Michael T. Hoey

Essential Punk History 101

Revisado: 04-24-23

I found this audiobook to be very interesting. Mr. Lloyd obviously has vast experience in the entertainment industry and is one of the survivors of the punk movement when so many others either died from drug use or Aids. He has a vast insight into the chaotic and sometimes heartless music industry, and he tells a tale that is interwoven with faith in himself and being true to his art without sacrificing his dream. He is a force of nature.
While the audiobook is very interesting in that respect, I found it difficult as someone who has had my share of ups and downs ( in the music industry and in life) and sober for 16+ years to feel any sense of sympathy for Mr. Lloyd as he comes across at times as a narcissistic, self-centered asshole. His constant whining about the exploits of Tom Verlaine and his ‘control’ over the band can be very distracting ( come on, Richard, if it was that bad you would have left and never came back, like I had done when I was in a band with a bunch of narcissistic, self-centered assholes). You must have been in it for the money, or the perks( or the drugs), and this is just one example of Mr. Lloyd talking out of both sides of his mouth. He needs to REALLY get sober, not just talk about it. I also found it very juvenile of him to go on and on about his sexual prowess and exploits; we get it. You’re a rock star. You do drugs. You get laid a lot. Yawn… Also ( please) a few more funny stories just to lighten the mood. I was just coming off of the audiobook of ‘Punk Avenue’ which had me laughing my ass off. Philipe Mercade is someone I’d like to meet. I’m not too sure if I’d like to hang out with Mr Lloyd for too long- the experience might be too draining!
Something I wished he could have talked about more was his connection to the spiritual plane that he was lucky enough to discover and use to overcome the huge hole in his life. I found that part of the narrative to be very uplifting. His insights into the human condition were also dead on, as he had been unfortunate ( or fortunate, from his perspective) to be a part of the barbaric psychological experiments we called ‘therapy’ back in the good old days when mental patients were treated like lab rats. His recall of that time in his life shows that he had more than just the will to live-he wanted to provide testimony to any doubters of that horrifying experience.
I would recommend this audiobook as one you would want as a compliment to any other books you might have read about the Punk Movement, as the band Television was an essential part of it’s existence. Just don’t be turned off by Mr. Lloyds deadpan monotone East Coast accent and incessant whining - there’s a good story in there!

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