Bill Bruford's Autobiography

[Perry]

I just got Bills new book and I think it's great so far! Nicely written and very much in his own voice. Anyone else reading this?

[Imperatrix]

I just got Bills new book and I think it's great so far! Nicely written and very much in his own voice. Anyone else reading this?

Not yet---but I have 30% off at Borders and I'm gonna snag it asap!

[luna65]

I bought it with my Borders bday coupon and am loving it so far. Classic articulate snarky honest Broof...I have been waiting for this so long and it doesn't disappoint in the slightest.

[Imperatrix]

I bought it with my Borders bday coupon and am loving it so far. Classic articulate snarky honest Broof...I have been waiting for this so long and it doesn't disappoint in the slightest.

He will always be my favorite member of Yes.

[luna65]

Not Mr. Horn?!
*is shocked*

[relayeire]

I got it yesterday... skipped right to the last chapter because I wanted to read about his retirement... I am going to read the whole thing eventually...

[Imperatrix]

Not Mr. Horn?!
*is shocked*

Shhh! Don't tell Mr. Horn, but Bill is better in the sack than he is. :winknudge

[luna65]

That I can believe...all that rhythm and whatnot. ;)

[Imperatrix]

That I can believe...all that rhythm and whatnot. ;)

:winknudge

Here's my fave Bill quote:

"I love seeing the whites of an audience's eyes instead of being stuck in the back and seeing John Wetton's ass. Life for me is a series of asses that I played behind. Adrian Belew has got a very nice ass, slim. John Wetton's is a little bigger. Jon Anderson's is very small, nice legs, lousy ass. It's a series of asses."

[yeskat]

I just got Bills new book and I think it's great so far! Nicely written and very much in his own voice. Anyone else reading this?


I gotta get this book... does he say much about his days with YES?

[luna65]

Here's my fave Bill quote:
Make sure you read that one to edgyspice the next time you talk to her. I think my favorite quote so far is the one in Chapter One about Chris.

does he say much about his days with YES?
Oh my...does he ever. *gigglesnort*

[miar]

Im waiting for my book to arrive. Can`t wait to start reading it :)

[Fly By Light]

Just bought mine on Amazon for $13.57. Such a deal!

[fovman]

I will getting Broof's and Wakey's new books soon.

[Fragyle Ladder]

I just ordered mine on Amazon too! Can't wait!

[Perry]

Yeah... I really like the book so far. A great amount of insight regarding his "position" in the annals of music history. I've been at so many of the concerts he mentions in the book. It's great to hear their side of the story.
And yes...Amazon is great for the book. I paid $13.00 or so for this one and even less for the Wakeman book. All pre-orders. I did that with Artie Langes' book as well.

[oliasdoug]

Well, MY curiosity's piqued. Guess I'll be heading over to Border's soon...God, I hope I didn't delete that online coupon they sent me a few days ago...

One of my very favorite parts of YesYears was listening to Broof speak, especially when he talked about the transition from Yes to King Crimson: "...and I remember Robert asking me, in his uniquely pretentious way, 'Well, Bill...do you think you're ready for King Crimson now?'" I about choked on my coffee when I heard that. Not only was it cool hearing Bill deliver that quote himself, I could also very much hear Fripper having the 'nads to ask a question of that sort.

[rheayes]

I just finished reading the book this afternoon. (I can tell you my husband must really like me. We are both fans and were eagerly awaiting the book. Who would get to read it first? I suggested we flip a coin to decide, but Roy let me read it first.)

It was a great read, but it was almost less an autobiography and more a book about the state of Bill's musical world and how it's changed since he became a musician. It was fascinating, but I was expecting a more linear story of his life.

The other thing that was funny was that I recently read Eric Clapton's autobiography, which spent a lot of time discussing his substance abuse problems and his relationships and less on his music. Bill is still married to the woman he was dating before he joined Yes. The focus of the book was so totally different (in a very good way for Bill's personal life)!

[the_crushinator]

The book ends on a rather elegaic note that lasts for several chapters. BB's apparently been pretty unhappy -- perhaps even depressed -- about his situation for some time now, and (astonishingly to a fan) almost cripplingly insecure about his abilities as a drummer, the split between his family life and his musical life, and his relevance to the musical world.

By the end you understand very well why he's retiring from public performance (with a tiny glimmer of hope that he might someday resume it) and wish him all success in quieting his fierce inner critic.

Along the way there's some funny, well-written stories about Yes, Fripp, Gong, and others (Chris Squire is matchlessly described as being 'torpid') and some trenchant observations on the life of a musician and the changes in the music business since the late 60's.

[soulshiner]

I haven't purchased a copy yet, but I will.

Bruford certainly belies the accepted drummer stereotype. Rather than being some alcohol swilling, hotel room trashing madman, there is a powerful intelligence at work in Bruford and what he says demands attention - whether or not you agree with him, he earns your respect.

[gitsy]

(Chris Squire is matchlessly described as being 'torpid')

I had to Google the defanition of torpid...owch that's blunt.

[relayeire]

I'm a few chapters in... definitely an engaging read... Bill often strays from the topics he sets out at the beginning of the chapter... I read the last chapter first, btw... still not sure how I feel about his reasons for retirement...

[Doctor Flang]

My copy is on it's way...

[90125yes]

I had to Google the defanition of torpid...owch that's blunt.

---

we will have to get bill a copy of rick's grumpy old rock star then

[90125yes]

...not released in the uk yet .......

[Wakey's #1 Fan]

:winknudge

Here's my fave Bill quote:


Quote:
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=6 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2 style="BORDER-RIGHT: 1px inset; BORDER-TOP: 1px inset; BORDER-LEFT: 1px inset; BORDER-BOTTOM: 1px inset">"I love seeing the whites of an audience's eyes instead of being stuck in the back and seeing John Wetton's ass. Life for me is a series of asses that I played behind. Adrian Belew has got a very nice ass, slim. John Wetton's is a little bigger. Jon Anderson's is very small, nice legs, lousy ass. It's a series of asses." </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
:dog: :dog: :dog:

[90125yes]

:dog: :dog: :dog:

_____


please keep your eyes off rick's !!!!

[Wakey's #1 Fan]

_____


please keep your eyes off rick's !!!!
:lmao:
http://a875.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/41/l_2280495a8a7c7f40e5c1336f5d79c80a.jpg

[Foot Print]

I read six chapters today while in Borders during the days rain. The chapter titles read like viewer mail inquiries "Why I Left Yes" & "What's it Like Working With Fripp". Bill leaves no stones unturned and is quite blunt at all times. The Fripp (Our Leader) anecdotes are priceless. "He would fixate on a spot 3 feet in front of him, a little to the right and stare at it all concert long". His memory of that first show with "Our Leader", Tony Levin & Adrian Belew is great reading. Someone threw a slab of raw liver at them after the gig?! Hysterical. I respect and understand his reason for hanging up his sticks. It's great, not for me though, that he left on his terms. The last time he played here, at Iridium with his Earthworks band reminded me of why he was easily my favorite musician of all time. When I have some more loot, I'll but this book. I think he's got autographed copies on his website.

[profusion]

I just finished the book this past weekend. It's a fantastic read and is very insightful. He doesn't actually dwell on Yes as much as I might have liked, but you have to remember that he was only in the band for a small percentage of his career. His stories about travelling around Europe in the early days are priceless. I have to say that neither Squire nor Fripp come off particularly well in Bruford's telling of his tale.

As for Bruford's reasons for hanging up the sticks, it makes perfect sense to me after reading the book. We might romanticize it all, but it's what he's been doing for a living for the past 40 years, and it simply doesn't give him enough pleasure anymore to outweigh the self-doubt and the hassles of modern travel.

Much of his self-doubt comes from being a fish out of water (no pun intended) in the jazz world. He's surrounded himself for the last 20+ years with young conservatory-trained jazz musicians who can all sight-read, compose and arrange flawlessly compared to the world of rock musicians. It's poignant to read about Bill's insecurity in dealing with this world, even though it actually made him a lot happier than being in rock bands.

[luna65]

My favorite fun fact of the book: Bill and Carolyn were married on my eighth birthday.

[sam]

Shhh! Don't tell Mr. Horn, but Bill is better in the sack than he is. :winknudge

My god! You've been around a bit, haven't you? First Trevor now Bill!;)
What a dish Bill Bruford is, though. His dry Englishness, good looks and talent-very attractive man.
He makes a simple Welsh lass like myself go all weak at the knees...
Am expecting a copy of his book for my birthday. I hope it's as good as Rick Wakeman's "Grumpy Old Rockstar" which is an excellent read.

[90125yes]

well - just got the book

landed on my desk now

so good photos in the front section - especially with abwh


now on with the read ........

[Imperatrix]

My god! You've been around a bit, haven't you? First Trevor now Bill!;)
What a dish Bill Bruford is, though. His dry Englishness, good looks and talent-very attractive man.
He makes a simple Welsh lass like myself go all weak at the knees...
Am expecting a copy of his book for my birthday. I hope it's as good as Rick Wakeman's "Grumpy Old Rockstar" which is an excellent read.


I just got it on Friday and started reading it. Broof is an absolute riot....I love this book so far!

[90125yes]

read the first 4 chapters

enjoying it

bill's insight into YES and king crimson makes good reading

[90125yes]

finished book

found i was skimming the none YES /abwh bits

5/10 ok but not great

ok for YES nostalgia

[StarshipTrooper67]

I just finished it, it was a great read. An insider's view...
awesome book, Bill. Thanks for sharing your life with your fans!

[Bluegrunt]

Does anyone have any recommendations about the two Bruford CDs which are offered with the book? You can choose one of two samplers - Winterfold which covers 1978 - 1986, or Summerfold which covers 1987 - 2008.

Any thoughts, comments?

[Meng]

Subjective of course, but personally I'd go for Winterfold as it will have stuff from his early solo(ish) albums which I love.

[yesyadda]

I just finished it, it was a great read. An insider's view...
awesome book, Bill. Thanks for sharing your life with your fans!

My friend Larry the Toyota salesman is reading it and loves the book. He said he'd borrow it to me when he's finished. :D

[90125yes]

My friend Larry the Toyota salesman is reading it and loves the book. He said he'd borrow it to me when he's finished. :D

---

lend it to you mate

[yesyadda]

LOL that's old slang around here. Kinda joking. I need to dig out my Yesstories and give it a re-re-re-re- read, read read read (just a little bit... just a little bit). :D

[Bluegrunt]

I've just finished reading it. Now I'm away to slit my wrists...

[fovman]

I started reading it a couple days ago.

[gitsy]

I've just finished reading it. Now I'm away to slit my wrists...

I finished reading yesterday and I know what you mean.

[Whitefish]

I started reading it and can't put it down. As I read it, I can hear Bill's voice saying the words. It is just so him! Great book!

[fovman]

Broof has an amusing and expressive way with words.

[Bluegrunt]

One phrase which he used to describe himself made me stop in my tracks: "the insufferably arrogant and astonishingly ignorant young drummer from Sevenoaks". Brilliant stuff!

[DREAMER]

I've just finished reading it. Now I'm away to slit my wrists...

I'm only half way through and know what you mean!

Ok, so I haven't read the whole book yet, but as with many autobiograhies it seems rather sad. From reading so far it appears that Bill has spent much of his career doing something he didn't enjoy that much in a business that he clearly hates.

I also wonder how on Earth he actually made a living.. he even gave away half of his royalties for Close To The Edge to Alan White!

[yesyadda]

One of my boys is giving me this as a father's day gift. Can't wait. That was mighty thoughty of the lil' critter.

[Whitefish]

It gets better and better and better and better and better and better and better.................................... :beerchugr:

[ham]

Jest got this tome...
A wee reading pends...

[90125yes]

Jest got this tome...
A wee reading pends...

---

??

[90125yes]

It gets better and better and better and better and better and better and better.................................... :beerchugr:

---

have you got a different version to me ???

[Whitefish]

---

have you got a different version to me ???

I doubt it. I can't see anything one would not like with this book.

[90125yes]

I doubt it. I can't see anything one would not like with this book.

---

black and white photos

needs brigtening up

[Whitefish]

---

black and white photos

needs brigtening up


Mine has tons of color photos. Great ones too. Many I had never seen before.

[ham]

Its bluddy funny...
Sum of Billy B's wordplay is as guid as his diddly pare wotzits...

[Whitefish]

I just finished it!

I have to say without a doubt that it was the greatest book I have ever read having to do with music; autobiography, biography, story, music history, music business, musicology...and I have read tons of them!

This book is not all about Bill Bruford's life story. It is in some ways, but in many others, it is about the life of a musician and his feelings and very deep thoughts on music itself. I cannot recommend the book enough to anyone, especially to any musician or family member, relative or friend of a musician.

I simply could not put it down but had to many times.

The book is a must for anyone who likes Bill's playing. I don't want to spoil it with excerpts or quotes.

One of the many things and important things in this book is Bill's love of music. He cares about it so much and in some ways is worried about its future. Rightly so. He is also extremely knowledgeable and has a vocabulary as great as Wikipedia does! It is also written with a great sense of humor at times, but the humor always has truth in it.

Bill is an amazing person and although I have always respected him greatly, my respect for him has skyrocketed. I also greatly respect his decision to retire from playing and performing and after reading his book I completely understand why.

Just get it and read it. You will be glad you did!


Cheers to Bill! :beerchugr:

[Imperatrix]

I got it, I read it, and I am more than glad I did!

Bill: a musician's musician. Can't get better than that.

[Doctor Flang]

I got it, I read it, and I am more than glad I did!

Bill: a musician's musician. Can't get better than that.

Totally agree! :beerchugr:

[xlink_nz]

just reserved it from the library online last night

does he say much about the ABWH/Onion time ?

[gitsy]

I just finished it!

I have to say without a doubt that it was the greatest book I have ever read having to do with music; autobiography, biography, story, music history, music business, musicology...and I have read tons of them!

This book is not all about Bill Bruford's life story. It is in some ways, but in many others, it is about the life of a musician and his feelings and very deep thoughts on music itself. I cannot recommend the book enough to anyone, especially to any musician or family member, relative or friend of a musician.

I simply could not put it down but had to many times.

The book is a must for anyone who likes Bill's playing. I don't want to spoil it with excerpts or quotes.

One of the many things and important things in this book is Bill's love of music. He cares about it so much and in some ways is worried about its future. Rightly so. He is also extremely knowledgeable and has a vocabulary as great as Wikipedia does! It is also written with a great sense of humor at times, but the humor always has truth in it.

Bill is an amazing person and although I have always respected him greatly, my respect for him has skyrocketed. I also greatly respect his decision to retire from playing and performing and after reading his book I completely understand why.

Just get it and read it. You will be glad you did!


Cheers to Bill! :beerchugr:

I agree, excellent read. Oh and as an added bonus my copy came with a voucher for a free CD which came in the post two days ago.

[profusion]

From reading so far it appears that Bill has spent much of his career doing something he didn't enjoy that much in a business that he clearly hates.

I didn't get that from the book at all. It was only in the last few years that his enjoyment level dropped sufficiently to make the continued hassle of the music business not worth it. He spells that out pretty clearly.


does he say much about the ABWH/Onion time ?

He devotes a fair chunk of space to ABWH/Union, actually. He's not particularly complimentary toward that period, as you can imagine, but this take on it seems more positive than in his earlier interviews about it. The short version is that ABWH quickly morphed into something very different than he thought he was getting into, and all of the absurdities of the big rock 'n roll machine were present in abundance.

[relayeire]

I’ve finally finished the book and have some rambling thoughts to share, including some that might be called ***SPOILERS***.

Overall, it is was a good read that kept you interested. I'd say most people on this site should read the book.

It was interesting to read Bill’s defense of David Cross’ violin playing during his Crimson years. Cross has sometimes been called “lacking” on the instrument; half of the violin on “live album” USA was later rerecorded by Eddie Jobson in the studio. Bill blames John Wetton for getting increasingly louder in the live mix (he says much the same thing happened during the UK days), preventing Cross from getting proper intonation on an instrument generally considered difficult to play. I imagine Cross might be pleased about this “vindication” after so many years. It certainly made me look at his talents differently.
<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>
From the same time period, Bill makes many references to what Jamie Muir taught him, but never really explains any of it. Nor does he explain how, as a jazz-influenced drummer, he ended up choosing matched grip instead of jazz grip; he merely explains that he did. And he touches on Robert Fripp’s difficult personality, but it’s another area that leaves more question than answers.
<o:p></o:p>
Yes, it’s true, Chris Squire was always running late. The regimented Bruford found it rude, and I don’t blame him.
<o:p></o:p>
Bill is honest in his envy of today’s young, disciplined drummers.
<o:p></o:p>
One thing I took away from the book is that Bill seems to find most people, places and things intolerable. Seriously, he comes across as a tetchy bastard at some points.
<o:p></o:p>
I’m sorry, Bill, that you have to eat with plastic cutlery on planes now.
<o:p></o:p>
I’m sorry you had to perform on the “revolving birthday cake” stage during the Union Tour. Yes pioneered that type of staging for rock music, and those of us who were fortunate to see them perform on it appreciated the clear view and unprecedented proximity it gave us to the band. They walked to the stage from amongst us. There was no, “I want to sit on Squire’s side” necessary. We got to sit right in front of everyone over the course of the show.
<o:p></o:p>
And I’m sorry you have to tolerate balding, middle-aged fanboys who love your early work. Even you, Bill, admit that your playing in those days was more impressive. Could it be some of those fanboys feel the same way? Could it be you don’t understand the idea of a compliment, or of humility? Many a musician takes “Never stop playing!” as a validation of their talent and body of work.
<o:p></o:p>
Bill was a trailblazer, no doubt. One of the most inventive, distinctive drummers ever. But in the book he sometimes overestimates his innovativeness. He constantly refers to wanting to achieve something “different,” yet some of his electronic Earthworks stuff borders on generic New Age/cool jazz/wallpaper. The jazz masters he so oft mentions would’ve never touched it.
<o:p></o:p>
Nor would many drummers have recorded the ABWH album with so overwhelmingly synthetic a drum sound – more so than much of his 80s work with Crimso, which at least was somewhat balanced. I guess that contract with Simmons kind of influenced him? Or maybe he was just avoiding that wonderful “snare drum sound” we all enjoyed from his earlier recordings?
<o:p></o:p>
But I do want to thank Bill for writing the book, and for the many years of great music he’s given us. Maybe he’ll get his mojo back, and maybe he won’t. I just hope he’s making the right decision by retiring.

[90125yes]

Originally Posted by DREAMER http://www.yesfans.com/bluefusion/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.yesfans.com/showthread.php?p=1785869#post1785869)
From reading so far it appears that Bill has spent much of his career doing something he didn't enjoy that much in a business that he clearly hates.

----

i suppose he is just not the positive type ?

he does not go overboard about much

there is no enough about his time in YES

he was very honest about his time in Genesis

[rjgtr]

On the Jazz-grip question - it is actually called traditional grip. The reason it was so common in Jazz drummers was that most of them came up in high school marching bands in the US. To play an old style Marching snare it had a leg rest that angled it, so that the left hand had to adopt the traditional grip.

In classical circles, most instruments are played with matched grip, including snare drum. Why? Because you can never balance both hands in traditional grip. Bruford, like most english drummers were taught by drummers using traditional grip. And finally, it really is better.

I also thought Bill's book was a bit of downer. Having read many of his interviews he seems to have put himself in a bad position - the home/work issue. Hopefully he can find the joy in playing again. In his older interviews he seemed a lot happier.

[Teacher travelling]

I've found this a really interesting, intelligent read. He does have a rather dry, sardonic humour which could perhaps sound over-critical or cynical or even arrogant, but I find just adds to the entertainment. It is his voice and you can hear it clearly.

However, in contrast to some people on this thread, it does not strike me as overly negative at all. One thing that shines throughout the book is his absolute love for music and his striving to do it justice. I was particularly struck by the real pride he takes in "Close to the Edge" for example.

Having read it I find it hard to see how someone with his love of music and drive to move forward can just up sticks for good. Perhaps, having stepped back from the frustrations and stress of the treadmill, he might dip his toe in from time to time for pure pleasure - lets hope so.

[profusion]

Having read it I find it hard to see how someone with his love of music and drive to move forward can just up sticks for good. Perhaps, having stepped back from the frustrations and stress of the treadmill, he might dip his toe in from time to time for pure pleasure - lets hope so.

I think we all hope for that. As a jazz drummer, I wouldn't think it all that difficult for him to pop up to Ronnie Scott's club in London for a jam every now and then. It's not like he has to be a band leader just in order to play occasionally.

I strongly doubt he'll ever go back to rock music unless he desperately needs the money.

[rjgtr]

I strongly doubt he'll ever go back to rock music unless he desperately needs the money.

I think if something presented him with enough of a challenge, he'd do it, that is if he goes back to playing at all.

I think Bill might just need some time. He might just pop down to the pub and sit in - you never know. I agree that the book shows his massive respect for music. Maybe after a while he won't feel the need to expand the genre and can just be comfortable and be himself.

[KPatrick]

I’ve finally finished the book and have some rambling thoughts to share, including some that might be called ***SPOILERS***.

Overall, it is was a good read that kept you interested. I'd say most people on this site should read the book.

It was interesting to read Bill’s defense of David Cross’ violin playing during his Crimson years. Cross has sometimes been called “lacking” on the instrument; half of the violin on “live album” USA was later rerecorded by Eddie Jobson in the studio. Bill blames John Wetton for getting increasingly louder in the live mix (he says much the same thing happened during the UK days), preventing Cross from getting proper intonation on an instrument generally considered difficult to play. I imagine Cross might be pleased about this “vindication” after so many years. It certainly made me look at his talents differently.
<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>
From the same time period, Bill makes many references to what Jamie Muir taught him, but never really explains any of it. Nor does he explain how, as a jazz-influenced drummer, he ended up choosing matched grip instead of jazz grip; he merely explains that he did. And he touches on Robert Fripp’s difficult personality, but it’s another area that leaves more question than answers.
<o:p></o:p>
Yes, it’s true, Chris Squire was always running late. The regimented Bruford found it rude, and I don’t blame him.
<o:p></o:p>
Bill is honest in his envy of today’s young, disciplined drummers.
<o:p></o:p>
One thing I took away from the book is that Bill seems to find most people, places and things intolerable. Seriously, he comes across as a tetchy bastard at some points.
<o:p></o:p>
I’m sorry, Bill, that you have to eat with plastic cutlery on planes now.
<o:p></o:p>
I’m sorry you had to perform on the “revolving birthday cake” stage during the Union Tour. Yes pioneered that type of staging for rock music, and those of us who were fortunate to see them perform on it appreciated the clear view and unprecedented proximity it gave us to the band. They walked to the stage from amongst us. There was no, “I want to sit on Squire’s side” necessary. We got to sit right in front of everyone over the course of the show.
<o:p></o:p>
And I’m sorry you have to tolerate balding, middle-aged fanboys who love your early work. Even you, Bill, admit that your playing in those days was more impressive. Could it be some of those fanboys feel the same way? Could it be you don’t understand the idea of a compliment, or of humility? Many a musician takes “Never stop playing!” as a validation of their talent and body of work.
<o:p></o:p>
Bill was a trailblazer, no doubt. One of the most inventive, distinctive drummers ever. But in the book he sometimes overestimates his innovativeness. He constantly refers to wanting to achieve something “different,” yet some of his electronic Earthworks stuff borders on generic New Age/cool jazz/wallpaper. The jazz masters he so oft mentions would’ve never touched it.
<o:p></o:p>
Nor would many drummers have recorded the ABWH album with so overwhelmingly synthetic a drum sound – more so than much of his 80s work with Crimso, which at least was somewhat balanced. I guess that contract with Simmons kind of influenced him? Or maybe he was just avoiding that wonderful “snare drum sound” we all enjoyed from his earlier recordings?
<o:p></o:p>
But I do want to thank Bill for writing the book, and for the many years of great music he’s given us. Maybe he’ll get his mojo back, and maybe he won’t. I just hope he’s making the right decision by retiring.

There's a lot worth engaging here, but I agree with you overall that the tone can be a little bit negative at times about a lot. I thought that was a very valuable piece of it, though, because it takes a little of the romantic sheen off of Bill's career. Yes, it was adventuresome that he jumped Yes on the eve of its hugest financial success, and we should all be humbled by that kind of determined artisitic vision... but it came at a huge, huge price. Not just financial. Making music for a living is incredibly difficult; Bruford's autobiography is evidence for the case. That's going to be negative, unavoidably, because a lot of it is a giant pain in the butt.

Through that, I understood what he was getting at with the "fanboys" comment -- or at least I perceived it differently. He does seem to have gotten to a place where he wants to trade on his "glorious," or rather, lucrative past as little as he can. But for better or for worse, it's that past that does have everyone there in the back room of the drum shop, watching a clinic. When you've made 30+ years of music since CLOSE TO THE EDGE, and you're still hearing about how great that album is.... I guess everyone would react to it differently. I met him at one of those clinics and had the sense to bring an Earthworks CD for him to sign.....!

I've read it twice and I like it. My review is succinct: It's the kind of autobiography that only Bill Bruford could write, and it's the only kind of autobiography Bill Bruford could write.