All I Ever Wanted: A Rock 'n' Roll Memoir

Written by:
Kathy Valentine
Narrated by:
Kathy Valentine

Unabridged Audiobook

Ratings
Book
11
Narrator
6
Release Date
April 2020
Duration
9 hours 38 minutes
Summary
This brutally honest memoir tells the story of The Go-Go’s bassist Kathy Valentine’s impact on the music world and how she moved forward following the end of the band that once defined her whole life.

At twenty-one, Kathy Valentine was at the Whisky in Los Angeles when she met a guitarist from a fledgling band called the Go-Go's-and the band needed a bassist. The Go-Go's became the first multi-platinum-selling, all-female band to play instruments themselves, write their own songs, and have a number one album. Their debut, Beauty and the Beat, spent six weeks at the top of the Billboard 200and featured the hit songs "We Got the Beat" and "Our Lips Are Sealed." The record's success brought the pressures of a relentless workload and schedule culminating in a wild, hazy, substance-fueled tour that took the band from the club circuit to arenas, where fans, promoters, and crew were more than ready to keep the party going.

For Valentine, the band's success was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream-but it's only part of her story. All I Ever Wanted traces the path that took her from her childhood in Texas-where she all but raised herself-to the height of rock n' roll stardom, devastation after the collapse of the band that had come to define her, and the quest to regain her sense of self after its end. Valentine also speaks candidly about the lasting effects of parental betrayal, abortion, rape, and her struggles with drugs and alcohol-and the music that saved her every step of the way. Populated with vivid portraits of Valentine's interactions during the 1980s with musicians and actors from the Police and Rod Stewart to John Belushi and Rob Lowe, All I Ever Wanted is a deeply personal reflection on a life spent in music.
 
Browse By Category
Reviews
Profile Avatar
John P.

What a crazy journey.

Profile Avatar
Steve G.

Despite a poor upbringing, Valentine became a successful musician. This book chronicles her mother's shameful parenting, leading to the future Go Go's abortion as a minor. Later, the mother ended up having an affair with one of Valentine's pals.

Profile Avatar
Stevemcd

A self examined and honest account of life in a popular rock band. Her perspective is particularly unique because of her unconventional upbringing. It’s great to see someone come out the other side with life and sanity intact. Well written, well done!

1 book added to cart
Subtotal
$27.99
View Cart