his dark materials

I have just finished reading rock journalist Nick Kent's book 'The Dark Stuff', a compilation of articles concerned with some of music's most troubled and intriguing characters. Before I read 'The Dark Stuff' I read his autobiography 'Apathy for the Devil' (the title taken from Bob Dylan's sneering summary of a '70s Stones gig), so I was aware of how 'in' Kent was with some of the world's biggest rock stars of the late '60s and '70s; his relationship with Chrissie Hynde, his friendship with Iggy Pop and his beating by the vile Sid Vicious to name a few.

His career as a rock journalist meant that he was often drawn in to the murkiness, in particular the hard drug use which was rife, and yet he also remained under suspicion, on the outside, the enemy (the NME).

I think the widespread drug addiction in music that took over in the 1960s and turned to really heavy shit in the 1970s was what shocked me most because I don't think I really realised how mentally damaging and far reaching it was. Brian Wilson ruined his sanity from taking acid (although his weird family life growing up may have also been a root cause), he went completely insane, which as a child growing up listening to the Beach Boys I had no idea about. Iggy should be dead (and trust me, he tried). The mad mix of unadulterated adulation, drugs and personal neuroses led to the demise of so many; Jerry Lee Lewis' Biblical fear juxtaposed with God-like arrogance made for a very interesting moral code, for example. However, these unique personalities and situations also led to some of the most amazing music, which is something Kent is also great at making you appreciate. I was physically spooked by images of old man Phil Spector in court in recent years, but then to realise what he contributed to music (not as much as he claimed, but still impressive) it sort of redeemed him, artistically speaking at least.

A recommended read, I especially liked the way that some of the artists' stories seem to intertwine; Brian Wilson was heavily inspired, obsessed even with Phil Spector and both were tortured genius' in their own way. Miles Davis inspired everyone, but was frequently chasing re-invention and a new, current sound. Morrissey was himself a fan of Nick Kent's journalistic work, and then went on to be one of the greatest lyricists ever, in my opinion.

Chrissie Hynde and Nick Kent