One of the most enjoyable books I have read
in a long time. (Review by Keith Millar)
Rod Stewart’s autobiography is one of the
most enjoyable books I have read in a long time. It is written with wit, and in
an unassuming and self-deprecating manner, which is both very entertaining and
engaging.
Certainly no stone is left unturned as he
recounts his colourful life and a career which has spanned five decades. The
result is a wild rock ‘n roll adventure which is at times riotous and at other
times deeply moving. In the process Rod Stewart reveals himself to be a
thoroughly likable, loving and caring human being.
Rod Stewart was born into a working class
family in North London in 1945. He was a “laatlammetjie” who was warmly
welcomed by his parents and four older siblings. He enjoyed a secure upbringing
and has remained close to his family throughout his life.
In the early 1960’s, after a few
unsuccessful attempts at diverse career paths, Rod started performing in
London’s R&B clubs. His distinctive raspy voice caught the attention of
Long John Baldry and recruited him as the vocalist for his group The Hoochie
Coochie Men. This was followed by stints with Steampacket and the Jeff Beck
Group. Then along with Ronnie Wood, he formed the rock group the Faces. For the
next five years, the bands offstage antics with alcohol, wrecked hotel rooms
and groupies were the stuff of which legends were made.
During this period he also found time to
write Maggie May, among a few other
hit songs, which launched a solo career which has seen him sell an estimated
200 million records, be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice,
play the world’s largest ever concert, receive a Grammy Award and be awarded a
CBE by the Queen. Not bad, as he says, for “a kid with a frog in his throat and
a rooster haircut”.
The book also deals candidly with his
marriages and divorces and his love affairs with many beautiful woman from
movie stars to super models. Rod has had eight children and talks about them
with great love and compassion. He also talks about his brush with cancer which
so nearly saw a premature end to his career.
Rod is a passionate football fan and has
played the game all his life. At the age of 67, he says he is still good for
the occasional 45 minutes on the pitch. He is a fanatical supporter of the
Scottish team – something he got from his Scottish father. He loves the
camaraderie of the sport and has formed lifelong friendships with fellow
players.
He is also a zealous model railroad
collector and has built extensive layouts at his home. Whenever he goes on tour,
three flight cases of models goes with him so that he will have something to do
in his down time.
Rod Stewart is highly appreciative of his
God-given talent and believes he has a duty to make the most of it. He has
lived his life to the full and the good news is that he has no intention of
retiring just yet. His autobiography, mostly light hearted, good humoured and
full of fun, is an apt celebration of a life well lived.
Music icons such as Rod Stewart define a
generation. I am sure that there are many of that same generation of old
rockers who would be overjoyed to find ROD
The Autobiography in their Christmas stockings this year.
Rod
The Autobiography is published by Century 2012.
ISBN is 9781780890531. Suggested retail price is R230.00. – Keith Millar
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