Dee's New Book.Must read for SMF's............!
fountainfan
Posted 2012-05-10 2:54 PM (#30352)
Subject: Dee's New Book.Must read for SMF's............!
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Hope you die hard SMF's are gonna read Dee's book...

Got my copy yesterday, and I'm enjoying the shit out of it!! So far its covering all Early TS days....Awesome to find out about the behind the scenes...

I can personally relate to this Era, cause I was there..Started following in 79...Lucky me..!

So just as a Tease I'll say Dee refers to a past member of the band as Drummer #3! Maybe TP...?

Won't recognize his membership! Can't wait to find out why!!!! Chapter 16 come on now!

SMFF
SMF Cyndi
Posted 2012-05-10 7:41 PM (#30356 - in reply to #30352)
Subject: RE: Dee's New Book.Must read for SMF's............!
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awesome, can't wait to get mine plus Dee's CD!!!!
parasite74
Posted 2012-05-13 11:27 PM (#30393 - in reply to #30352)
Subject: RE: Dee's New Book.Must read for SMF's............!
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I'm up to when they are recoding You Can't Stop Rock N' Roll!! THIS IS A GREAT BOOK!!! : )
Armadillo
Posted 2012-05-14 6:09 PM (#30399 - in reply to #30352)
Subject: RE: Dee's New Book.Must read for SMF's............!
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I enjoyed reading about the early days.....did you catch that the first band that Dee opened for....was named...Armadillo? What are the chances of that???? see? synchronicity. Okay....so it was a high school band...but it was a band! (p. 25 if you missed it)

I found it extremely hard to read the "bad stuff" and it was almost painful to read about the demise. I felt like it validated a few things-- it confirmed my feelings about COAP and LIFS-- I wish he had written many more chapters on the reunion and the band rising back up to heights--those things were reduced just a few paragraphs compared to chapter after chapter about the downward spiral. In particular, it brought to light some things that I wish I had NEVER known.

Backstage Jan 9th in 1986-- I didn't realize that was the 2nd show of the tour (what a show it was!) Dee didn't come backstage and they told us he wasn't feeling well. Later--the announcement thru the press of Dee having nodes, and having throat surgery. I remember being very worried--I think I even mailed him a get well card thru the mgmt company (Freefall Mgmt I believe it was)

To find out it wasn't true was really hard to read....even all these years later.

I remember when the LIFS tour came to town--I wasn't allowed to go because my grandfather died. I knew that I'd never see TS again (well,.....who knew they would reunite???) but didn't realize the last show was just days after.

Overall, Dee tells his side of the story and it's an entertaining read and truly a must-read for all SMFs. (You hardcore folks may find it hard at times too.) He is quite forthcoming about the things that he takes responsibility for in terms of the band's early demise, and I give him a lot of respect for putting it out there--he doesn't always paint a nice portrait of himself.

So for me, I am more interested in reading about what brought TS back up to what it is now--but then again, the book is about Dee...not about Twisted Sister.

That said, I'll look forward to reading Jay Jay's memoirs one day....and then comparing the two stories side by side. I've heard a few of Jay Jay's stories about his road stories, "rock and roll" awakenings, and other fun stuff--fascinating, fun and will make a great novel.

As for my great american novel... I've got a beginning and a middle....just wish I knew how it will end...romance in Sweden perhaps?



Edited by Armadillo 2012-05-14 6:09 PM
Lorndog
Posted 2012-05-15 4:34 AM (#30406 - in reply to #30352)
Subject: RE: Dee's New Book.Must read for SMF's............!
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My beautiful wife picked me up a copy last nite, just another reason to love her!!!
I'm already hooked!!!!!!!
Captain Howdy
Posted 2012-05-15 10:39 PM (#30416 - in reply to #30406)
Subject: RE: Dee's New Book.Must read for SMF's............!
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Haven't had time to read the book yet. Been working none stop but I have listened to the CD a few times and I'm digging that. I can't wait to read this book! Got some vacation time coming up the week after next some I'm thinking I might to lock myself away and read this baby from start to finish!
pootle50
Posted 2012-05-16 6:14 PM (#30428 - in reply to #30416)
Subject: RE: Dee's New Book.Must read for SMF's............!
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Not sure whether to get the book or the Kindle version.
Does the book have any pictures or is it all text?

Thanks,
fountainfan
Posted 2012-05-16 6:32 PM (#30429 - in reply to #30428)
Subject: RE: Dee's New Book.Must read for SMF's............!
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Book has Awesome photos never seen before!

Saber
Posted 2012-05-16 9:39 PM (#30430 - in reply to #30352)
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I bought a version for my kindle just before my flight home from LA last Friday, not realizing that it wasn't charged. Been busy then sick since. Will get to it this weekend. I'm curious if the band have read it?
Armadillo
Posted 2012-05-16 10:32 PM (#30431 - in reply to #30429)
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fountainfan - 2012-05-16 6:32 PM

Book has Awesome photos never seen before!


the pictures are fantastic! Love the ones of Dee with his family--very early shots of Dee in the club days. Worth every penny.
Lorndog
Posted 2012-05-17 8:27 AM (#30434 - in reply to #30352)
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I'm a third of the way in, after one session last nite, wanted to keep reading, but was soooo tired!
Got the Kindle version; never thought about pics, D'oh!
Will have to buy the hardback too!!!
Evel
Posted 2012-05-17 11:06 AM (#30435 - in reply to #30352)
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Got my copy Tuesday and I'm up to where TS hit Reading. Kinda surreal for me, cos this is the timeframe in my life where I "discovered" the band back in the UK...I can "place" myself where I was at the time, what happened and who I was with.....so lovin' every word of it right now....

On the other hand, (and I too will be honest)...some of Dee's revelations and/or opinions have me feeling uncomfortable, especially some of the stuff he says about Jay Jay. And I never knew Mark was his best man. Reading the story, knowing what happens" in the future", induced a kind of sinking feeling...and I am no where near reading about the demise yet. I'm reading it thinking "NOOOOOO...Dude...dont..." And....as Dee continually repeats over and over...."Did I tell you I was an ass?" Yep...its THAT blunt!! I will bet you will find yourself cringing a little if/when you read it.

Dee is here in AZ tommorrow. Gonna ride down there and try and get a few words in.

Evel Phx

Edited by Evel 2012-05-17 11:33 AM
George
Posted 2012-05-17 11:11 AM (#30436 - in reply to #30434)
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I picked up the book at my local B&N (hey i use to work there) I have read the first few chapters but been busy with work since the weekend. Great book, early chapters is what everyone already reported but also a love story between Dee and Suzette. It's well worth the price, the pictures are great, i liked the one of Dee and Mark at Dee's wedding. The insight so far has been very interesting, how Dee got his name and why he doesn't write songs with Jay Jay. Can't wait to get back to it this weekend. Hopefully he will do more signings in or near Manhattan. And Yes Terry i did notice the name of his first band was Amarillo, I smiled
Tom
Posted 2012-05-20 12:46 PM (#30472 - in reply to #30352)
Subject: RE: Dee's New Book.Must read for SMF's............!
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I liked the book, I just hope it does not create a new rift in the band. I like the fact that they keep touring.
Armadillo
Posted 2012-05-20 2:32 PM (#30473 - in reply to #30472)
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Tom - 2012-05-20 12:46 PM

I liked the book, I just hope it does not create a new rift in the band. I like the fact that they keep touring.


I thought the very same thing. There were so many times I cringed reading it....I kept saying "oh please don't go there...please don't go there.. OHHHH ...you went there....oh geez..."
hundarr
Posted 2012-05-22 10:19 PM (#30519 - in reply to #30352)
Subject: RE: Dee's New Book.Must read for SMF's............!
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Havent read the book, but already knew some of what was mentioned in these posts.Dee has admitted in countless interviews that he became an arrogant asshole & alienated his bandmates.HOWEVER, if you watch their videos of them playin together nowadays, it seems most if not all of the old wounds are healed & that once again they're playing music together as a BAND.It is such a great feeling to know that Twisted Sister is alive & well & STILL bringin down the house!
Evel
Posted 2012-05-23 12:59 PM (#30521 - in reply to #30473)
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Armadillo - 2012-05-20 2:32 PM

Tom - 2012-05-20 12:46 PM

I liked the book, I just hope it does not create a new rift in the band. I like the fact that they keep touring.


I thought the very same thing. There were so many times I cringed reading it....I kept saying "oh please don't go there...please don't go there.. OHHHH ...you went there....oh geez..."


Yep....now near the end of the book, thinking the same....

Evel Az
Armadillo
Posted 2012-05-23 8:44 PM (#30522 - in reply to #30519)
Subject: RE: Dee's New Book.Must read for SMF's............!
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hundarr - 2012-05-22 10:19 PM

Havent read the book, but already knew some of what was mentioned in these posts.Dee has admitted in countless interviews that he became an arrogant asshole & alienated his bandmates.HOWEVER, if you watch their videos of them playin together nowadays, it seems most if not all of the old wounds are healed & that once again they're playing music together as a BAND.It is such a great feeling to know that Twisted Sister is alive & well & STILL bringin down the house!


It actually makes me realize what an amazing group of professionals all of them are and reminds me of the firehouse dynamic. There are times at the fire station when the crews are there, and we just plain do not like one another. Sometimes, it gets downright ugly with some really hard words exchanged and I swear, a few times, I thought we were going to punch each other out. Yet...the SECOND that gong goes off, all of those personal differences get put aside, we hop on the equipment, go out the door and work as a solid team of professionals.
Evel
Posted 2012-05-24 4:30 AM (#30524 - in reply to #30352)
Subject: RE: Dee's New Book.Must read for SMF's............!
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Sooo......I just finished the book....

Kinda lost for words...recognized many similar circumstances, similar mistakes, similar (unbelievable) letdowns, similar assholes...but also similar friends, similar opportunities, similar unbelievable acts of kindness/strokes of luck. Sat here going..."Wow....."

Got a lot out of it. Enjoyed reading it, got way more than just being a TS fan reading about their history. The message is fairly clear....dont give up, be aware, get educated about the situations you face, read the fine print.....twice!! Never...EVER...let the bastards grind you down.....but dont be an asshole doing it!! Especially to those closest to you. Dont be afraid to explore, re-invent yourself....(Already there Dee....)

I have shared my "fears" about the book and its possible repercussions. I note that, on the final page, Dee thanks a few people, including Jay Jay, Mark, Eddie and AJ. I took that as an acknowledgement, a "nod" in the right direction. There were mistakes on all fronts. We are at where we are at. We are who we are. Whats done is done. If anything gets said, it will be said in private. I dont think there will be fallouts, just a recognition of the situation and its value. Nobody's perfect...least of all Dee.

I always hoped Dee would write an adults version of his Teenage Survival Guide. This is part of it. Cannot wait for part two.

Just My 2c.

Evel Phx Az
Armadillo
Posted 2012-05-25 12:44 AM (#30527 - in reply to #30352)
Subject: RE: Dee's New Book.Must read for SMF's............!
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I think he should write a book on marriage and relationship advice....a bit late for me....but might help someone else! (or me...second time around )

edited for typos...

Edited by Armadillo 2012-05-25 12:45 AM
George
Posted 2012-05-25 11:16 PM (#30528 - in reply to #30527)
Subject: RE: Dee's New Book.Must read for SMF's............!
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terry

Dee and his wife should write the book together. It tales two people to make a good long term marriage. It's not easy
Armadillo
Posted 2012-05-28 8:52 PM (#30541 - in reply to #30528)
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George - 2012-05-25 11:16 PM

terry

Dee and his wife should write the book together. It tales two people to make a good long term marriage. It's not easy


thanks George
And THIS is why you're still married.... and I'm not...
Saber
Posted 2012-06-10 3:43 PM (#30614 - in reply to #30352)
Subject: RE: Dee's New Book.Must read for SMF's............!
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Finally finished it. Life's been too crazy to do it any sooner. Loved it, but the ending seemed too abrupt. I'm really anxious to hear what the guys think of it.
Captain Howdy
Posted 2012-06-10 8:45 PM (#30617 - in reply to #30614)
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Saber - 2012-06-10 2:43 PM

Finally finished it. Life's been too crazy to do it any sooner. Loved it, but the ending seemed too abrupt. I'm really anxious to hear what the guys think of it.


I just finished it this morning as well. I agree about the ending. He wrapped it up real quick. I guess we need to hope for Part 2 since there's a whole lot of story left. I was a little surprised that he didn't really go into explaining the whole SMF thing in detail and how it got started. Not a huge deal since I know the stories but since it's such a big part of Twisted Sister, I was just a bit surprised that wasn't in there. Overall, I really enjoyed it, though. Great stuff! I always find it fascinating when people are able to look back at the things they have done in the past with a new perspective. It says a lot about someone when they can see and accept the mistakes they've made. Dee is clearly in that category.
Dan Bach
Posted 2012-06-23 4:25 PM (#30771 - in reply to #30352)
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The book is finally with me (after putting a special import order through Waterstones UK bookstore chain).
Read the intro and the first two chapters - an interesting read :-)
Waldo
Posted 2012-07-26 11:42 AM (#30935 - in reply to #30352)
Subject: RE: Dee's New Book.Must read for SMF's............!
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Does Dee go into any of the later tours or his work alone? I need to read it soon.