Shut Up and Listen: Me vs. Me: Confessions of a Bipolar Rock and Roller

by Rob McCuen

Whether it was growing up in a small Iowa town, plying his trade as a drummer or vocalist for more than thirty bands as one of the Milwaukee music scene's more controversial figures, or just trying to deal with bipolar disorder, Rob McCuen has lived the life of a fighter. To be sure, he's fought the manic ups and paralyzing downs of bipolar, but he has also fought his own raging anger, uncontrolled desires, a fear of showing any fear and those who are closest to him and love him the most. When it comes right down to it, Rob McCuen has fought mostly against himself. What lies within "Shut Up and Listen" isn’t pretty. It’s a raw, unflinching, unadulterated, undeterred, examination of his life, with some stories getting a healthy dose of embellishment. You also get some of Rob's song lyrics as a bonus.

84 pages, Paperback

Published March 30, 2020

Reviews

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

A look at the world through the eyes of a man with bipolar I disorder, among other issues, that seem have him shooting himself down just when he's on top. You get an idea of what it's like to be Rob McCuen and what it's like to be with him, from his youth growing up in small-town Iowa to his life as a drummer and singer in the Milwaukee music scene for roughly 40 years, finally getting his bipolar diagnosis in his 50s.

This book isn't pretty. It's raw, unfiltered, and at times, embellished. It's up to you to decide where reality ends and embellishment begins.

It's an interesting read, full of insight if you look for it.