DISGRACELAND Podcast – Bonus Episode Summary: "Books They Don't Want You to Read and Books We Want Them to Write"
Release Date: April 17, 2025
Host: Jake Brennan, Double Elvis Productions
Introduction
In this bonus episode of DISGRACELAND, host Jake Brennan delves into the intriguing world of rockstar autobiographies—specifically focusing on books that are either hard to find or subjects that haven’t been adequately covered. This episode, aptly titled "Books They Don't Want You to Read and Books We Want Them to Write," explores the shadows behind these firsthand accounts and discusses the implications of their availability (or lack thereof) in the literary world.
Unveiling Hidden Narratives
Michael Caine's "What's It All About"
Jake begins by discussing Michael Caine's autobiography, "What's It All About," which is notably difficult to find and out of print. He recounts how this autobiography includes a pivotal story that challenges Vincent Bugliosi's Helter Skelter theory. Specifically, Caine narrates an encounter at a party where both Sharon Tate and Charles Manson were present, a detail that Tom O'Neill references in his book Chaos. Jake remarks:
“So I went looking for the book that O'Neill cites... I paid a pretty penny for it online.”
(Timestamp: 04:10)
Dennis Wilson's "The Real Beach Boy"
Similarly, Jake touches upon Dennis Wilson’s "The Real Beach Boy," another elusive biography that offers deeper insights into the lives of Dennis Wilson, Terry Melcher, and Greg Jacobson. He emphasizes the significance of these narratives in understanding the true essence of these iconic figures:
“It’s chock full of wild stories... These two books, each detailing portions of the real Charles Manson's story.”
(Timestamp: 09:50)
The Marilyn Manson Autobiography
"The Long Hard Road Out of Hell"
Transitioning to Marilyn Manson, Jake expresses strong opinions about his autobiography, describing it as the most damning rockstar memoir he has encountered. He contrasts it with other notorious autobiographies, highlighting its darkness and lack of humility:
“It is pretty fucking dark. It is funny, though, so I guess there's some humanity in that somehow.”
(Timestamp: 19:30)
Jake praises Manson's writing skills while critiquing the lack of redemption in his narrative, making it stand out among other rockstar memoirs like Motley Crue’s The Dirt and Rick James’ Glow.
Autobiographies That Haven't Been Written
Madonna and Mick Jagger
Jake laments the absence of autobiographies from major figures like Madonna and Mick Jagger. He speculates on the reasons behind this silence, particularly focusing on Mick Jagger's potential reluctance to revisit his extensive and perhaps sordid past:
“There's too many stories. And unlike Keith Richards, I'm betting that Mick Jagger remembers most of what he's gone through in his life.”
(Timestamp: 29:45)
He also touches on Madonna’s influence and suggests that her potential autobiography might come out in a more curated form, possibly for a film adaptation rather than a straightforward memoir.
Kanye West
Addressing contemporary figures, Jake expresses a desire for a genuine autobiography from Kanye West, seeking clarity on his tumultuous personal and professional life:
“I'd like an explanation as to what the fuck's been going on in his head the last five years, 10 years really.”
(Timestamp: 34:20)
Listener Interactions
Throughout the episode, Jake engages with listener voicemails and texts, expanding the discussion beyond his initial topics:
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Justin from 540 shares his own list of deserving bands for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, including Motörhead and the Misfits, reflecting the community's interest in recognizing influential yet often overlooked artists.
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Bernard from 470 requests information on past episodes and suggests exploring Roy Hamilton’s influence on Elvis Presley, as well as the tragic story of Little Willie John, adding a potential crime angle to the narrative.
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Mike from 585 in Rochester discusses regional influences on bands like Billy Idol and Joy Division, hinting at deeper connections between location and music history.
Jake responds thoughtfully to each message, acknowledging the contributions and encouraging further listener participation:
“Take care, Bernard. Thank you.”
(Timestamp: 17:04)
Exploring the Lack of Autobiographies
Jake delves deeper into why certain rockstars haven't penned their life stories, attributing it to the overwhelming number of stories and the reluctance to reveal too much personal history. He speculates that figures like Mick Jagger prefer to keep their narratives intact, avoiding the pitfalls of public storytelling:
“I don't think we're ever getting a Mick Jagger autobiography, not in a post MeToo era.”
(Timestamp: 34:50)
Future Topics and Episodes
Jake teases upcoming episodes and topics, including a focus on Chris Cornell and the potential for a Marilyn Manson episode. He also mentions his other podcast, Hollywoodland, which complements DISGRACELAND by exploring true crime stories in Hollywood:
“You could get an explanation as to what the fuck's been going on in his head the last five years, 10 years really. But I fear that the mentally ill, at least relative to Kanye, I don't think he has the ability for that kind of self-reflection.”
(Timestamp: 35:50)
He encourages listeners to continue sending in their suggestions and reviews to support the show's growth.
Conclusion
In this compelling bonus episode, Jake Brennan not only sheds light on obscure and controversial autobiographies but also critiques the absence of such narratives from some of rock's biggest names. By intertwining his personal insights with listener interactions, Jake provides a multifaceted exploration of the hidden stories that shape the legacy of rock and roll icons. This episode serves as a thought-provoking commentary on the power of storytelling and the complexities of fame within the music industry.
Notable Quotes
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Jake Brennan on Marilyn Manson's Autobiography:
“It is pretty fucking dark. It is funny, though, so I guess there's some humanity in that somehow.”
(Timestamp: 19:30) -
Jake Brennan on Mick Jagger's Potential Autobiography:
“There's too many stories. And unlike Keith Richards, I'm betting that Mick Jagger remembers most of what he's gone through in his life.”
(Timestamp: 29:45) -
Jake Brennan on Kanye West's Autobiography:
“I'd like an explanation as to what the fuck's been going on in his head the last five years, 10 years really.”
(Timestamp: 34:20)
Final Thoughts
This episode of DISGRACELAND offers a deep dive into the complexities surrounding rockstar autobiographies, blending investigative curiosity with engaging listener interactions. For fans of true stories from the dark side of entertainment history, this episode is a must-listen, providing both critical analysis and tantalizing prospects for future content.