Do You like book Killing Bono: I Was Bono's Doppelganger (2004)?
I read this after watching the movie version and I enjoyed it as much as I did the movie.Neil writes in an honest, open manner and you can't help admire he and his brother for their persistence after taking more knock backs than most other people would stick around to take! At times it seems everything was standing in their way and I am actually surprised they managed to keep going in London, trying to get record deals, as long as they did, many others would probably have sloped off back to Ireland with their tails between their legs so in a way you admire them by the end.It's also, at times, cringe worthy to read how he felt like a sore thumb amongst celebrities and other hangers on at various U2 concerts, when being a childhood friend of the band got you as far as the main VIP area, but where they could only stand and watch while models and the like got escorted through for a private meeting with the band, but then you also get an idea of how false those situations are, which we already know but it's nice to read someone admitting how fake it all is behind the glitz and glamour.It's an entertaining book and the movie is even better, though obviously a lot has been added, exaggerated and changed completely.
—Cheryl
An interesting book, catalouging the rise to fame of U2 from a completely novel album, as well as seeing the counterpoint struggles of Bono-wannabe, Neil McCormick.It's a paced read, both gripping and light-hearted. The author pokes fun at himself, particularly for taking himself so seriously. Some chapters make you laugh out loud, others make your teeth clench in anger for opportunities lost. The rest is just a rollercoaster ride of music, men and ire.A must read for die-hard Bono fans, people wanting to make it big in the rock n roll world, or else for a good read by the by.
—Paul
This book was an excellent read for anyone who wants to know why some people "make it" in the fickle music industry and some don't. Neil McCormick and his classmates who went on to form U2 started their bands at roughly the same time. They had the same audiences, the same peers, and even supported one another on stage. So why did U2 make it and Shook Up! fail to find its audience? Read the book. You'll be shocked at how many little decisions, how many little twists in the road can take you far from where you intended to be. McCormick is now an author and journalist who has found peace with his lot in life, but he still has hopes that someday.... Well, we can all hope.
—Doris Evans-McCarthy