We finally finished reading Anthony Kiedis‘ autobiography “Scar Tissue” (we were waiting for the paperback), and while it wasn’t an amazing read, it was definitely more insightful than the average rock star bio. Perhaps that’s because Kiedis has lived a more interesting life than the average rock star. Along with the jetsetting, the bedding of famous babes, and the injecting of drugs, Kiedis has had to search his soul and slay his demons in a quest for inner peace.

The book covers Kiedis’ childhood as well as his musical history with the Red Hot Chili Peppers, but it ultimately isn’t a book about music as much as addiction. Kiedis is a hardcore junkie as much as a hardcore musician and much of his life has been spent in pursuit of drugs, booze and women. In fact, by the time the book concludes, Kiedis has been in and out of rehab so many times — and has fucked over so many people — that you begin wonder whether he might be defrauding you. It’s not that you don’t believe the things he’s saying, it’s just that despite his best intentions, you know that his dark side may once again get the best of him and plunge him headfirst down the well. It’s an ugly cycle that plays out again and again in “Scar Tissue.” As does the Chili Peppers’ revolving door of guitar players which feels all-too-laughably like Spinal Tap’s chain of cursed drummers.

The book earns its highest marks for being exceptionally honest, both in its debauchery and its depravity. And the book is meticulously remembered, particularly for a guy who spent so many years so fucked up. There are some great non-drug moments in the book too. Like the unflinching account of what opening for the Rolling Stones was really like, or his fiery, short-lived relationship with Sinead O’Connor. Kiedis’ openness towards his shortcomings is brave, and such fearlessness leads to frequent truths, which is ultimately why we pick up a book in the first place. We just don’t always expect to get them from a fluffy rock & roll tell-all.

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