We polled our Amerant Bank Arena Concert Staff on their all-time favorite books by their favorite bands, and while it was a close draw, these were our top 4 must-read artist memoirs.

1. Scar Tissue by Anthony Kiedis

If you're looking for a wild ride, full of ridiculous recklessness then get ready for Red Hot Chili Peppers frontman Anthony Kiedis' life story. It's more than a rock biography, this book will take you through the highs and lows of addiction, the underground LA music scene, and the history of the Chili Peppers.

 

 

2. Decoded by Jay-Z

Join rapper Jay-Z as he dives deep into his song lyrics, reflects on his past, and paints us an honest portrait of his youth and memories that led him to become one of the most successful and provocative artists of our time. 

 

 

 

 

3. I Am Ozzy by Ozzy Osbourne

In the words of Black Sabbath vocalist Ozzy himself, "A lot of it ain't gonna be pretty. I've done some bad things in my time... But I ain't the devil. I'm just John Osbourne: a working-class kid from Aston, who quit his job in the factory and went looking for a good time."

 

 

 

4. Does the Noise in My Head Bother You? A Rock 'n' Roll Memoir by Steven Tyler

The legendary Aerosmith frontman, Steven Tyler takes readers on his personal rock and roll rollercoaster. In Tyler’s own words: "I have so many outrageous stories, too many, and I’m gonna tell ’em all... Tales of debauchery, sex & drugs, transcendence & chemical dependence... the in-your-face, up-close and prodigious tale of Steven Tyler straight from the horse’s lips.”

 

 

Runners-up:

Here's a couple more really great reads, for all our music-loving book-worms out there.

• Me by Elton John  
• Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen  
• Gold Dust Woman: The Biography of Stevie Nicks by Stephen Davis  
• Face the Music: A Life Exposed by Paul Stanley of KISS
• Sounds Like Me: My Life (So Far) in Song by Sara Bareilles 
• Hindsight: & All the Things I Can't See in Front of Me by Justin Timberlake
• Not Dead Yet: The Memoir by Phil Collins
• Facing the Music and Living to Talk About It by Nick Carter
• Cher: Strong Enough by Josiah Howard 

 

Got any great book recommendations to add to the list? We want to hear from you! Tweet us @TheBBTCenter.