Today, I’m reviewing The Boy is Gonna Rock, a rock ‘n’ roll memoir by drummer Bobby Rock. It’s an older title from 2018, but I’m always playing catch-up with reading LOL. I got too many books on my TBR pile.
Title: The Boy is Gonna Rock
Series: N/A
Author: Bobby Rock
Genre(s): Memoir, Autobiography, Rock ‘n’ Roll
Length: 295 pages/80,000 words
Release Date: May 15, 2018
Publisher: Zen Man Publishing
Take a Ride with “the Boy” Through
the Heart of the Last Great Era of Hard Rock!
Blurb: Drumming phenom Bobby Rock takes you behind the scenes to the genesis of his extraordinary musical journey: from the moment he decided to become a drummer, to his fanatical practice and training regimen, to the destined path that led him from Houston to Hollywood—during the height of the 80s hair metal explosion—for a fateful audition with ex-Kiss guitarist’s, Vinnie Vincent Invasion.
It’s a whirlwind adventure through recording sessions, video shoots, extensive tours, and the “rock star” life—all set against a chaotic (yet amusing) backdrop of debauchery, dysfunction, and humor. It’s also one of the more engaging and insightful stories you will encounter about a boy’s impossible dream roaring to life during this most beloved era of pop culture, then barreling forward three decades into the present.
Grab a seat, settle in for the ride, and rest assured…
The Boy Is Gonna Rock!
Available at:
Amazon | B&N | Kobo | iBooks | Author’s Website
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I’ll admit that I cannot name a single song by the Vinnie Vincent Invasion (VVI). However, I love rock ‘n’ roll biographies and memoirs, so I decided to give this one a try. I had never heard of Bobby Rock before, but since he comes from the hair metal heyday, I was eager to learn how he broke into the business. He does a fantastic job of sharing his story.
If you are looking for an intimate look into his private life, you will not find it here. That was a bit of a bummer for me, as I usually enjoy reading about a musician’s life outside of the studio. Instead, the author focuses almost entirely on his professional career during the 1980s and beyond. Fortunately, the rock world is highly connected, so his journey crosses paths with plenty of musicians I actually recognize.
Of course, I have heard of Vinnie Vincent. As a casual KISS fan who never really listened to their ’80s era, I cannot recall if I ever heard Vinnie’s work with them. I really enjoyed the insider look at how the VVI albums were made, how the songs were developed, and Vinnie’s intense studio work ethic. He was a true perfectionist who wanted to release the best possible music. It seems Vinnie lost his love for the project when the original vocalist walked. You have your heart set on one person, and you end up settling for someone else. I believe this setback sparked the downfall that happens later in the book.
I also appreciated the author’s persistent positivity. He rarely has a bad word to say about anyone and always tries to find the bright side of a tough situation. Every band needs a mediator and a diplomat, and Bobby Rock definitely fit that role. His writing is solid, sticking to a clear chronological timeline that makes the book incredibly easy to read.
Overall, it was an interesting ride. Since the drums are my favourite instrument, I loved the technical details about his kit and drumming style. Some readers might find those parts dry, but as a music nerd, I wanted to hear all of it. I even learned something new: he drummed for Nelson. I only know three of their songs, but their memoir is next on my reading pile, so it looks like I will be crossing paths with Bobby again soon!
