I first saw the original lineup in 1970 at the Sam Houston Coliseum. I was a young kid. They've since torn down that venue. It seemed so large back then. So I came into this with memories...
When I finished this book I wasn't sure whether to give this book 3 or 4 stars. On one hand I wanted to complain about too much on drug and alcohol addiction and what seemed like an addiction to sex and not enough on the music especially the early music. On the other, I realized that was Gregg's life, his reality and his journey from his viewpoint.
I stood in line to meet him in a West Hollywood Book store when this book came out. I hadn't been an ardent fan in years but I wanted to feel his vibe and get a sense of what makes this man tick. His autobiography does just that. That day I was crushed when my moment came. I was at the front of the line and had started to relate a story of an early show I'd attended as a kid and details I remembered about his brother but was totally ignored. I was hurt but upon finishing the book I realize what pain he must have been in at the time and yet he still wanted to sign books and share what he could.
I give My Cross to Bear 4 stars for its smooth catchy style of writing, insight into one mans psyche and musical details of a classic band and career. I'd hoped for even more musical knowledge of the early days but this book is an easy read and hard to put down, even the ugly parts!