From Quinn Allman: “As the founding guitarist of the band The Used, I'll take you on an electrifying journey from the cultural void of Utah in the late '90s to the global stage. With our raw and emotional sound, The Used captivated fans worldwide, skyrocketing from local skate-parks to sold-out arenas. But behind the scenes, addiction and the pressures of fame threatened to tear everything apart. My lifeline was my art—scribbling in songbooks, capturing moments on film and recording memories that would later become my salvation. After leaving the band in 2015, I embarked on a painstaking journey to compile my life's work. "A Book Full of Sharp Objects" is the culmination of that effort—a deeply personal collection that revisits the exhilarating peaks and harrowing depths of my rock 'n' roll adventure. This book is more than a memoir; it’s a testament to the power of art and self-expression, a story of resilience and redemption. Dive into these pages to experience the explosive energy, heartfelt connections, and impact of my journey and let it inspire you to chase your dreams, believe in yourself and savor every moment of this.”
I grew up with this band. Reading it took me back to all the memories associated with that time frame! Taste of Chaos is mentioned which was one of the last times I saw them live. Quinn is vulnerable, and tells his story well. I wish it was longer, I wanted more!
The Used is my all time favourite band, and I mean that. I first heard The Used when I was 11 years old, the song was "Cut Up Angels", and that song scratched an itch in my emo ears that I've never found in any other music. I made loving The Used my personality for the last 21 years, and I don't think that'll ever change. Which is why I was almost afraid to read this...
As expected, the book did make me sad. As a huge fan, I was so bummed when Quinn departed the band and this book was enlightening on all the reasons why. And although we all expected some of what was going on...it still sucks to read about what was really going on behind the scenes.
All the negativity aside, I am so thankful to have read Quinn's story and grateful for every creative decision and riff that Quinn gifted us with. He is an amazing artist and I loved reading about his creative process and the stories behind the music. He contributed so much of his heart and soul into the music that we all love, and I am happy I was able to back this project and help him tell his story.
A must read for any longtime fans of The Used. The photos alone are worth your time, but the story brings you back and behind the scenes of the glory days. The good, bad, and ugly.