Dave and Billy's Guide to Life
It’s no secret that autobiographies as works of non-fiction can sometimes fall short of the mark as the subject’s voice is muffled by ghost writers and incessant editing. This, however, can’t be said for two of the best and most profound examples in recent memory: ‘The Storyteller’ and ‘Windswept & Interesting’, written and lived by Dave Grohl and Billy Connolly respectively, are the epitome of what great celebrity autobiographies should be.
There’s clear parallels between these two books. Firstly, in writing these books themselves, the author’s voices are allowed to shine through with clear personality, charisma and passion flowing from every word. This solidifies that not only are these two great rock stars and entertainers (Billy is definitely a rock star of the highest degree and Dave has plenty laughs up his sleeve) but both have proven to be great writers.
Interestingly, the similarities don’t just end at the writing process:
Dave Grohl’s story is one of up and leaving monotonous suburbia in Washington to escape and join the punk rock circus while Billy Connolly forged a career firstly in folk music which elevated him out of the grips of late 20th century Glasgow squalor. Both men came from an unassuming, working-class background, was terrible at school and were told they would never amount to anything by teachers and family alike.
Though they both grew up in religious households within very religious areas, they have since vanquished those strict beliefs from their lives.
Grohl had a terrible relationship with his estranged father who disowned him. Connolly, similarly, was horrendously abused by his father and aunt, and was abandoned by his mother.
They both self-educated and avoided aligning with the teachings at their schools – before experiencing a life-altering event by seeing a show which mirrored their future careers. Eventual success came through chance encounters with people who ended up transforming their lives and careers – legends who have since passed away (Cobain and Rafferty). From there they’ve seen the world, achieved massive acclaim and lived a life their childhood selves could only have ever dreamed of.
That last point is where everyone should take solace.
Based on the writing, their tales are impeccably told - in their own words, detailing a vast array of life experiences. Grohl and Connolly offer up these pearls of wisdom at the turning of each chapter with such sincerity and ease. While reading either book, you are practically accompanied by their iconic voices as you read their words and inflection. Connolly’s tone is perhaps clearest through his referenced use of a dictating app on his phone to write (due to his well-documented battle with Parkinson’s). Grohl’s writing style is simple but effective, helped massively through his mother’s influence as an English teacher, no doubt.
If life affirmation is what you are after, simply look no further. You can’t read about their lives and not be inspired to pursue your dreams, or to simply find comfort that no matter who you are, where you come from or what hardships you may have faced – there is and always will be light at the end of the tunnel, you just need to go for it.
In reviewing an autobiography, it is hard not to feel that you are reviewing a life. Grohl and Connolly have undeniably both lived incredible lives; therefore, the source material could not be better. A good story must also be well-told – both certainly are. The only real downside is simply a craving to want more, to know the full story. While that isn’t possible for us mere mortals, the books are a damn good alternative.
Dave Grohl’s The Storyteller – ★★★★☆ – effervescent, wildly funny and an honest account of a life well lived.
Billy Connolly Windswept & Interesting – ★★★★★ – The amazing life of Scotland’s greatest comedian brilliantly told in the only way it could be, his words.