None of this Rocks: The brilliant first memoir by Fall Out Boy guitarist Joe Trohman

Joe Trohman, lead guitarist and cofounder of Fall Out Boy, has written a memoir called "None of This Rocks." It chronicles his life, including his experiences with depression, his mother's brain cancer, antisemitism, pills, petty larceny, side hustles, and pop punk at the turn of the century. The book is raw and honest, sharing Trohman's struggles with substance abuse and depression in a personal tone.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 12 September 2023
Publisher: Headline Publishing Group

None of This Rocks is a captivating memoir by Joe Trohman, the lead guitarist and co-founder of Fall Out Boy. It unfolds like a double album, filled with revealing stories from his youth and his journey into the world of modern rock and roll stardom. Written with wit, wisdom, and a touch of self-reflection, Trohman delves into a range of personal experiences, including depression, his mother's battle with brain cancer, antisemitism, substance abuse, petty crimes, side hustles, and the vibrant pop punk scene at the turn of the century.

Throughout his memoir, Trohman chronicles a turbulent life that has profoundly shaped his music and his worldview. His mother's mental illness and subsequent battle with brain tumors left a lasting impact on him, shaping his perspective on life and death. Despite the hardships he faced, Trohman was fortunate to have a supportive father who encouraged his intellectual curiosity and nurtured his passion for music.

In his memoir, Trohman candidly shares his experiences with antisemitism in the small-town Ohio where he grew up. He witnessed the depths of misogyny, racism, and violence within the straight-edge hardcore punk scene in Chicago, which served as a backdrop to his musical journey. It was during this time that he discovered the magic of Fall Out Boy, and his journey with the band is intricately woven into the fabric of his memoir.

None of This Rocks takes readers on a backstage pass, granting them an intimate glimpse into Trohman's creative process. From his early glimpses of the band's rising popularity to collaborating with musical legends like Anthrax's Scott Ian, to penning songs for television with comedian Brian Posehn, Trohman shares his experiences with raw honesty and vulnerability. He delves into his struggles with depression and substance abuse, offering a poignant and relatable account of his journey through darkness.

What sets None of This Rocks apart from other music memoirs is Trohman's unique writing style. He weaves together personal anecdotes, musical insights, and philosophical reflections in a way that is both captivating and thought-provoking. His storytelling skills and ability to convey emotion make for a deeply engaging read, leaving readers with a newfound appreciation for his music and the man behind it.

While some may argue that not much of this rocks, the sheer volume of revealing stories and the depth of Trohman's introspection make for a fascinating and memorable memoir. None of This Rocks is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of music to heal and transform. It is a must-read for fans of Trohman's music, as well as anyone who appreciates a well-crafted and introspective narrative.

Weight: 196g
Dimension: 197 x 128 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472299031