[rivum]

Has anyone picked this up?

<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="https://www.amazon.ca/What-Hip-Life-Times-Tragically-ebook/dp/B06ZZZ3TT5/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1493986455&sr=8-1&keywords=what+is+hip">https://www.amazon.ca/What-Hip-Life-Tim ... hat+is+hip</a><!-- m -->

[Naga]

A biography by an American celebrity writer? I can't say that I am eager to read that.

[direwolf74]

Yea, I'd say there's a good reason why nobody has heard of this book until now. I think I'll avoid this one and wait for the official biography to come out.

[arewhyehen]

That's a big +1 on both of the previous comments

[potsie]

I read the first few pages on the Amazon "Look inside!" preview. It told me all I needed to know about the book. He discusses his motivations for writing the book: "That I was writing the book at or near the end of (his life) was admittedly part calculating and part homage". He also mentions how difficult it was to get information from those in the Hip circle as they seemed to close ranks. The first few pages of the book quote information from CBC News, The Kingston Whig Standard, MacLean's, The Globe and Mail, Reverend Guitars.com, TSN, Toro, Kick Ass Canadians.com, Canadian Musician and Prezi.com. In other words, he is regurgitating (or simply collating) information that is already out there and is bringing very little that is new to the table. He has written 70+ books on celebrities so it appears that in depth research is not likely his thing.

I truly hope that someone right now is writing an authorized biography of the band with full band involvement and cooperation. That book needs to exist!

[direwolf74]

I truly hope that someone right now is writing an authorized biography of the band with full band involvement and cooperation. That book needs to exist!

It'll happen for sure. The Hip are private guys, so I'd imagine they would only open up to someone who they can completely trust. Maybe someone who shares a history with the band like Dave Bidini or Joseph Boyden. Maybe Neil Peart could do it. Ever read "Ghost Rider"? Fantastic book.

[potsie]

I truly hope that someone right now is writing an authorized biography of the band with full band involvement and cooperation. That book needs to exist!

It'll happen for sure. The Hip are private guys, so I'd imagine they would only open up to someone who they can completely trust. Maybe someone who shares a history with the band like Dave Bidini or Joseph Boyden. Maybe Neil Peart could do it.

Those are great choices. I think all three would write an interesting biography. The best combination would be someone whom the band trusts, respects, and someone who enjoys their music but also isn't afraid to train a critical eye on the band when it is required instead of spending 500 pages fawning over them.

Ever read "Ghost Rider"? Fantastic book.

I have not. I'm going to order that and The Replacement's "Trouble Boys" based on your recommendations!

[Rocker_Matt]

I hope this guy sells zero copies.

I read the first page on the Amazon preview, and the guy got Patrick Sambrook's name wrong...