Book Review #10: Hit Hard: A Story of Hitting Rock Bottom at the Top

Hit Hard: A Story of Hitting Rock Bottom at the Top (2009)

As a long time fan of Aerosmith, I was very excited and looking forward to reading Hit Hard, knowing the struggles of Joey Kramer and his combative relationship with Steven Tyler, which  was hinted at in the long-form video for The Making Of Pump. But now having just finished the book, I'm very disappointed with the results of reading it. The best way I can describe Hit Hard is that it's a "self help" book disguised as a Rock and Roll Biography. While reading through the book, I felt cheated as a reader and fan because a lot of stuff is just glossed over, moving on to the next thing. 

If you're looking for inside information about Aerosmith and Steven Tyler and the rest of those that make up the band, you are in for a rude awakening. This book isn't your typical rags to riches memoir. This is about Joey Kramer and his depression that came from years of psychological warefare inflicted upon him as a child at the hands of both his Father and Mother, and then later on his Wife, Steven Tyler and Aerosmith band Manager Tim Collins.

If it sounds like I'm ragging on the book, I'm really not....kinda. Just be aware that this is a different kind of book than the norm. I applaud Mr. Kramer for taking a different route than the tried and true format. It just would have been nice to get a little more insight into the band and the wealth of stories related to the creation of some of their biggest masterpieces, which obviously isn't what this book is about anyway. This book just seems like it's a bit undercooked here.

I have to point out that there are 2 things that stuck with me after reading the book. His reconciliation with his Father at the end was absolutely heartbreaking and will leave even the most jaded person on the planet in tears. And the story regarding the band's Manager is pretty riveting in watching a man do anything to retain control of his golden goose by way of pitting everyone within' Aerosmith against each other.

I can't really recommend this book unless you're looking for something a bit different. So, you have been warned.

Rating: 3 Stars out of 5

Review by Chiprocks1