The Eric Carr Story

by Greg Prato

'The Eric Carr Story' is the first-ever book to tell the life story of Kiss drummer Eric Carr. Comprised of all-new interviews, the book also doubles as a study of 1980's era Kiss. You'll find insight into all of Kiss' albums that featured Carr (from producers Bob Ezrin, Michael James Jackson, and Ron Nevison), as well as those closest to him (sister Loretta Caravello, girlfriend Carrie Stevens, Kiss guitarist Bruce Kulick), and music-related friends (Eddie Trunk, Dream Theater's Mike Portnoy, Anthrax's Charlie Benante). Also included is one of the last-ever interviews conducted with Kiss' original manager, Bill Aucoin, and for the first time ever, Kiss fans will be able to learn what the real story line to Kiss' controversial release '(Music From) The Elder' was all about (thanks to an explanation from Ezrin). Get ready to learn the true story about Eric's life, and a behind-the-scenes view of Kiss!

Genres: Music, Biography, Nonfiction

256 pages, Paperback

First published December 2, 2010

About the author

Greg Prato is a Long Island, New York-based journalist, whose writing has appeared in such renowned publications as Rolling Stone. He is the author of several popular books, 'A Devil on One Shoulder and an Angel on the Other: The Story of Shannon Hoon and Blind Melon,' 'Touched by Magic: The Tommy Bolin Story,' 'Grunge Is Dead: The Oral History of Seattle Rock Music, 'No Schlock . . . Just Rock!,' 'The Eric Carr Story,' 'MTV Ruled the World: The Early Years of Music Video,' 'Sack Exchange: The Definitive Oral History of the 1980s New York Jets,' 'Too High to Die: Meet the Meat Puppets,' 'Dynasty: The Oral History of the New York Islanders, 1972-1984,' and 'The Faith No More & Mr. Bungle Companion.'

Reviews

[Mariah Startzman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fan-loved and extremely talented Eric Carr, or known for a short time as “The Fox”, sat behind his large drum kit in KISS for 11 years both in make-up and without. Musicians and fans alike talk of a man who was sweet and kind, funny and child-like. Carr treated every fan like a friend and felt honored to be able to become part of the popular rock band KISS. Unfortunately his life was cut short due to an aggressive cancer, leaving a trail of devastated individuals in his wake. “The Eric Carr Story” is a collection of interviews, done by Greg Prato, from Eric’s family, friends, and colleagues telling his story and speaking highly of their experiences with him. Eric Carr was working as an oven/ stove repairman when he auditioned and was chosen to play in KISS. He started off in make-up as a fox character, taking over for Peter Criss’ Cat Man. But eventually due to waning popularity, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley decided to take the band’s makeup off and ultimately it helped bring KISS back into the public eye. Eric Carr was in KISS from “The Elder” album through “Hot in the Shade” album (even though he does some backing vocals on the “Revenge” album). Greg Prato does a fantastic job putting together all of the quotes from the various people into one linear story. He also picked those involved very well. Prato included people from all facets of Eric Carr’s life, creating a more cohesive piece. “The Eric Carr Story” is not a very long book, but I didn’t feel I was missing out in any way. It contained plenty of information. It’s definitely a book I will visit again in the future.

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice overview of the late KISS drummer's life, focusing primarily on his time with the band. Told through anecdotes and reminiscences of Eric's family, friends and rock star colleagues, it also provides an excellent view of KISS (indeed, the rock scene) during the '80s. A must-read for fans!

[Jemstar · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was too young during the 80s to be a fan of Eric Carr, but as an adult discovering him and his era during KISS i became a fan of the 80s era. What also drew me to Eric was stories of how kind and down to earth he was and it made me want to learn more about him. I read this book to get insight to who he was and this book does not disappoint. The book consists of interviews done with people who knew Eric including family, friends, his girlfriend who was with him to the very end and also other musicians. You find out a lot about Eric including his good qualities and also not so good qualities and struggles with insecurities with his position in KISS. I enjoyed reading interviews with his girlfriend Carrie Stevens who was with him through the good times and the bad times when he became ill. Some parts talk more about other KISS members but also you get a insight into what was going on during that time. Eric appeared to be a kind hearted person who struggled with inner turmoil and it’s mentioned by a few people within this book. Overall if you are a fan of Eric Carr and you want to learn more about him through people that knew him than this is the book for you.

[SouthWestZippy · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Eric Carr story in the book plus the last few pages of the book dedicated to him by people giving stories as they remember him, overall, it is more of a Kiss history story book.

The Contents are broken up by years and each cast of characters give a very short story about what was going on and how they felt about things.

Contents Index included Note from Eric's Parents, Cast of Characters. That was a nice touch, and I enjoyed the pictures.

I would have liked a book dedicated to just Eric Carr so is one reason for two stars and the other could not get into the flow of the stories, felt choppy with the set up.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must-read for KISS fans...fantastic.