I'll Sleep When I'm Dead: The Dirty Life and Times of Warren Zevon - Softcover

Zevon, Crystal

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0060763493 ISBN 13: 9780060763497

Publisher: Ecco, 2008

Synopsis

When Warren Zevon died in 2003, he left behind a rich catalog of dark, witty rock 'n' roll classics, including "Lawyers, Guns and Money," "Excitable Boy," and the immortal "Werewolves of London." He also left behind a fanatical cult following and veritable rock opera of drugs, women, celebrity, genius, and epic bad behavior. As Warren once said, "I got to be Jim Morrison a lot longer than he did."

Narrated by his former wife and longtime co-conspirator, Crystal Zevon, this intimate and unusual oral history draws on interviews with Bruce Springsteen, Stephen King, Bonnie Raitt, and numerous others who fell under Warren's mischievous spell. Told in the words and images of the friends, lovers, and legends who knew him best, I'll Sleep When I'm Dead captures Warren Zevon in all his turbulent glory.

About this title

Review:

“In one of the most unflinching examinations of the rock & roll life ever, Warren Zevon’s ex-wife Crystal paints a harrowing picture of a brilliant mind ravaged by alcohol ― using excerpts from the late singer-songwriter’s journals and interviews with friends including Jackson Browne and Bruce Springsteen.” (Rolling Stone, The Best of Rock Issue)

“I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead turns out to be one of the most casually insightful rock bios ever.” Grade: A- (Entertainment Weekly)

“ The book reveals a smartass satirist . . . as bankrupt as the characters he documented in his songs.” (Los Angeles Times)

“[A] new, riveting oral history... unflinching interviews with his friends, admirers and fellow hell-raisers.” (Rolling Stone)

“... an unforgettable journey into the depths of Mr. Zevon’s mad genius.” (New York Times)

“Few books have captured so well the L.A. rock and roll scene in all its mindlessness and eloquence.” (Los Angeles Magazine)

“...I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead definitely piles up enough horrendous behavior to back the title’s claim.” (New York Times Book Review)

“It’s a frank account of yet another great talent taken down by his own demons.” (Time Out Chicago)

“.. a fascinating collection of anecdotes... as assembled by his ex-wife, Crystal Zevon. ” (Philadelphia Daily News)

“[It’s] a satisfyingly sordid read that’s full of bad behavior...” (Philadelphia Inquirer)

Synopsis:

During his lifetime Zevon never quite achieved the recognition he deserved, but he did build up a huge cult following and critical acclaim for his songwriting from some of the biggest names in the music industry. When he was diagnosed with cancer he asked his estranged wife Crystal Zevon to take notes for a 'no-hold-barred' oral biography and insight into the Los Angeles music scene at the top of it's game. Revealing and unreservedly honest, the hardback earned much critical acclaim. This work features an introduction by Bruce Springsteen and afterword by Carl Hiassen.

About this edition

• Publisher: Ecco
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 0060763493
• ISBN 13: 9780060763497
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 480