Fame, Industrial, Goth Girls and Drugs

This was a title that I had wanted to read for years. Stumbling across it on Audible, read by the man himself, it was a no-brainer to give it a listen.

While the beginning starts off a little rocky, Connelly soon dives deep into the world of the WaxTrax! camp and the insanity that was the 'House that Al built'. He details his introduction into the Ministry crew and all of the turmoil that would accompany it. A naive and bored Scotsman relocates to mid-80s Chicago and is thrust into debauchery and a drug culture that would have killed off lesser men. His detailed recollections are impressive, humorous, and at times even sad.

Make no mistake, regardless of any recent reunions, Connelly makes no attempt to hide his disdain of one Mr. Al Jourgenson and the ego-mania that accompanied their relationship. Al Jourgenson's own book downplayed the contributions of the other members of Ministry and the Revolting Cocks, and Chris sets the record straight, painting a not so favorable picture of 'Uncle Al', and one that is certainly closer to the truth. (on a side note: Al has always come off as that friend you have that lies about everything in the hopes that you will think they are 'cool' and that you will like them.)

A tale of tours and debauchery, drug-fueled shennanigans and horror stories from the road, he chronicles the conception and execution of the Ministry and Revolting Cocks projects that he was a part of, as well as his work with Pigface and Murder Inc., to his own solo efforts from 1986 to around 1995. It's a facinating look at the inner-workings of the Chicago 'industrial scene'.

Many familiar names litter the stories, including William Tucker, Frank Nardiello (Groovie Mann), Trent Reznor, Nivek Ogre, Phildo Owens, Martin Atkins, Jaz Coleman, Paul Raven, Jello Biafra, KMFDM, etc. etc..... it's a no holds barred expose on the entire scene, and he includes several others as well under nicknames to protect the innocent (or rather, guilty).

Connelly's performance may come off as a little subdued at times, but his impressions of certain people (especially Jourgenson) liven up the stories. Unprofessionally, breaks into laughter while recollecting certain tales, and it's actually refreshing from the constant barrage of drug addled nights filled with scorn and regret.

If you ever had any interest in the music, or Connelly himself, this is as good a bible as you're going to get. Recommended for those who want an insight into the scene.

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