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Rock and Roll Children: An '80s Hair Metal Garage Band Story
"We gotta get out of this place." -Any kid in the '80s trying to make it playing rock and roll.
Mix one dash of high school and two jiggers of teenage angst with a metric ton of heavy metal, and you have the recipe for the improbable wild ride of five kids with limited means and big dreams.
Seventeen-year-old Sean needs a lot of things: He needs his parents to stop hassling him. He needs his car to actually start. He needs his Jewfro to grow out into heavy metal hair. But most of all, he needs a band...
Without one he isn't sure that he's ever going to make it out of this two-horse town.
He's been trying to put a band together for as long as he can remember, but finding like-minded metalheads in rural America has been challenging. Finally the stars align and a band is born.
It's magic. But can these five talented metal kids keep things together long enough to play the show of a lifetime?
If you are a fan of heavy metal music and grew up in the 1980s (or just wished you had) this story is for you.
Mix one dash of high school and two jiggers of teenage angst with a metric ton of heavy metal, and you have the recipe for the improbable wild ride of five kids with limited means and big dreams.
Seventeen-year-old Sean needs a lot of things: He needs his parents to stop hassling him. He needs his car to actually start. He needs his Jewfro to grow out into heavy metal hair. But most of all, he needs a band...
Without one he isn't sure that he's ever going to make it out of this two-horse town.
He's been trying to put a band together for as long as he can remember, but finding like-minded metalheads in rural America has been challenging. Finally the stars align and a band is born.
It's magic. But can these five talented metal kids keep things together long enough to play the show of a lifetime?
If you are a fan of heavy metal music and grew up in the 1980s (or just wished you had) this story is for you.
346 pages, Hardcover
Published October 27, 2020
47 people are currently reading
4713 people want to read
About the author
Sean Frazier
2 books48 followersSean is a lifelong metalhead and musician. He has been the lead vocalist in many rock bands including Onyx, Project Euphoria, 3 seconds of silence & Puppet Show. His day job is in cybersecurity. Sean lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his amazing wife and three terrible dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 21, 2022
Music is a big part of my life. I have listened to various sounds throughout the years and built up my collection of tunes. Bandcamp is where I go to download tune after tune. Right now, I love dreamwave sounds. Take this track, Astral Kids | VCR Nightwaves (bandcamp.com). Two people (including myself) in the whole world have paid to download this track, supporting the creative mind behind this tune. So where did this start?
My first cassette I bought was Now That’s What I Call Music Seven in 1986. My favourite track? Let’s Go All The Way by Sly Fox (originally released in 1985).
Then it happened. Listening to the Top 40 on radio in late 1986 a song called “Livin’ On A Prayer” by a band called Bon Jovi came on. That tune was the one that confirmed my love of music which Sly Fox had started. I had to listen to more! Hair Metal got me into music which would lead me to constantly listen to various genres over the years.
Who joined Bon Jovi in my love of hair metal? Def Leppard, Whitesnake, Kiss, Van Halen, Poison and Guns N Roses. Then I discovered Iron Maiden. It did not take long before thrash metal had me. Metallica, Anthrax and Megadeth.
Then along came Indie, Madchester, Grunge, Brit Pop, Neo-Psychedelia, Hip Hop, Techno, Space Rock, Shoegaze, Big Beat, Ambient Electronic, Film Soundtracks, Drone Metal, Post Metal, Post Rock and Dreamwave.
The book starts in the present as a phone call received by Sean leads him to reminisce about the 80’s and his dream of forming a hair metal band. The story then starts back in the 80’s as metalhead Sean pursues his dream.
The story is one of friendship, high school, being a teenager and dreams. With a first crush relationship romance also. It’s about living with your parents but having friends who share your dream. Can they all reach their dream of playing a massive gig? The story and characters are so real and authentic. I felt as if I could be at high school with them as friends. No doubt that my love of hair metal back in the 80’s connects me to this story. It brought back many memories and grew my 80’s nostalgia.
My first cassette I bought was Now That’s What I Call Music Seven in 1986. My favourite track? Let’s Go All The Way by Sly Fox (originally released in 1985).
Then it happened. Listening to the Top 40 on radio in late 1986 a song called “Livin’ On A Prayer” by a band called Bon Jovi came on. That tune was the one that confirmed my love of music which Sly Fox had started. I had to listen to more! Hair Metal got me into music which would lead me to constantly listen to various genres over the years.
Who joined Bon Jovi in my love of hair metal? Def Leppard, Whitesnake, Kiss, Van Halen, Poison and Guns N Roses. Then I discovered Iron Maiden. It did not take long before thrash metal had me. Metallica, Anthrax and Megadeth.
Then along came Indie, Madchester, Grunge, Brit Pop, Neo-Psychedelia, Hip Hop, Techno, Space Rock, Shoegaze, Big Beat, Ambient Electronic, Film Soundtracks, Drone Metal, Post Metal, Post Rock and Dreamwave.
The book starts in the present as a phone call received by Sean leads him to reminisce about the 80’s and his dream of forming a hair metal band. The story then starts back in the 80’s as metalhead Sean pursues his dream.
The story is one of friendship, high school, being a teenager and dreams. With a first crush relationship romance also. It’s about living with your parents but having friends who share your dream. Can they all reach their dream of playing a massive gig? The story and characters are so real and authentic. I felt as if I could be at high school with them as friends. No doubt that my love of hair metal back in the 80’s connects me to this story. It brought back many memories and grew my 80’s nostalgia.
July 25, 2021
I'm a 50 year old metalhead. Of course this is awesome.
December 29, 2020
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
A biography of a guy who was a metalhead back in the 80's and formed a band. Getting any band together is a struggle, and a metal band during Tipper Gore's crusade was even tougher. Then it turns into a Mickey Rooney/ Judy Garland story of putting on a show when their school has a scandal and they need a fund raiser for the prom.
Music seemed a lot more important back in those days, but in some ways, the more things change, the more they stay the same.
A biography of a guy who was a metalhead back in the 80's and formed a band. Getting any band together is a struggle, and a metal band during Tipper Gore's crusade was even tougher. Then it turns into a Mickey Rooney/ Judy Garland story of putting on a show when their school has a scandal and they need a fund raiser for the prom.
Music seemed a lot more important back in those days, but in some ways, the more things change, the more they stay the same.
February 8, 2022
High schooler in the 80's - ✔
Worked at the local mall - ✔
Parental/Teenage Angst - ✔
Plenty of rock/metal music - ✔
A totally fun romp down memory lane!
While not a metal-head male, I listened to more than my fair share of rock and metal music.
This book brought back a flood of memories from my teenage years, through the eyes of a teenage boy. The references to parties, cranky cars, groundings and friendship drama I could totally relate to. Is this what life was like for some of my metal-head/long-hair guy friends growing up? Very likely! I only knew a few guys in bands, my metal-head/long-hairs were mostly surfers as I grew up on the complete opposite coast from the author, but still totally relatable
One of my favorite stories in the book is when Bob says he has learned to play 'Eruption.' Eddie Van Halen's 'Eruption' is considered one of the greatest guitar solos of all time. My son tried to learn this solo for me a few years ago. He tried so hard, but just could not move his fingers like Eddie could. I was really impressed with teenage Bob in the book for learning the solo.
And I am still an 80s rock girl!
Thanks for reliving the fun of the 80s, Sean. Rock on!
Worked at the local mall - ✔
Parental/Teenage Angst - ✔
Plenty of rock/metal music - ✔
A totally fun romp down memory lane!
While not a metal-head male, I listened to more than my fair share of rock and metal music.
This book brought back a flood of memories from my teenage years, through the eyes of a teenage boy. The references to parties, cranky cars, groundings and friendship drama I could totally relate to. Is this what life was like for some of my metal-head/long-hair guy friends growing up? Very likely! I only knew a few guys in bands, my metal-head/long-hairs were mostly surfers as I grew up on the complete opposite coast from the author, but still totally relatable
One of my favorite stories in the book is when Bob says he has learned to play 'Eruption.' Eddie Van Halen's 'Eruption' is considered one of the greatest guitar solos of all time. My son tried to learn this solo for me a few years ago. He tried so hard, but just could not move his fingers like Eddie could. I was really impressed with teenage Bob in the book for learning the solo.
And I am still an 80s rock girl!
Thanks for reliving the fun of the 80s, Sean. Rock on!
December 22, 2021
Sean Frazier's story of friendship, high school and having big dreams sucked me in. I loved listening and laughing along, as he memorialized a group of friends he clearly loves and a time he would relive in a heartbeat. Although I never wanted to be in a band... especially an 80s rock band, I could relate deeply with the feelings (and big dreams) high school brings. This is a story for anyone who found themselves in high school feeling held back by parents, pushed forward by good friends, and like the whole world is just waiting for them. I liked how things worked out for the group at the end, and was surprised by how much Frazier seems to recall about growing up in the 80s in the shadow of D.C. I live in the area, and knew many of the towns and places he referenced.
Brian Telestai did a great job creating the voice for so many of the characters. It made the story. I only wish they hadn't all had such similar names, but having grown up with a class full of Brittanys and Ashleys, I get it. We all had similar names back them. It just would have been easier to follow.
Sean Frazier's story of friendship, high school, heartache and having big dreams really sucked me in. I loved listening and laughing along, as he memorialized his group of friends he clearly loves and a time he would relive in a heartbeat. Although I never wanted to be in a band... especially an 80s rock band, I could relate deeply to the feelings (and dreams of the outside world) high school brings. This is a story for anyone who found themselves feeling held back by parents, circumstances.. and pushed forward by good friends. I know what it's like to feel like the whole world is just waiting for me to get there.
I liked how things worked out in the end for the group, with the prom fundraiser, and was surprised by how much Frazier seems to remember about growing up in the 80s in a DC suburb. I am familiar with the area and could easily picture the small towns he referenced. The book just oozed nostalgia, as I think about how many of those places are just different 30-40 years later.
Brian Telestai did a great job creating the voice for so many of the characters. It made the story. I only wish they hadn't all had similar names. However, I remember what it was like growing up with a class full of Jessicas, Brittanys, and Ashleys. It just would have been easier to follow along in audio version with more variation.
Brian Telestai did a great job creating the voice for so many of the characters. It made the story. I only wish they hadn't all had such similar names, but having grown up with a class full of Brittanys and Ashleys, I get it. We all had similar names back them. It just would have been easier to follow.
Sean Frazier's story of friendship, high school, heartache and having big dreams really sucked me in. I loved listening and laughing along, as he memorialized his group of friends he clearly loves and a time he would relive in a heartbeat. Although I never wanted to be in a band... especially an 80s rock band, I could relate deeply to the feelings (and dreams of the outside world) high school brings. This is a story for anyone who found themselves feeling held back by parents, circumstances.. and pushed forward by good friends. I know what it's like to feel like the whole world is just waiting for me to get there.
I liked how things worked out in the end for the group, with the prom fundraiser, and was surprised by how much Frazier seems to remember about growing up in the 80s in a DC suburb. I am familiar with the area and could easily picture the small towns he referenced. The book just oozed nostalgia, as I think about how many of those places are just different 30-40 years later.
Brian Telestai did a great job creating the voice for so many of the characters. It made the story. I only wish they hadn't all had similar names. However, I remember what it was like growing up with a class full of Jessicas, Brittanys, and Ashleys. It just would have been easier to follow along in audio version with more variation.
October 14, 2021
3.5 stars, but I'm going to round up for metal.
Rock and Roll Children is a straight forward story about a (somewhat?) fictional garage band and their history from formation to "the big gig." No doubt Sean Frazier, the author, life and based of the storyline on his own experiences. No doubt, there are embellishments, half-truths and flat out lies but the authenticity is there.
Some of the storyline felt like they needed to be fleshed out more for me to buy into particularly the main romantic interests. It felt at times, Frazier was trying to cover too much ground and lost a bit of emotional interest for me, the reader. But, the heart of the story was focused and driven to pull me though the book with enjoyment.
If you've ever played a beat up instrument and dreamed of starting a band you never did, or if you learned an instrument, got together with your friends and made some decent music, you'll connect with this book. You don't needed to have come up in the 80s. Like they say, every band has their Spinal Tap moments and this story is full of them.
Rock and Roll Children is a straight forward story about a (somewhat?) fictional garage band and their history from formation to "the big gig." No doubt Sean Frazier, the author, life and based of the storyline on his own experiences. No doubt, there are embellishments, half-truths and flat out lies but the authenticity is there.
Some of the storyline felt like they needed to be fleshed out more for me to buy into particularly the main romantic interests. It felt at times, Frazier was trying to cover too much ground and lost a bit of emotional interest for me, the reader. But, the heart of the story was focused and driven to pull me though the book with enjoyment.
If you've ever played a beat up instrument and dreamed of starting a band you never did, or if you learned an instrument, got together with your friends and made some decent music, you'll connect with this book. You don't needed to have come up in the 80s. Like they say, every band has their Spinal Tap moments and this story is full of them.
November 20, 2020
You Can't Stop Rock & Roll
I became acquainted with the author through a humorous crossing of wires, and I'm very glad I did. This book rocks, in every way possible, and it's a must-read for both children of the 1980s and metalheads of any age. It's rich with period detail and slang, but is fueled by the kind of teen angst that is universal -- Nearly everyone can identify with overbearing parents or a recalcitrant car. You'll root for the band, as they rehearse for and stress over their big show, and wish you were sitting in the crowd to cheer for them. Pick up this book!
I became acquainted with the author through a humorous crossing of wires, and I'm very glad I did. This book rocks, in every way possible, and it's a must-read for both children of the 1980s and metalheads of any age. It's rich with period detail and slang, but is fueled by the kind of teen angst that is universal -- Nearly everyone can identify with overbearing parents or a recalcitrant car. You'll root for the band, as they rehearse for and stress over their big show, and wish you were sitting in the crowd to cheer for them. Pick up this book!
June 27, 2023
What a great, easy read!
I wasn't sure what to expect from a book that I had no idea who wrote it.
I ended up loving it. The entire story.
It brought back so many memories of when I was young and trying to play in bands....
He played with the "old fogies" like I played in my church group!
A great tale of the teenage high school band and the camaraderie they kept or still keep til now.
A bid sad at the end, brought a tear to my eye but that's how life is...
I wasn't sure what to expect from a book that I had no idea who wrote it.
I ended up loving it. The entire story.
It brought back so many memories of when I was young and trying to play in bands....
He played with the "old fogies" like I played in my church group!
A great tale of the teenage high school band and the camaraderie they kept or still keep til now.
A bid sad at the end, brought a tear to my eye but that's how life is...
January 18, 2021
This is a nice nostalgic story of the 80's heavy metal culture. It told through the headaches and heartaches of a local boy band populated by some sympathetic characters. There's an authentic feel to the book that made it an easy, enjoyable read.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.
January 28, 2021
Not what I expected....
....but it was so good!
Took me back to my own HS days & though I didn’t listen to metal, it made me almost wanna go back!
Great storytelling and a fun read.
....but it was so good!
Took me back to my own HS days & though I didn’t listen to metal, it made me almost wanna go back!
Great storytelling and a fun read.
December 8, 2020
This book is for any kid trying to make it in a rock and roll band
Want to read
December 23, 2020I won this book from a Goodreads Giveaway. Thank you to the author, publisher, and Goodreads!
September 7, 2021
Wow, what a fun journey back in time to the days of high school and garage bands and hair metal! This book won't be for everyone, it is a memoir that not everyone will relate to... but I sure did! Having played in a number of garage bands that weren't really bands during the same generation of music in the late 80s, I was jettisoned back to the sights, sounds, and emotions of my 17 year-old self and really identified with this book.
The author did a great job telling the story and making me feel like I was there, experiencing all the highs and lows right along with him. I couldn't wait to make it to the end, to see how it all played out and I wasn't disappointed. Well, actually I was disappointed. Disappointed my journey with him ended! I wanted the rock and roll journey to go on forever. But it was a fun ride, now excuse me while I go reacquaint myself with my 80s metal playlists. Rock on!
The author did a great job telling the story and making me feel like I was there, experiencing all the highs and lows right along with him. I couldn't wait to make it to the end, to see how it all played out and I wasn't disappointed. Well, actually I was disappointed. Disappointed my journey with him ended! I wanted the rock and roll journey to go on forever. But it was a fun ride, now excuse me while I go reacquaint myself with my 80s metal playlists. Rock on!
November 12, 2020
Loved it! I couldn’t put it down and ended up staying up wayyyy too late reading it.
April 13, 2022
Rock and Roll Children is a story of memories and good times with many friends that have been forgotten and too many that have left us. A beautiful story of friends having a grand time in the amazing '80s and most intriguing -being part of a band in the 80's.
A fun read that inspires and takes the reader down memory lane to a Rock and Roll adventure.
A fun read that inspires and takes the reader down memory lane to a Rock and Roll adventure.
April 22, 2022
This book was like taking a trip down memory lane. However, I grew up in NJ and never met any of the people in this book.
Chapter 25 made my hands a little sweaty and gave me a touch of the butterflies as if I was getting ready to play my first show all over again. What a great feeling to re-live some 30 odd years later.
Chapter 25 made my hands a little sweaty and gave me a touch of the butterflies as if I was getting ready to play my first show all over again. What a great feeling to re-live some 30 odd years later.
February 5, 2024
Reminiscent of many teenager years in the 80s
Started out a little slow but not long after the book had me wrapped up in the memories of what it was like to be a rocker in the 80s. The excitement of playing in front of a crowd and the friendships and troubles that went along with being a teenager.
Started out a little slow but not long after the book had me wrapped up in the memories of what it was like to be a rocker in the 80s. The excitement of playing in front of a crowd and the friendships and troubles that went along with being a teenager.
February 7, 2024
Awesome blast from the past
This brought back so many 80's memories for me. What it was like growing up, playing in a band, hanging out at the mall with friends and dealing with parents. Loved it! Entertaining book I'll read again.
This brought back so many 80's memories for me. What it was like growing up, playing in a band, hanging out at the mall with friends and dealing with parents. Loved it! Entertaining book I'll read again.
September 26, 2023
This book is an absolute gem! The author's writing style is captivating and kept me glued to the pages from start to finish.
April 14, 2024
This book brought me right back to the 80s! Having grown up in the heavy metal music scene it brought back so many fantastic memories. So sad it had to end.
November 19, 2021
As a kid who grew up during that decade, I found great amusement in many aspects of the book. From the moments of nostalgia, the humor in their adventures, and just the overall story. I felt a connection to the characters that I haven’t really felt in books set in a different time period. Their journey was heartfelt, honest, and relatable! The way the author wrote this, certainly made me feel like I was involved in the story with them. It’s a testament to how much feeling and creativity the author put into re-telling their experiences that made that happen. Truly an epic look back at what it was like to be a metal band enthusiast back in the day while dealing with everyday life. I loved it!
December 24, 2025
Nostalgia at its best!
If you were a young musician in the 80's, this book will hit home.
If you were a young musician in the 80's, this book will hit home.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews