Book Description
In 1993, three young boys were murdered in West Memphis, Arkansas. In what was widely considered a witch hunt, three older boys were convicted of the killings. Ten years later, Henry Rollins used his considerable cultural chops to raise money for their defense fund and for DNA testing, which could help clear them. His vehicle? The acclaimed CD "Rise Above" and a world tour. Broken Summers details the rehearsing of Black Flag songs he hadn't played in years, dealing with an arrogant manager or two, a diverse group of musicians, recording the CD, and the arduous trek from Tucson to Tokyo that included grilling by heartland shock jocks unsympathetic to his cause. The book covers 14 months of desperate lows and dramatic highs, all rendered in Rollins's trademark combative style. Included are black-and-white photos of the rehearsals, recording sessions, and tour.
Broken Summers FROM THE PUBLISHER
Broken Summers is a behind the scenes look at the making of the CD "Rise Above: 24 Black Flag songs to Benefit the West Memphis Three" and the subsequent world tour. In Broken Summers, Rollins details the rehearsals (songs he had not played since the mid-1980's), recruiting guest vocalists, dealing with arrogant managers, recording the CD, setting up the tour and the arduous trek of the Rollins Band tour from Tempe to Tokyo, in sometimes less than friendly environments. Controversy and emotions have run high since the start of Rollins' involvement in the Free the West Memphis Three project and from inception of the record to the last show date in Japan, this book documents fourteen months of pushing a stone up a hill against high wind in the pursuit of truth. Fans of Rollins no-hold-barred style of writing will not be let down as he is in his element here. Also included are several photos of the rehearsals, recording sessions and tour.