Official Truth, 101 Proof

I was always a huge fan of Pantera, as well as all the other various side projects all the band members have done (Down, Damageplan, Superjoint Ritual, etc.). Of course, I wasn't there personally, nor do I know any of the guys personally; so I cannot say exactly how accurate or complete the story is. I also realize that this is the story from one guy's point of view (for the most part), but I feel that while Rex Brown had some pretty harsh things to say about some people, and comes off as a little full of himself at times, he came across as quite honest to me and I feel he did a good job of telling the whole story of his life and Pantera. Like any other band bio/tell-all book, there are plenty of those typical stories about how the band got started and progressed over the years, stories of the crazy things that happen on the road, the drinking, the drugs, the excess; but there are also a lot of very personal and heartfelt moments. I also like that he included a lot of stories from other people throughout the book (band managers, producers, wives and girlfriends, and many other people who were close to the band). So it is not ONLY Rex Brown's take on events. The only criticism I have is that I would have liked to have seen a section here or there from Phil Anselmo and/or Vinnie Paul (like those sections from other people I just mentioned). Of course, after reading this I can see why neither of them wouldn't be too willing to participate; ESPECIALLY Vinnie Paul. If it was me, though, I would at least want to say a word or two in my own defense. I guess we will just have to wait for their books to come out. All in all, though, it thought it was a great book, especially if you are a Pantera fan, or a fan of heavy metal in general. It was well-written, seemed honest and genuine, and was an entertaining read.

I'm still reading this book and it's GLORIOUS. Rex's writing sounds like he's telling you straight up how things went down. It's very expressive and not outrageously vulgar. There is so much respect and endearment that Rex conveys towards his bandmates: God of Vocals, Phil Anselmo; God of Drums, Vinnie Paul; and God of Strings, Dimebag Darrell, along side many others mentioned in the writing.If you're a Pantera fan, like me, or in general, or slightly/ambiguously/arbitrarily/agnostically, or just in denial, you'll definitely enjoy this read. GETCHA PULL!

The book is definitely written from Rex's perspective, but I didn't expect to get objectivity when I bought the book. Rex provides a fascinating glimpse inside the rise of one of metal's greatest bands. Read this if you are entertained by the crazy stuff that goes on in a rock star's life, including drugs, sex, animosity, and royalty issues.One of my favorite parts of the book was hearing how musically serious Pantera was. When compared to shocker bands like Marilyn Manson, you can see the difference from a band that actually grew up in a musical background and took every note seriously. For example, it was cool to hear that Pantera critiqued each one of their shows right after it ended to see how to improve.Giving it four stars because I was entertained for the entire book. My only beef about the book is that I feel Rex sometimes overstated the dominance of Pantera, even in its heyday. I grew up during that time, and they were huge, but I'm not sure they laid the competition to waste like he says they did. Overall, metal was a small and shrinking genre, and most metal bands, including Pantera, were overshadowed by alternative, grunge, and industrial. Nine Inch Nails, Nirvana, and Alice in Chains were much bigger at that time.

I was briefly part of the Dallas music scene in '88-'89, and was privileged enough to have known the guys in Pantera. Everything that you've ever heard about Darrell is true. He was the nicest, most humble guy that I've known that has achieved any prominence in music. Rex pretty much let it be known the personalities of the band. Phil was a bit arrogant, as was Vince. Rex was somewhat quiet, but not rude. It may have been the kind of natural thing between local bands with guys that play the same instrument, but neither of us went out of our way to hang with the other.Anyway, Rex did a great job of showing the different attitudes, personalities, ideas, and opinions that are in a band. He also showed the single determination that all members must have to succeed. He also displayed the warts the every band has. He's also the first to publicly show how Jerry Abbott pretty much schemed his own sons out of a ton of money with the same shady scams that make music such a s****y industry. This is something that I heard both brothers complain about during the one visit that I had with them in Tennessee while they were working on Far Beyond Driven.I highly recommend this to anyone that wants an inside look at the business of music. You don't have to be a fan of Pantera. If you are a fan, Rex and Mark did a good job relaying inside stories. It's a quick, easy, enjoyable read.

Fast shipping

It's Rex biography! Not Pantera story! As he wasn't a key member the book has very few details about the band and its music and it's more little inspired memoir! Do not recommend!

Aún no lo leo, pero está excelente de calidad

Je suis fan absolu des texans et en attendant l'hypothétique biographie de Phil celle-ci à au moins le mérite d'exister bien qu'elle ne présente que le point de vue de Rex. Attention, ici pas de langue de bois mais pas mal de mauvaise foi également. Rex s'est toujours déclaré "neutre" dans la dispute entre les frères Abbott et Phil Anselmo et c'est toujours le cas dans le livre. Indispensable pour les fans qui veulent en savoir plus, a retenir que c'est le point de vue de Rex uniquement.

One of the best music books i have ever read. The perfect balance of sex drugs and rock n roll