In 1983, four self-described "knuckleheads" burst out of the mosh-pitted mosaic of the neo-punk rock scene in L.A. with their own unique brand of cosmic hardcore mayhem funk. Over twenty years later, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, against all odds, have become one of the most successful bands in the world. Though the band has gone through many incarnations, Anthony Kiedis, the group's lyricist and dynamic lead singer, has been there for the whole roller-coaster ride. Whether he's recollecting the influence of the beautiful, strong women who have been his muses, or retracing a journey that has included appearances as diverse as a performance before half a million people at Woodstock or an audience of one at the humble compound of the exiled Dalai Lama, Kiedis shares a compelling story about the price of success and excess.

Scar Tissue is a story of dedication and debauchery, of intrigue and integrity, of recklessness and redemption--a story that could only have come out of the world of rock.

I remember walking into Borders in Evergreen Park searching for a book I was convinced was called Under the Bridge. I was 13 and the Dani California music video played on the corner screen of Comcast On-Demand. I was entranced with Kiedis' performance, and I wanted to know more about him and this new-to-me band. Fast forward about twenty years later and I finally read it! Well, listened to it because it was read by Rider Strong in 2004 which is prime Shawn Hunter, if you ask me. 

It's an easy read, but interesting. When an album or a song was mentioned, I would go and listen to it while I read making for an immersive experience. I could play it in the background of work and not have to focus too hard on it, but I could listen to it at the gym and let my brain absorb every story Kiedis told. 

It's hard to rate an autobiography, but I gave it 3.75 stars, rounded up to four. While this is his life, sometimes it gets repetitive when it comes to his drug abuse. But that's what drug abuse is, so I don't fault him. His relationship with drugs consumed about 85% of the book. You empathize with him because you as the reader watch addiction rear its ugly head time and time again. He's self-aware but still riding in the passenger's seat while his addiction drives. Through all of these intimate moments we see the birth of some of the Peppers' biggest songs, including By the Way and Under the Bridge and, of course, Scar Tissue.

If he provided an updated edition, I'd consume it without chewing. I was finally able to see them live back in 2022 and it fulfilled me so greatly, I'm patiently waiting for them to come again. <3