Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood: A Memoir

By Eric Burdon

Book Overview

While Eric Burdon may be best remembered for his unforgettable vocals on the Animals' platinum hit, "House of the Rising Sun," this Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member has never stopped having adventures. Burdon was ripped off by unscrupulous agents, accountants, and record labels, hounded by the police, and framed for a crime he didn't commit. Yet through it all, he never became bitter. He was the first rocker to play behind the Iron Curtain. He sang with Jimi Hendrix, chased Jim Morrison out of his house with a .44, and introduced John Lee Hooker to the toughest venue Hooker ever played. Eric Burdon explains how he became the "Egg Man" in the Beatles' "I am the Walrus."

With the enthusiasm and good humor of his live shows, Burdon recalls the tense reunion between John Lennon and Lennon's long-estranged father; racing motorcycles across the California desert with Steve McQueen; picketing the offices of MGM Records for nonpayment of royalties; performing in wartime Sarajevo with a symphony orchestra; getting run out of Meridian, Mississippi for promoting black music, and singing his heart out year after year. A complete discography and fifty photographs, many never before published, are included in this unforgettable memoir.

"Burdon has lived like a real rocker." -New York Times Book Review

"Riveting and informative."-Los Angeles Times

"These reminiscences will delight Burdon's fans . . . in general."-Library Journal

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1560254483
• ISBN13: 9781560254485
• Release Date: October 2002
• Publisher: Da Capo
• Length: 326 Pages
• Weight: 1.16 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.1" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

British Invasion Badboy Tells All

This remarkable memoir transcends the usual boundaries of the music autobiography and approaches literature. Eric Burdon has lived a wonderful life by any standard but this book also reveals that Burdon is a shrewd observer of the musical and cultural scene. What will remain in my mind are the many character sketches of notable and iconic personages of the last few decades: Steve McQueen, Ed Sullivan, Jimi Hendrix, and above all, the "Lizard King" himself, Jim Morison. One suspects that many fans of the Doors will see their hero in a new light. Burdon's description of the filming of Oliver Stone's movie The Doors is worth the purchase price in and of itself. Any devotee of the original British Invasion bands will find a wonderful series of anecdotes about the Beatles, the Stones, and the Animals. I bought this book because I am a fan of the Animals; I loved the book because it contains so much more than the mere story of a band (or bands). I supect that many readers, like me, will also be fascinated by Burdon's wry observations on the social and political scene along the way. Eric Burdon's narrative flows along propelled by the author's humor and humanity. Ultimately, the man himself emerges as one of the most interesting personalities of the Sixties. I loved this book!

Eric Burdon's Life

I thought this was a great book. I didn't know much about him or the bands he was in aside from the few songs I knew & loved. My boyfriend is actually really into him & the Animals. I talked him into buying the book & ended up reading it myself. I never wanted to put it down & read it in 4 days.Not only was it really informative, but it was interesting enough to hold my attention for long periods of time. I'm surprised at how much stuff he remembers with such great detail. From the start of the Animals, to his different bands, his fame, the drugs, anyone who has influenced him, & how he continually got screwed over by the music industry. It was great to read the things about him & other famous singers at the time that we never knew. Personal insights about who they were, how they acted, & why they acted that way. He nevers holds back & gives you the full details.I definately suggest it to people even remotely interested. It gave me a great understanding & turned me into a bit of a bigger fan.

Very enjoyable read

Absolute must-have for any Eric Burdon fan. He is a wonderful story teller and keeps you amused and interested all the way through. He's and gives a lot of personal info. as well as sharing some great anecdotes about life on the road etc. After reading his book and learning about all he's been through,(and that's only what he's shared with us) and after seeing him play some 40 years after his start - you can only admire the man !!

Anti-Gravity

Anti-Establishment is a gross misrepresentation of Mr. Burden. Anti-gravity is far more accurate. God forbid this fella ever has an LSD flashback; he'd boomerang so far back he'd be skipping rope with his own DNA chain. Eric took drugs like the rest of us brush our teeth, daily at least once and some times more. The book is a terrific read.Great view from the inside from one of the front stage guys of the times. I picked up this book on Saturday, and put it down finished Sunday! Very, very entertaining. If you want to get away from the real world, without the use of intoxicants, grab on to Eric's shirt tail, its a real trip.