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Scar Tissue cover art

Scar Tissue

Written by: Anthony Kiedis, Larry Sloman
Narrated by: Rider Strong
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Publisher's Summary

As lead singer and songwriter for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Anthony Kiedis has lived life on the razor's edge. Much has been written about him, but until now we've only had his songs as clues to his experience from the inside. In Scar Tissue, Kiedis proves himself to be as compelling a memoirist as he is a lyricist, giving us a searingly honest account of the life from which his music has evolved.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers are that rare breed of rock band: critically lauded and popularly embraced by millions of fans, their albums consistently sell into the stratosphere - their CD Californication sold over 13 million copies alone.

Now, in Scar Tissue, Anthony Kiedis defies the rock star clichés. In his telling, we can see everything he has done has been part of a passionate journey. Kiedis is a man "in love with everything" - the darkness, the death, the disease. Even his descent into drug addiction was a part of that journey; another element that he has transformed into art. Scar Tissue is a fascinating account of a fast-lane life, addiction, and a moving story of eventual recovery and redemption.

©2004 Anthony Kiedis (P)2010 Phoenix Audio

What the critics say

"Kiedis’s narrative of the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ dues-paying years is vivid and inspiring." ( Newsweek)

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What listeners say about Scar Tissue

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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Heart felt and painful

Not ever having had an addiction to drugs or alcohol , it’s difficult to comprehend the mind of someone who is. But this whirlwind tour of a “groundhog day” life and times of a rockstar brought tears and feelings of sympathy to me. I hope it has the same effect on others that may have been quick to judge the addict on the corner, or in the alley.. life is hard.
Thanks for sharing

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

How long will i slide

This book is tough. It is honest and true to its author, and that means that it is self-indulgent, exaggerated, misogynist, and lacks much in the way of empathy or introspection at least until the end. Much more of the book is about drug addiction and sex than it is about music--although there is some of that in there.

In the end, though, it is an unflinchingly honest account of a wild and unique life, and for that reason, it is a fairly unique book and a worthy read. Toward the end of the book Anthony dwells on his newfound sobriety and seems to come to understand that to be well, we have to have a purpose, we have to make a connection with and help others. Fame, fortune, sex none of this replaced the need to connect with other people and help them for purely unselfish reasons. That alone is the key to sobriety, and that alone is the great message of this book.

“The minute you get out of your self-centered mind-set, you’re instantly freed of your own pain. The trick to staying sober is to constantly be of service to another alcoholic.”

“In the song “Otherside” on Californication, I wrote, “How long, how long will I slide/Separate my side/I don’t, I don’t believe it’s bad.” I don’t believe that drug addiction is inherently bad. It’s a really dark and heavy and destructive experience, but would I trade my experience for that of a normal person? Hell no.... because now that I’ve had them, and now that I’m almost four years sober, I’m in a position to be of service to hundreds of other suffering people."

Excerpt From
Scar Tissue
Anthony Kiedis
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    5 out of 5 stars
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what a life!

Fascinating life that made me wonder how could he ever remember it all?
I'm not a crazy Red Hot Chilli Peppers fan but they are definitely in the soundtrack of my life. I used to sing under the bridge to my baby brother in 1992 so hearing about why he wrote was intriguing. I recommend this book to anyone that grew up with the chilli peppers, anyone that struggles with addiction and to anyone that likes colourful autobiographies.

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    5 out of 5 stars

great book. made me obsessed with john fruciante.

my favorite war story music book.

only complaint is when the narrator voice acted an angry dialogue, he sounded kinda like napolean dynamite

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Unreal

Wow just minding blow all the things this guy does to himself I loved this book

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    5 out of 5 stars

A crazy rollercoaster of a story.

I was recommended this book by a friend and, from the start of the introduction, I was immediately pulled in. Every chapter is a crazy adventure on its own, and learning about the Kiedis and what he had gone through, doubles up as an inspirational story about the hardships life puts us through, and what we put ourselves through.

Its honesty may be sugarcoated among Kiedid's flowery wordsmithing, but it is interesting and exciting nonetheless. Following the life adventures of a wise-cracking brat prince, growing into an emotionally bruised explorer poet has been intense experience and I would recommend it, not only to fans of Red Hot Chili Peppers, or Anthony Kiedis but for music fans who want to learn more about the grunge and punk scenes of the time, and anyone who wants to learn from another's mistakes. Maybe even those who wish to know they aren't alone in regards to drug abuse, or making mistakes as a child.

Great book all around, and Rider Strong does a great performance. Audio quality and production are top notch.

#Audible1

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Well written and Entertaining!

I enjoyed this reading all the way through. I appreciated Anthony's honesty throughout his story, it's funny, and sad, and inspiring!
I also thought the narrator was good.

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  • Overall
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    5 out of 5 stars

Dodging bullets and living to tell about it

What an unbelievable recount of one’s life, especially while being under the influence for over half of it. I have so many questions, but enjoyed this audible the most amongst any other. Special kudos goes out to the narrator for his voice as it lent itself probably better than Anthony himself, such a pleasure listening to him. Highly recommend this book to anyone.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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Crazy lifestyle, crazy stories

It’s heartwarming at the end to hear Anthony get clear and sober. The ugly truth about addiction is laid bare. Nothing is pretty or glossed over. Kudos to him for changing his life and being of service to others.

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  • Overall
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    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent story, well read.

I may be biased as I’m a huge chili’s fan, but I absolutely loved hearing about the history behind some of AK’s lyrics as well as how well the band was able to persevere through what seemed like impossible odds at times. Highly recommend.

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