Scar Tissue by Anthony Kiedis is an autobiographical memoir that chronicles the Red Hot Chili Peppers frontman’s turbulent life and legendary career. Written by Kiedis, with journalist Larry Sloman, it traces his journey from a precocious pre-teen struggling with his growing up years in Los Angeles, to a rock star adored by millions. As Kiedis reveals himself in an unvarnished, candid tone, readers follow him from school truancy to cocaine binges, and a creative and musical burst of energy in adulthood.
The first part of the book tells Kiedis’s story as a pre-teen, growing up in a household of fiercely devoted freebooting musician parents, who moved their family frequently. Kiedis’s mother, Peggy, in particular, stands out as the rock ‘n’ roll spirit who spread her aroma of marijuana, sex, and other drugs throughout the family. Because of this, Kiedis often felt like an outsider, while seeking adventure, he was also acutely aware of his family’s alternative lifestyle. This lifestyle laid the foundation for Kiedis’s later exploration of drug use.
The book follows Kiedis as he travels to Peru as a teenager, where he is exposed to a different kind of alternative lifestyle. Returning to Los Angeles, Kiedis forms an alternative rock band, the Red Hot Chili Peppers. From the start, Kiedis and his bandmates are filled with the raw energy of his alternative upbringing. The Chili Peppers become an instant success and message of peace, love, and wildness appeals to the rock and punk subcults.
But as the Chili Peppers rise, Kiedis’s drug use spirals out of control, leading to legal troubles, health issues and almost destroying his career. With the intervention of close friends, Kiedis is able to kick his drug habit and get his career back on track, while managing to keep the Chili Peppers’ sound and spirit alive. He eventually becomes a father, offering an even greater perspective of his life.
In the final chapters of the book, Kiedis examines his life, its successes and setbacks, as he continues to make music and tour with the Chili Peppers. He looks back on past controversy, with his drug issues, and finds himself more focused on what matters to him today. Through The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Kiedis recognizes how he has become a symbol of hope to his fans, and the lessons he has learned throughout his career become the ultimate gift.
Scar Tissue is filled with insight and brilliance, offering readers a brutally honest look into Kiedis’s life and career. Additionally, readers can gain wisdom Kiedis’s remarkable journey, filled with creative expression, love, and perseverance. By telling his own story, Kiedis has created an inspiring look into the life of a rock star, and offers an open-mindedness of life’s ups and downs. Scar Tissue is both a thrilling ride and a powerful memoir that will captivate readers with its masterful prose.
