During my final of three illness weeks, after capping out my dvd tolerance (at 20’ish) I resorted to reading – a lesser affinity of mine – and found Scar Tissue recommended at a quaint corner book store on Dorp and Andringa Streets in Stellenbosch. Ruth had read it a few years ago, and insisted I do (which I didn’t), so when the store owner picked it out, I resided to a world so far removed from my own, so fascinating that I soaked in 400 pages in four days, averaging three hours sleep a night…
Anthony Kiedis is the lead singer of the Red Hot Chili Peppers rock band, one of my all time favourite acts, and has lived a live life of drugs, rehab, fame, music, deep love – and all with a passion I found infectious. Such a passionate creature, and band as a whole even more so. Their push for performance, for entertainment, was full tilt at every opportunity – weather an early show for 100 people, nude streaking at EMI records to announce themselves, or brown’ing their lawyer secretary after she insisted they return later. Such ‘in the moment’ personalities chasing a dream.
Kiedis writes unashamedly with total honesty and acceptance himself, of choices, of circumstance that shaped his reality. Despite a tumultuous substance abuse theme throughout, he reflects with peace now years later, as if it was what it was. And he felt then what he did, it was true and honest, and therefore somehow alright. He writes of sexual exploits and week long solitary shoot-ups.
I’m so self conscious
And found the book most challenging of that, in that I’d read a section an be mesmerized by Anthony’s brute honesty and disregard to opinion. I love it.
He’s father was a dealer to many A-list stars in Hollywood and became engrossed in the hippie subculture of the time. Having blown weed smoke into Anthony’s face age four the first time for his first street light climbing high, and sharing his 18year old girlfriend with Anthony at age 11 to loose his virginity – it all was unlike most childhood stories I’ve heard…
I’ve been meaning to share my impressions of the read for the past three weeks, and been reminded of my enthusiasm for the story numerous times when reliving moments to a friend. Very much recommend. It rocked my paradigm, challenged my core, and entertained my humour beyond measure.
On the down side, it was tragic reading of substance abuse to that extent. He could wine and dine with anyone in the world, but was locked in hiding, in some grubby motel, shooting up on his own, not wanting to be there, but unable to free himself. I’d not done that kind math before. A friend has recommended A Million Pieces – which I bought yesterday. I am an addict of various kinds, perhaps why the topic fascinates me so.
5star book. Up it on your list, and let me know your thoughts.
