Set against a backdrop of aggressive rock, frenzied fans, moshing, stage diving, crowd surfing, security brutality, and occasional outright violence, Amp'd: A Father's Backstage Pass follows four years in the life of Gary Fincke's son Aaron, a rock-and-roll guitarist. From Strangers With Candy (winning MTV's Ultimate Cover Band Prize In 2000), to Lifer (signing with Universal/Republic Records and releasing a national CD in 2001), to Breaking Benjamin (signing with Hollywood Records and releasing CDs in 2002 and 2004), Fincke gives a unique perspective of the bizarre and fantastical world of commercial rock and roll. Aaron's rock life is chronicled first-hand by his father, who attends more than fifty shows, spends time with the bands before and after shows, follows them to national tour sites, and talks intimately with his son as well as the members of the bands and some of their fans and managers. Amp'd emphasizes the character and life of the band members through the eyes of a widely published writer, college professor, and father who immerses himself in the high-adrenaline world of contemporary rock and roll. This is not only a page-turning first-hand account of a lifestyle that is often fantasized about, but also a literary narrative that examines the larger issues of celebrity, success, and family.
- ISBN10 0870137298
- ISBN13 9780870137297
- Publish Date 31 August 2004
- Publish Status Active
- Out of Print 16 April 2015
- Publish Country US
- Imprint Michigan State University Press
- Format Paperback
- Pages 189
- Language English