart and holds no grudges, more of the world could take lessons from Steven. Good read.
July 16, 2017
*looks into the camera like I'm on the office*
If you belief a word of this book, I honestly am stunned.
If you belief a word of this book, I honestly am stunned.
November 21, 2022
Adler does not come across as a likable person in this book. Mainly, he blames others and bad luck for everything wrong in his life. Still, some interesting tidbits about GnR and his bandmates.
January 11, 2012
I honestly don't know what to make of My Appetite For Destruction. It started off pretty good, but the more I read the book, the more suspect I became of who actually wrote this book. Early in the book there really was no frame of reference to compare to as it was just one voice. But the further you get into the book, the more obvious it becomes in that there are two different "Steven Adler's" telling the story. I'm not being mean here when I say that it's clear which part is the real Adler (the one that comes off like a child, incessantly whining and blaming everyone for his own problems) and the other voice in the book that is coherent with lots of details from the past is Lawrence J. Spagnola and it wouldn't shock me at all if it came out that he wrote 70% of the book, if not more. How can I tell which voice is which? Anything relating to self congratulatory back slapping about the numerous chicks he boned, whining or "everybody loves me" is Steven. Everything else that is coherent is Lawrence.
I really don't see what the point of the book was to begin with because a lot of what we get from "him" is just a rehash of all the greatest Guns N' Roses moments that we already knew about. There isn't anything new here. I'm guessing that Adler read The Dirt by Mötley Crüe and decided that he too was going to write a book and that he will one up The Dirt and make his book the most salacious Rock Biography out there. Sorry dude, but the way it's written, Adler comes off like a 13 year old kid bragging about his first boner. It's juvenile and just makes him look pretty stupid and desperate for attention. How else do you explain that he thinks he is the star of Celebrity Rehab? Okay, if that's something you want to hang your hat on...more power to you.
Yes, the book was a very easy and fast read. But that doesn't always translate into a good read. There were some moments that were entertaining, but as a whole the book itself was pretty weak because he didn't write half the book and the half that he did write wasn't all that compelling.
I don't know if I'd even say this was a Rent for average fans of Rock Bio's. I'd go with Slash's book instead for your GNR fix. So, this is definitely a Skip. I for one will never re-read this book.
Rating: 2 1/2 Stars out of 5
You can find more of my Book, DVD, TV and Movie reviews at my Forum (Penny Can) at...
http://pennycan.createaforum.com/inde...
Feel free to stop by and contribute your 2 cents.
I really don't see what the point of the book was to begin with because a lot of what we get from "him" is just a rehash of all the greatest Guns N' Roses moments that we already knew about. There isn't anything new here. I'm guessing that Adler read The Dirt by Mötley Crüe and decided that he too was going to write a book and that he will one up The Dirt and make his book the most salacious Rock Biography out there. Sorry dude, but the way it's written, Adler comes off like a 13 year old kid bragging about his first boner. It's juvenile and just makes him look pretty stupid and desperate for attention. How else do you explain that he thinks he is the star of Celebrity Rehab? Okay, if that's something you want to hang your hat on...more power to you.
Yes, the book was a very easy and fast read. But that doesn't always translate into a good read. There were some moments that were entertaining, but as a whole the book itself was pretty weak because he didn't write half the book and the half that he did write wasn't all that compelling.
I don't know if I'd even say this was a Rent for average fans of Rock Bio's. I'd go with Slash's book instead for your GNR fix. So, this is definitely a Skip. I for one will never re-read this book.
Rating: 2 1/2 Stars out of 5
You can find more of my Book, DVD, TV and Movie reviews at my Forum (Penny Can) at...
http://pennycan.createaforum.com/inde...
Feel free to stop by and contribute your 2 cents.
November 11, 2015
It's not that often a book is just so bad I have to stop reading it. Adler is a fantastic drummer & was a part of the creation of some of my favorite music of all time. However, despite having a co-writer, the writing is immature & clearly Adler is more than a bit delusional. All that I could handle, but glazing over the subject of child pornography (chapter 7) as well as rape (chapter 4) in his reminiscences is where I drew the line in this book & had to put it down. Obviously what he experienced in chapter 4 would mess a person up straight to their core, but I grew quickly irritated by how little it seemed to bother him & rather used it as an excuse for his future behavior & supposed sexual prowess. Let's be honest, he hadn't become the world-famous drummer of Guns 'n' Roses by chapter 7. Women probably weren't flocking to him at that point & the ones he plasters all over this book were high & drunk so way to go taking advantage of drug-addled women! (note the heavy sarcasm) If, at this point in his life, he's still bragging about it & has not the least bit of shame over it, he still has a lot of growing up to do.
I.E. this book was written purely for the money, but no surprise there.
I.E. this book was written purely for the money, but no surprise there.
March 22, 2016
This is the only book I have read that has been given one star. I received this as a gift and after having read Slash and Watch You Bleed I thought it would be interesting to get another perspective on Guns N' Roses. However, I was quite disappointed with this book. Although being co-written, the writing seemed almost juvenile and dumbed down. Perhaps it was true to Steven Adler's voice but it did not seem very well written.
Having gotten clean before taking on this project I would have thought Steven Adler would look at writing a memoir as a way to grow and move on from his past. Instead, it seems like he is stuck there. He talks so much about all the girls and the good times that came with Guns N' Roses success and can't seem to get over the fact that it is not continuing for him. All he seems to want is to be back in the band with his old pal Slash but his long continued drug problems make him unreliable. Most of his 'good times' were drug-fueled which is probably why he continued to struggle with drugs far beyond his years with Guns. This just didn't seem to be something that struck a chord with him. If he spent more time learning from his past rather than dwelling on it, this book may have been stronger.
Having gotten clean before taking on this project I would have thought Steven Adler would look at writing a memoir as a way to grow and move on from his past. Instead, it seems like he is stuck there. He talks so much about all the girls and the good times that came with Guns N' Roses success and can't seem to get over the fact that it is not continuing for him. All he seems to want is to be back in the band with his old pal Slash but his long continued drug problems make him unreliable. Most of his 'good times' were drug-fueled which is probably why he continued to struggle with drugs far beyond his years with Guns. This just didn't seem to be something that struck a chord with him. If he spent more time learning from his past rather than dwelling on it, this book may have been stronger.
February 12, 2014
I wanted to like this book and I was rooting for him to get his act together, but neither happened. It was unfathomable to me that he got kicked out of GnR because of excessive drug use (I mean really?) but yep, I see why now. He says he takes responsibility for his actions and admits to being selfish but yet also blames bad luck and many others for what happens to him. Sorry Steven, what happens to you is solely on you. Best wishes to you, I really hope you can kick your addictions and live a content life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2019
It’s so hard to give a rating to a memoir because I feel like you are rating the persons life!
In the past couple of weeks I read The Heroin Diaries, The Dirt and most recently, this book. Life content aside, this book made me want to increase my rating for the first two books. The writing and layout of The Heroin Diaries and a The Dirt are so much better.
It was interesting to read about Steven’s life and his struggle with drugs. I’m rooting for you Stevie!
In the past couple of weeks I read The Heroin Diaries, The Dirt and most recently, this book. Life content aside, this book made me want to increase my rating for the first two books. The writing and layout of The Heroin Diaries and a The Dirt are so much better.
It was interesting to read about Steven’s life and his struggle with drugs. I’m rooting for you Stevie!
August 20, 2017
I read about half of this, and it was terrible. Not only was it poorly written, the stories were pointless and extremely shallow.
March 10, 2021
I've read the SLASH book, Watch you Bleed: the Saga of Guns N Roses, My Appetite for Destruction, and the Duff McKagan book is on the way. To say that I have an obsession with Guns N Roses is an understatement.
Appetite for Destruction is one of my favorite Rock N Roll Albums of all time. The History behind the band is something that has always interested me. I was very interested to learn the details behind the falling out of Steven Adler and the other band members.
I now know why, and how, Steven faded into obscurity after leaving the band. Whether you are a big fan of Guns N Roses, or simply someone looking for an engaging read. This book is highly recommended by me. It is a very quick read, with lots of ups and downs and not easily put down.
Appetite for Destruction is one of my favorite Rock N Roll Albums of all time. The History behind the band is something that has always interested me. I was very interested to learn the details behind the falling out of Steven Adler and the other band members.
I now know why, and how, Steven faded into obscurity after leaving the band. Whether you are a big fan of Guns N Roses, or simply someone looking for an engaging read. This book is highly recommended by me. It is a very quick read, with lots of ups and downs and not easily put down.
June 17, 2015
My Appetite for Destruction has all the elements of the genre: sex, drugs and, in this particular case, just a little bit of rock n roll. I was expecting more space dedicated to music and perhaps a little bit of the creative process behind some of my favorite songs, but there is little of that. Most of the book is about drug-fueled drama and sex stories. Music is an afterthought.
You get what you see with Steven Adler. Other reviewers mentioned there's no path to transformation as you progress with the book, but bios are supposed to give it as it is, and Steven Adler is still the same junkie he was decades ago. At least he's honest about it.
Read it for the stories of debauchery (why else do we read these books?) and nothing else.
You get what you see with Steven Adler. Other reviewers mentioned there's no path to transformation as you progress with the book, but bios are supposed to give it as it is, and Steven Adler is still the same junkie he was decades ago. At least he's honest about it.
Read it for the stories of debauchery (why else do we read these books?) and nothing else.
July 16, 2018
My Appetite for Destruction:Sex, Drugs and Guns N Rose's🍒🍒🍒🍒
By Steven Adler
2010
Born Micheal Coletti in Cleveland Ohio, in 1965, Steven Adler is best known as the drummer for Guns N Rose's until they fired him for his heroin addiction. ( but they were all addicts....cocaine, heroin, alcohol)
His abuses of sex and drugs, his attitudes of entitlement, his partying life are put on paper here, with humor and enthusiasm.
The title says it all...no surprises here....
He was on Celebrity Rehab with Dr Drew and in 2012 inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Guns n Rose's.
A predictable but fun look at his life as a rock star, and the shenanigans they pulled....
Recommended.
By Steven Adler
2010
Born Micheal Coletti in Cleveland Ohio, in 1965, Steven Adler is best known as the drummer for Guns N Rose's until they fired him for his heroin addiction. ( but they were all addicts....cocaine, heroin, alcohol)
His abuses of sex and drugs, his attitudes of entitlement, his partying life are put on paper here, with humor and enthusiasm.
The title says it all...no surprises here....
He was on Celebrity Rehab with Dr Drew and in 2012 inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Guns n Rose's.
A predictable but fun look at his life as a rock star, and the shenanigans they pulled....
Recommended.
March 21, 2025
I’m still trying to process everything I just read in this book. This was much harder to take in than Slash’s. Steven was my favorite when the band came out and I was a 9 yr old little girl. The beginning of this, he is how he appeared, happy go lucky. Smiling non stop, loving his future possibilities with his band.
The second half is where it gets rough. It was so hard reading some of these things. It hurts knowing how far someone would go to try killing themselves either indirectly or directly.
I’m so glad Steven got sober and seems to have stayed that way.
This book was heartbreaking. 💔
The second half is where it gets rough. It was so hard reading some of these things. It hurts knowing how far someone would go to try killing themselves either indirectly or directly.
I’m so glad Steven got sober and seems to have stayed that way.
This book was heartbreaking. 💔
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