Best Rock Band Biographies Books of 2025

Wilson Cook Avatar
Wilson Cook
Last Updated: Apr 26, 2023

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Rock Band Biographies Books offer a unique insight into the lives of some of the most iconic musicians in history. From the Beatles to Led Zeppelin, these books provide a comprehensive look at the personal and professional lives of these artists. Each book delves into the band's formation, rise to fame, and eventual legacy. Readers will gain a deeper understanding of their favorite bands and the music that shaped generations. With detailed accounts of tours, recordings, and personal experiences, these biographies are a must-read for any music lover.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Crying in H Mart: A Memoir Cover #TOP 1
Crying in H Mart: A Memoir
ftb score rating icon 9.8
My Effin' Life Cover #TOP 2
My Effin' Life
ftb score rating icon 9.7
The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music Cover #TOP 3
The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Rock Band Biographies Books

Zauner, Michelle
Mar 28, 2023
Crying in H Mart: A Memoir Cover
Crying in H Mart: A Memoir

Crying in H Mart is an exceptional memoir by Michelle Zauner, the indie rock sensation known as Japanese Breakfast. It tells the story of growing up Korean American, of family, food, grief, love, and loss. Zauner's writing is honest, lyrical, and plainspoken as she shares her intimate anecdotes that will resonate widely. The book is a celebration of her mother's life and legacy, and how food helped her cope with her mother's terminal cancer diagnosis. Crying in H Mart is a must-read for anyone who enjoys memoirs and wants to understand the complexities of identity, loss, and family.

#TOP 2

My Effin' Life

Lee, Geddy
Nov 14, 2023

"My Effin' Life" is the much-awaited memoir of Geddy Lee, the iconic bassist of the Canadian progressive rock band Rush. Lee shares his life story, from his childhood as Gershon Eliezer Weinrib to his pursuit of music and success with Rush. He talks candidly about his family's experiences during World War II and his friendship with bandmates Alex Lifeson and the late Neil Peart. The memoir is a rich blend of humor, honesty, and loss that makes it a unique and poignant read for fans of Rush and music enthusiasts alike.

The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music

Grohl, Dave
Oct 5, 2021
The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music Cover
The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music

The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music is a #1 New York Times Bestseller and an exceptional memoir by Dave Grohl. In this book, he shares his incredible journey from being a young musician to becoming a rockstar, including his experiences in Nirvana and the Foo Fighters. Grohl's writing style is candid, and his stories are full of humor, humility, and big-time stars. This book is a must-read for music lovers, especially those who are fans of rock music. Overall, The Storyteller is a fantastic read that offers a unique and refreshing perspective on the life of a rockstar.

Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story

Bono
Nov 1, 2022
Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story Cover
Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story

Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story is a powerful and candid memoir written by Bono, the lead singer of U2. In this book, Bono shares his remarkable life story, from his early days growing up in Dublin to U2's journey to become one of the greatest rock bands in the world. Bono writes with candor, self-reflection, and humor, opening up about his family, friends, and faith that have sustained, challenged, and shaped him. The book's forty chapters are each named after a U2 song, and Bono has created forty original drawings for Surrender, which appear throughout the book. This memoir is a must-read for any U2 fan or anyone interested in Bono's life and career.

Leon Russell: The Master of Space and Time's Journey Through Rock & Roll History

Janovitz, Bill
Mar 14, 2023
Leon Russell: The Master of Space and Time's Journey Through Rock & Roll History Cover
Leon Russell: The Master of Space and Time's Journey Through Rock & Roll History

The biography of Leon Russell, written by Bill Janovitz, is a tribute to the legendary musician, composer, and performer who influenced many artists such as Elton John, George Harrison, and the Rolling Stones. The book covers Russell's journey through the music industry, from touring with Jerry Lee Lewis to founding Shelter Records and discovering Tom Petty, the Gap Band, and J.J. Cale. Janovitz also delves into Russell's struggles with substance abuse, depression, and stage fright. This New York Times Bestseller is a must-read for any music lover interested in the history of rock & roll.

Violet Bent Backwards Over the Grass

Del Rey, Lana
Simon & Schuster
Sep 29, 2020
Violet Bent Backwards Over the Grass Cover
Violet Bent Backwards Over the Grass

Violet Bent Backwards Over the Grass is the debut book of poetry from American singer, songwriter, artist, and poet Lana Del Rey. This collection of more than thirty poems showcases Lana's typewritten manuscript pages alongside her original photography. The book is also brought to life in an unprecedented spoken word audiobook featuring Lana reading fourteen select poems from the book accompanied by music from Grammy Award-winning musician Jack Antonoff. The poems are eclectic, honest, and reflect the unguarded spirit of its creator. Overall, the book is a beautiful poetic landscape that solidifies Lana Del Rey further as an essential writer of her times.

You're That Bitch: & Other Cute Lessons About Being Unapologetically Yourself

Rock, Bretman
Feb 14, 2023
You're That Bitch: & Other Cute Lessons About Being Unapologetically Yourself Cover
You're That Bitch: & Other Cute Lessons About Being Unapologetically Yourself

You're That Bitch: & Other Cute Lessons About Being Unapologetically Yourself is a collection of essays and never-before-seen photos that goes beyond what we know of Bretman Rock from social media. The book provides an unfiltered and unprecedented look at what it means to be one of the first digital celebrities and that bitch. With his signature honesty, Bretman writes about dealing with cancel culture, drama, heartbreak, and what it means to love yourself and your community. This book is a hilarious, impossible-to-put-down memoir that takes readers on a roller-coaster ride through Bretman's first two decades.

#TOP 8

Pageboy: A Memoir

Page, Elliot
Jun 6, 2023

Pageboy: A Memoir is a candid and intimate account of Elliot Page's journey of self-discovery as a queer and trans person in Hollywood. From the pressure of playing the role of a young starlet to facing criticism and abuse, Elliot shares his truth with defiance, strength, and joy. This beautifully written memoir is an ode to stepping into who we truly are and untangling ourselves from the expectations of others. A must-read for anyone seeking inspiration and empowerment in their own journey of self-discovery.

Ringmaster: Vince McMahon and the Unmaking of America

Riesman, Abraham
Mar 28, 2023
Ringmaster: Vince McMahon and the Unmaking of America Cover
Ringmaster: Vince McMahon and the Unmaking of America

The book "Ringmaster: Vince McMahon and the Unmaking of America" is a fascinating biography of Vince McMahon, the former WWE chairman and CEO who rose from rural poverty to become one of the most influential figures in American pro wrestling. The book features exclusive interviews with over 150 individuals who witnessed, aided, and suffered from his ascent. Even if you're not a fan of wrestling, this unauthorized and independent investigative chronicle offers a new lens for understanding contemporary American culture. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in the entertainment industry and American politics.

#TOP 10

1964: Eyes of the Storm

McCartney, Paul
Lepore, Jill
Jun 13, 2023
1964: Eyes of the Storm Cover
1964: Eyes of the Storm

1964: Eyes of the Storm is an exceptional book that features 275 unseen photographs of The Beatles from the end of 1963 through early 1964, when they became an international sensation. Taken by Paul McCartney, the images document the radical shift in youth culture that crystallized in 1964. The book also includes a personal foreword by McCartney, candid recollections preceding each city portfolio, and an essay by Harvard historian Jill Lepore. This beautifully designed book is a must-read for any rock music fan who wants to know more about The Beatles and their impact on music history.

Buying Guide Image

Reader's Guide: Best Rock Band Biographies Books

Introduction

If you're a fan of rock music, then you've likely spent hours pouring over the biographies of your favorite bands and musicians. But with so many books on the market, it can be overwhelming trying to decide which ones are worth your time and money. Here are a few tips for choosing rock band biographies books that will give you an in-depth look at your favorite artists and their careers.

Consider the Author

One of the most important things to consider when choosing a rock band biography book is the author. Look for books written by respected journalists or authors who have a track record of writing well-researched, informative books. Avoid books written by unknown or questionable sources, as they may not be as reliable or accurate.

Look for In-Depth Research

A good rock band biography book should be well-researched and provide a deep dive into the band's history and career. Look for books that include interviews with the band members, as well as other sources such as friends, family, and colleagues. The more sources the book includes, the more likely it is to be a comprehensive and accurate portrayal of the band's career.

Check for Positive Reviews

Before purchasing a rock band biography book, take some time to read reviews from other readers. Look for books that have received overwhelmingly positive reviews, as this is usually a good indication that the book is well-written and informative. Avoid books with mostly negative reviews, as they may not be worth your time.

Consider the Band's Popularity

If you're a fan of a lesser-known band, you may have a harder time finding a comprehensive biography of them. In this case, it may be worth considering a book about a similar or related band, or one that covers a specific period of the band's career. On the other hand, if you're a fan of a very popular band, there may be several books to choose from. In this case, consider looking for a book that offers a unique perspective or focus, such as a behind-the-scenes look at the band's early days or a focus on a particular album or tour.

Think About Your Personal Preferences

Ultimately, the best rock band biography book for you will depend on your personal preferences and interests. If you're looking for a more lighthearted, anecdotal look at the band's career, consider a book that focuses on behind-the-scenes stories and personal experiences. If you prefer a more serious, in-depth look at the band's history and music, look for a book that includes extensive research and analysis.

Conclusion

With these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to finding the perfect rock band biography book to add to your collection. Whether you're a diehard fan or just looking for a glimpse into the world of rock music, these books can provide a fascinating and enlightening look at some of the most iconic bands and musicians in history.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does the rock have an autobiography?

Johnson produced and starred in the HBO comedy-drama series Ballers (2015–2019) and stars and produces the autobiographical sitcom Young Rock (2021). In 2000, Johnson released the autobiography The Rock Says, which was a New York Times bestseller.

Editor's Notes

During our rock band biographies book research, we found 1,200+ rock band biographies book products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 49,778 customer reviews through our big data system to write the rock band biographies books list. We found that most customers choose rock band biographies books with an average price of $17.63.

Written by
Wilson Cook Avatar

Wilson Cook is a talented writer who has an MFA in creative writing from Williams College and has published more than 50 books acquired by hundreds of thousands of people from various countries by now. He is an inveterate reading lover as he has read a vast amount of books since childhood.