In this breathtaking cultural history filled with exclusive; never-before-revealed details; celebrated rock journalist Joel Selvin tells the definitive story of the Rolling Stones’ infamous Altamont concert; the disastrous historic event that marked the end of the idealistic 1960s.In the annals of rock history; the Altamont Speedway Free Festival on December 6; 1969; has long been seen as the distorted twin of Woodstock—the day that shattered the Sixties’ promise of peace and love when a concertgoer was killed by a member of the Hells Angels; the notorious biker club acting as security. While most people know of the events from the film Gimme Shelter; the whole story has remained buried in varied accounts; rumor; and myth—until now.Altamont explores rock’s darkest day; a fiasco that began well before the climactic death of Meredith Hunter and continued beyond that infamous December night. Joel Selvin probes every aspect of the show—from the Stones’ hastily planned tour preceding the concert to the bad acid that swept through the audience to other deaths that also occurred that evening—to capture the full scope of the tragedy and its aftermath. He also provides an in-depth look at the Grateful Dead’s role in the events leading to Altamont; examining the band’s behind-the-scenes presence in both arranging the show and hiring the Hells Angels as security.The product of twenty years of exhaustive research and dozens of interviews with many key players; including medical staff; Hells Angels members; the stage crew; and the musicians who were there; and featuring sixteen pages of color photos; Altamont is the ultimate account of the final event in rock’s formative and most turbulent decade.
#621918 in Books Jason Diamond 2016-11-29 2016-11-29Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.00 x .68 x 5.31l; .0 #File Name: 0062424831304 pagesSearching for John Hughes Or Everything I Thought I Needed to Know about Life I Learned from Watching 80s Movies
Review
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. can relate to any of the members of The Breakfast Club or think of Pretty in Pink as your high school soundtrackBy carilynpIf you grew up on John Hughes movies or found them later in life; can quote every line in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off or still dream of taking that day off; can relate to any of the members of The Breakfast Club or think of Pretty in Pink as your high school soundtrack; then Jason Diamond’s memoir SEARCHING FOR JOHN HUGHES might be just what you want to read. Just a warning; it is sad and has some very dark moments. Diamond; who grew up on the North Shore; which Chicagoans and Hughes fans will know all too well; had probably one of the most unpleasant childhoods I have ever heard/read about. In fact; I am still haunted by it and commend him for his strength to not only write about it but to have survived it. I admire his quest to become a writer; to pursue Mr. Hughes to such lengths; and to have the determination to stick with something even at great financial loss. But; stick with it he did and without giving any spoilers; he knew what his end goal was and did it all on his own. It is a remarkable story.I am shocked at both of his parents’ behavior and I hope that in the not-too-distant future; Diamond might share what became of his mother and father and how he came to peace with how they treated him. There was both abuse; physical and emotional; as well as abandonment; and no resolution shared in the course of the book. The parts about his childhood were so painful to read; and although Diamond was resourceful; he shouldn't have had to be; as only a teen; and the cruelty that they showed to him was unforgivable.Loving Chicago and the North Shore as well as Hughes’ movies; I was inclined to read the book and relive the movies in all their glory. Each of them brings back memories of not only life as a teen; but of the city that I adore; which the director so lovingly captured on film.This is a heartfelt memoir that shows you really can follow your dreams; get knocked down a lot; get back up again and again; and if you don’t give up; you might just be surprised where you land.5 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Searching for a great read?By E. MCI came into this as a huge Hughes fan thinking it would be lot of commentary on movies; but I was surprised at how personal and powerful of a memoir this turned out to be. For those who've ever felt out of place; left behind; or otherwise discarded by a world that just doesn't understand -- this is a book for you. Diamond turns from a painful childhood toward the bucolic cinematic universe of John Hughes; in turn finding that one can only hide in film for so long. While the story is dark and at times difficult to read; the book is a testament to the will of young artists and the power of media to provide solace even when we are the most vulnerable. It reminded me of another moving book about teens; The Perks of Being a Wallflower. Diamond's earnest prose and deeply personal connection to Hughes makes for a great read; especially if you've ever struggled to find somewhere and something to call your own.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Misleading titleBy damsel41Not a book about John Hughes or his movies but a memoir. Misleading!
