Review: 27 by Howard Sounes

27 by Howard Sounes
Published: November 12, 2013
Format: via NetGalley
Publisher: Da Capo Press
Rating: 3.5/5

Synopsis

Journalists write about the curse of the “27 Club” as if there is a supernatural reason for this series of deaths. Others invoke astrology, numerology, and conspiracy theories to explain what has become a modern mystery. In this haunting book, author Howard Sounes conducts the definitive forensic investigation into the lives and deaths of the six most iconic members of the Club, plus another forty-four music industry figures who died at 27, to discover what, apart from coincidence, this phenomenon signifies.

In a grimly fascinating journey through the dark side of the music business over six decades, Sounes uncovers a common story of excess, madness, and self-destruction. The fantasies, half-truths, and mythologies that have become associated with Jones, Hendrix, Joplin, Morrison, Cobain, and Winehouse are debunked. Instead a clear and compelling narrative emerges, one based on hard facts, that unites these lost souls in both life and death.

My Thoughts

I’ve always been a huge music fan, especially classic rock. So when I saw this book I had to read it. I have always been curious of this whole “27 club” theory. Was it all just coincidence or was something to this whole thing.

This is a great read for anyone who is a fan of any of these great musicians. You get an insight of them that you might have never known. We get a good feel about how they lived and the struggles that came with fame. This whole “27 club” is a thing of legend. Why is it that these great singers all suffered with these demons inside of them and all died at the same age? Most of these singers all died at the height of their careers leaving them frozen in time and the legacy only growing with time. We see they as icons but mostly I’ve have grown to see them as tortured souls. These are people with problems way deeper than anyone knows and many of them turn to drugs to deal.

If you love music or are a fan of any of these musicians or just plain curious, than this is a read for you. While some stories can drag a bit overall it’s an interesting read.