Runnin' with the Devil - Noel Monk & Joe Layden

Runnin' with the Devil

By Noel Monk & Joe Layden

  • Release Date: 2017-06-13
  • Genre: Biographies & Memoirs
Score: 4.5
4.5
From 546 Ratings

Description

The manager who shepherded Van Halen from obscurity to rock stardom goes behind the scenes to tell the complete, unadulterated story of David Lee Roth, Eddie Van Halen, and the legendary band that changed rock music.

Van Halen’s rise in the 1980s was one of the most thrilling the music world had ever seen—their mythos an epic party, a sweaty, sexy, never-ending rock extravaganza. During this unparalleled run of success, debauchery, and drama, no one was closer to the band than Noel Monk. A man who’d worked with some of rock’s biggest and most notorious names, Monk spent seven years with Van Halen, serving first as their tour manger then as their personal manager until 1985, when both he and David Lee Roth exited as controversy, backstabbing, and disappointment consumed the band.

Throughout Van Halen’s meteoric rise and abrupt halt, this confidant, fixer, friend, and promoter saw it all and lived to tell. Now, for the first time, he shares the most outrageous escapades—from their coming of age to their most shocking behavior on the road; from Eddie’s courtship and high profile wedding to Valerie Bertinelli to the incredible drug use which would ultimately lead to everyone’s demise. Sharing never-before-told stories, Monk paints a compelling portrait of Eddie Van Halen, bringing into focus the unique combination of talent, vision, hardship, and naiveté that shaped one of the greatest rock guitarists of all time—and made him and his brother vulnerable to the trappings and failings of fame.

Illustrated with dozens of rare photographs from Monk’s vaults, Runnin’ with the Devil is manna from rock heaven no Van Halen fan can miss.

Reviews

  • Good, Bad, and Ugly

    5
    By Ozcrome
    This book is well written and satisfies the curiosity to see what happened behind the curtain during the band’s rise, including the good, bad, and the ugly.
  • Really good!

    5
    By jedomann
    This was a very well written really entertaining read.
  • Ya you m

    1
    By shutts101
    I have myoi Onloir Gmail I out mtt ty and it says says I’ll I iupobp iiiif iii lnpoj h Inner on I I think I Fsusr KP thanks ty ty O M
  • I knew it all along

    4
    By Chief Grayfeather
    It’s a fan’s must read, but it prominently demonstrates that my favorite band was composed by a bunch of petulant children (save for Michael). Not a surprise. It’s a necessary historical account, but you come away with the same empty feeling as the author. Noel displays incredible objectivity in this book despite his treatment. I think Van Hagar (only mentioned due to epilogue) could have been the happy ending, but the VH brothers managed to F that up too. Oh well... You’ll need a happy book to read after this one. Thanks for writing it Mr. Noel, it had to be done.
  • Great read!!

    5
    By Jciro23
    I got a good sense of what touring with Van Halen was like. The ultimate party! But it really showed the relationship between the guys in the band. And the outside looking in of a band on verge of destruction. Which made for great music! Wish I was old enough to have seen Van Halen in their hay day but I did get to see them on the reunion tour in 2007.
  • Great, fast read!

    5
    By Dirrty Craig
    I’m not much a reviewer but I’m a huge Van Halen fan. Noel Monk, Van Halen’s manager circa 78-85 nails it with this one. Most of what you probably thought about the band is true... having it chronicled in thoughtful and well written detail was a pleasure on every page. This guy was there from the beginning and through the 1984 tour and subsequent 1985 departure of DLR. if you’re a fan.. just read it. You’ll be glad you did.
  • The Best book on Van Halen

    5
    By WDFA4uall
    This book I found to be the Best true book about Van Halen. I was there from '78-'85. First as road manager in '78, then as personal manager from '79-'85. No hear say, but rather I lived with the band and experienced everything first hand. What an exciting time we all had. All truth and no fiction! Enjoy reality and have an amazing ride! All the Best, Noel
  • Well told story about early Van Halen

    4
    By Lowell Rules
    Great, breezy read about Van Halen in the David Lee Roth years. Just interesting to hear the stroies of the music (some great rock and roll) and the debauchery of a rock band in the 80s. Sad, too given the dysfunction of the Van Halen brothers and the abuse they endured and how childish they both were (wonder if they still are?). Michael Anthony was just the typical bass player (Luke warm water) and got abused because of it (losing his publishing and writing money). David Lee Roth - well, he’s exactly as you’d figure.
  • Great read

    5
    By Lisas474
    Love this book could not put it down.
  • Great, in depth book

    5
    By Dance, baby!
    I can’t imagine anyone more suited to write a book about a band than a band’s manager. Well worth the money for this great book.