Nirvana - A Tour Diary: My Life on the Road with One of the Greatest Bands of All Time

Another perspective from someone on the level, which is refreshing in contrast the tripe that comes out of the mouth of people like Charles Cross and Danny Goldberg.

I am graciously presented with the book, " Nirvana . A Tour Diary", but I am not drawn to its subject matter - yet! I admire the writer, having recently chuckled my way through his brilliantly written satire, so I have expectations! And I am not disappointed. This book effectively demonstrates that Andy Bollen is a gifted writer- a talented individual whose perceptiveness -insight- into the maelstrom of a musical world is almost tangible. Yes, it reflects the verisimilitude of the era and the antics of "lads" on tour, but it is much more. Bollen's writing has depth, passion, sophistication and compassion. His intellectual asides on art, culture and his philosophical ruminations on the state of the industry and its "followers" leave the reader riveted. But it is his solid, down to earth approach which is particularly memorable: no "stars in your eyes" affectation, no illusions - just honesty about and empathy for a great artist whose "soft-spoken cleverness and razor-sharp wit" would otherwise be lost to the world amidst the tragedy that is Kurt Cobain. Bollen is realistic about his own band's shortcomings and its talents yet "Captain America" was an ideal viewing platform from which sensitive writing has emerged. The irony that commercialism and fame left Nirvana insecure about their talents is haunting, but Bollen really captures the fact that "when an extraordinary thing happens to an ordinary person" then it is certainly a story worth telling. The authenticity of dialogue adds perfect realism to "this crucial point" in the careers of Nirvana's members and the fact that Bollen did "keep working the diary" has allowed us to venture into their world. Perhaps had Cobain had his very own "Sharron" and the familial support that Andy Bollen had, then Tony Parsons' comment in the "Daily Telegraph" of 14/4/94 that " We mourn Kurt Cobain not because his death comes as a surprise but because it feels inevitable" would not smart so much.

An eye opening look at not only Nirvana but life on the road. It's an interesting read for all music fans as we all go see them live, but we rarely think about life on tour for the artists and those who make up their tour crew. This book takes you inside and makes you really appreciate those who work in the industry.

A must read for any Nirvana fan out there. Told from a perspective that is rarified air: inside a tour as Nirvana’s star is truly on the rise.Amazingly well written full of wit honesty and heart. Five stars!

There's a line on the book that sums it perfectly "I realized as I jotted ideas that I no longer needed to imagine what it was like for bands to have a huge hit. I was sitting in the eye of the storm, somewhat protected, in a surreal place, capturing my thoughts and looking at a small skinny guy who just like me, was trying to think of what to write next."Very well written and captivating it gives you a glimpse of what happened during the European tour just before Nirvana exploded into tremendous success. In a way it sets the ground from a what happened to Cobain less than 3 years later.