Scar Tissue

Anthony Kiedis · Larry Sloman

Oct 2004 · Sold by Hachette Books

About this ebook

In this "vivid and inspiring" New York Times bestseller (Newsweek), the Red Hot Chili Peppers' lead singer and songwriter shares a searingly honest account of life in the rock scene's fast lane—from the darkness into the light.

In 1983, four self-described "knuckleheads" burst out of the mosh-pitted mosaic of the neo-punk rock scene in L.A. with their own unique brand of cosmic hardcore mayhem funk. Over twenty years later, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, against all odds, have become one of the most successful bands in the world. Though the band has gone through many incarnations, Anthony Kiedis, the group's lyricist and dynamic lead singer, has been there for the whole roller-coaster ride. In Scar Tissue, Kiedis delivers a compelling life story from a man "in love with everything"—the darkness, the death, the disease. Even his descent into drug addiction was a part of that journey, another element transformed into art.

Whether he's honoring the influence of the beautiful, strong women who have been his muses or remembering the roaring crowds of Woodstock and the Dalai Lama's humble compound, Kiedis shares a compelling story about the price of success and excess. Scar Tissue is a story of dedication and debauchery, of intrigue and integrity, of recklessness and redemption—a story that could only have come out of the world of rock.

Ratings and reviews

Shame on Blackie for putting AK on the fucked up path he walked for most of his life. I'm thankful for RHCP and their contributions to music, but I feel for this man knowing his challenges could have been lessened with a less selfish father. The last two chapters showed AK's vulnerabilities and with every word I imagined a man that will never be at peace. Hugs AK.

This is the most interesting life story I've ever read and I was hooked the whole time. Even if you aren't a fan of the band, its a journey through this man's crazy life. My favorite thing is his honesty and openness, the way he takes responsibility for the past and shares his personal thoughts about healing and recovery. it is honorable of him to speak so freely and would be helpful to anyone struggling with drugs or trying to understand the struggle. He's a genius writer with quite a deep perspective

Being a singer myself, I am always very intrigued with what it takes to "make it" & especially how you do it with addiction issues & why it is so prevalent in rock n roll based music. This is an honest story of a kid from a dysfunctional upbringing who because of his spirit, intellect & creativity found his niche with the RHCP. Glad he seemed to conquer most of his demons & lived to tell the story.

About the author

Anthony Kiedis grew up in L.A. and formed The Red Hot Chili Peppers in high school. The group's breakthrough album, Blood Sugar Sex Magik, was recorded in 1991; their 1999 album Californication sold over 13 million copies worldwide. Their latest album, By the Way, is one of their best sellers yet. The band toured extensively in 2003. Kiedis lives in the Los Angeles area.