Books like Set the boy free by Johnny Marr

Patti Smith’s memoir charts her life in New York City, from the bohemian scenes of Max’s Kansas City and the Hotel Chelsea to a creative partnership with photographer Robert Mapplethorpe in Brooklyn.

David Byrne explores how time, place, and recording technology shape music, tracing evolutionary patterns and cultural responses that culminated in the transformative practices of the 20th century.

A definitive oral history of punk rock, featuring interviews with Iggy Pop, Richard Hell, the Ramones, and other influential musicians.

Kim Gordon, founding member of Sonic Youth, shares her memoir of life as an artist, musician, mother and pioneer of alternative rock, charting her journey from California roots to the New York underground of the 1980s and 1990s.

Keith Richards chronicles his life as the founding guitarist of the Rolling Stones— from early influences, the formation of the band, iconic songs, wild touring, personal loves, legal troubles, and his enduring rock‑n‑roll legacy.

Pete Way, founding bassist of UFO, chronicles a 40‑year hard‑rock career marked by extreme excess, heroin addiction, multiple marriages and cancer battles, offering an unflinching view of life on the edge.

The definitive book about one of the most beloved, respected, and storied indie rock bands in music history. Hailing from Manchester, England, The Smiths--Morrissey, Johnny Marr, Andy Rourke, and Mike Joyce--were critical and popular favorites throughout their mid-1980s heyday and beyond. Tony Fletcher paints a vivid portrait of the fascinating personalities within the group: Morrissey, the witty, literate lead singer whose loner personality and complex lyrics made him an icon; his songwriting partner Marr, the gregarious guitarist; and the rhythm section duo of bassist Rourke and drummer Joyce. Despite the band's tragic breakup at the height of their success, this book is a celebration: the saga of four working-class kids from a northern English city who come together despite contrasting personalities, find a musical bond, inspire a fanatical following, and leave a legacy that changed the music world--and the lives of their fans.--From publisher description.

A personal account by the co-founder of Duran Duran traces their meteoric rise in the 1980s while evaluating the impact of fame on the author's life, his struggles with addiction and depression, and his subsequent journey toward peace.