Most characters in a story have a redemption arc. Tragically, that can't be said for Noel Monk's account of Roth-era Van Halen.

What starts as a beautiful origin story about a super-talented band briefly evolves into a success story, but then just as quickly devolves into a sordid narrative of betrayal, frustration, depression, and severe drug and alcohol abuse that makes you simultaneously feel sadness and contempt for the members of the band.

Except for Michael. No one could ever hate Michael.

Seriously though, this painted my impressions of Van Halen a slightly darker color, and like Monk towards the end of his tale, I feel like removing them from heavy rotation on my Spotify playlists. At least for a little while.

Maybe some Van Hagar as a palate cleanser...

At any rate, it's an easily readable page-turner and contains a wealth of "inside baseball" stories (some that are delightful, more that are downright revolting) proving the rock star touring life isn't as glorious as you think. Neither are the rock stars themselves.