Walking Disaster: My Life Through Heaven and Hell
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This candid memoir of music, fame, and endurance from Deryck Whibley, lead singer of Sum 41, follows his rise from a punk kid to an international star. From his earliest days growing up in Canada, Deryck Whibley was a punk who loved music and couldn’t wait to achieve something bigger and better than the humble path that lay before him. Whibley was raised by a single mom and their small family constantly moved from place to place, so he was used to being the new kid, starting fights (or finishing them), and connecting with people who shared his sensibility for chaotic fun and loud music. Sum 41 was born of a group of friends who loved to jam, shared a DIY ethos, and were determined to be rock stars one day. Walking Disaster is Whibley’s story, but it is also the untold story of Sum 41. Whibley takes you backstage, into the recording booth, and through the highest highs and lowest lows of the band whose story is inextricably woven with his own. With his insightful, earnest, and genuine voice, Whibley gets real about fame, fortune, and the music industry. Detailing everything from winning at the MTV Video Music Awards and being nominated for a Grammy to revisiting his high-profile relationships and friendships, contending with invasive paparazzi, and suffering from health issues that brought him to the brink, Whibley offers a forthright and unforgettable memoir.
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I'm can't say Sum 41 is my favorite band, but they were the first concert I ever saw along with Good Charlotte when I turned 13. All I wanted was to go to a concert, but my parents wouldn't let me until I turned 13. GC was one of my fave bands, I didn't even know Sum 41, but I left that concert a fan and with a huge drive to learn more about them. I still have major memories head bopping and semi-dancing to Fat Lip and In Too Deep while walking home from school.
So, when I saw Deryck Whibley was putting out this memoir I was pretty stoked to get some behind the scenes info and maybe more insight into the songs. And this book delivered. It also showed a lot of information into his life (obviously) with a lot of darkness and heavy topics I wasn't expecting. To hear he was groomed as a teen and to see just how it followed him through most his life, was honestly devastating. Hearing how horrible the media and paps were to him as well just hit so hard. I remember the little photos of him and Avril in whatever teen mag I was reading at the time. I was stoked because two artists I really liked were together and looked happy. They were also the only relationship between two mostly punk people I saw and it made me realize I didn't have to be preppy or whatever in order to find a guy to like me. So, hearing the backlash he received hurts – obviously celebs don't have it easy.
Alright, I realize this review of a book about someone else's life is turning into a recap of my own past and feelings, but that's kinda where this book brought me as I was listening. I'll try to keep more on topic.
We get some great insight into some of the songs Deryck wrote and I'd take the time to pause the book to go listen to that song. I've listened to more Sum 41 in the last week than I have since high school and have no regrets. (side note: I will say I totally forgot how energized the songs made me while also making me want to cry. So, yeah most these songs hit hard even before I knew the background) He included some acoustic bits of some of the songs too which is totally awesome. I'd buy an acoustic Sum 41 album in a heartbeat.
I think he does a decent job narrating, although at times I wish there was more inflection or it was more like he was conversing instead of just reading lines... if that makes sense. But again, he includes some laughing and emotion occasionally.
I'm really glad I read this and I'm so glad he has joy in his life right now. I totally felt like crying at times while reading this, during some of the songs, whenever he talked about his alcohol abuse, and when his life would get low, but yeah I'm glad I read it. I feel inspired to go do shit and get back to listening to more of my pop punk stuff.
