My Effin' Life
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4.7 • 122 Ratings
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- $21.99
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- $21.99
Publisher Description
The long-awaited memoir, generously illustrated with never-before-seen photos, from the iconic Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, Rush bassist, and New York Times bestselling author of Geddy Lee's Big Beautiful Book of Bass.
Geddy Lee is one of rock and roll's most respected bassists. For nearly five decades, his playing and work as co-writer, vocalist and keyboardist has been an essential part of the success story of Canadian progressive rock trio Rush. Here for the first time is his account of life inside and outside the band.
Long before Rush accumulated more consecutive gold and platinum records than any rock band after the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, before the seven Grammy nominations or the countless electrifying live performances across the globe, Geddy Lee was Gershon Eliezer Weinrib, after his grandfather was murdered in the Holocaust.
As he recounts the transformation, Lee looks back on his family, in particular his loving parents and their horrific experiences as teenagers during World War II.
He talks candidly about his childhood and the pursuit of music that led him to drop out of high school.
He tracks the history of Rush which, after early struggles, exploded into one of the most beloved bands of all time.
He shares intimate stories of his lifelong friendships with bandmates Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart—deeply mourning Peart’s recent passing—and reveals his obsessions in music and beyond.
This rich brew of honesty, humor, and loss makes for a uniquely poignant memoir.
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
When the frontman for one of rock’s most beloved power trios decides to share his story after half a century in the limelight, you bet we’re ready to listen. Rush singer and bassist Geddy Lee opens up about just about everything. He’s candid about the sadness and tragedy that’s touched him, from being the child of Holocaust survivors to the terrible loss of bandmate Neil Peart’s daughter. But the tone is just as often easygoing and fun, as Lee shares his irreverent thoughts on many aspects of his career—we particularly loved his expletive-loaded defense of his infamous high-pitched vocals, not to mention his hilarious firsthand advice on why rockers should never drop acid before talking to the press. And of course, you can see the same heart and soul that’s made him an icon as a rock vocalist in every moment of this book.
Customer Reviews
One of the best autobiographies!
This book is so beautifully and intelligently written. Geddy does not skip one detail, he is so honest and candid, you feel like you are reading the book of a close friend. He describes everything about his childhood, his parents surviving the holocaust, the bands drug use, how they created their music, details of recording and touring, what it was like to tour with other bands, Neil’s death.
There are many photos, inside stories, drawings, posters. If only every autobiography was this great!
You certainly get your moneys worth!
Thoroughly Effin’ Enjoyable
An engrossing, fun, emotionally challenging and rewarding read. You will come away from Geddy Lee’s memoir knowing more about his personal and professional journey, moreover about the art and industry of music and the personalities that drive them both, than you might fathom. I was compelled to listen to the songs referenced in “My Effin’ Life “—both Rush songs and those that informed and inspired them—adding to my own knowledge and enjoyment of music while immersing myself in the world of one of THE iconic rock bands of all time. I wasn’t a devoted Rush fan when I started reading Lee’s book, but I count myself one now and forever.
Terrific book
I enjoyed reading this book so much, that I read it again!