Quick Take

With Chris Trengove and Peter Lawrence. In 1967 Peter 'Dougal' Butler became a roadie for the Who and their mercurial genius drummer Keith Moon. Soon he would be Moon's personal assistant, chauffeur, and all-purpose wingman. The ride lasted a tumultuous ten years, ending just prior to Moon's untimely death in 1978. "Full Moon" is Butler's memoir of that ride: essential reading for Who fans, and a masterclass in the mayhem caused by rock 'n' roll excess.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Full Moon: The Amazing Rock and Roll Life of Keith Moon

Introduction

"Full Moon: The Amazing Rock and Roll Life of Keith Moon" by Dougal Butler is a captivating memoir that delves into the tumultuous ten-year journey of the legendary drummer of The Who, Keith Moon. With a co-author, Peter Lawrence, and Chris Trengove, Butler recounts his experiences as Moon's personal assistant, chauffeur, and all-around wingman. This book offers a unique perspective on the life of one of the most iconic and controversial figures in rock and roll history.

About Dougal Butler

Dougal Butler, the author of "Full Moon: The Amazing Rock and Roll Life of Keith Moon," was a roadie for The Who and their mercurial genius drummer, Keith Moon. He became Moon's personal assistant and shared a close relationship with him for a decade. Butler's memoir provides essential background on the insanity of one of the best drummers who ever lived, as well as a glimpse into the chaotic world of rock and roll excess.

Analysis of Views

Engaging and Hilarious: Readers praise the book for its surprisingly well-told and often hilarious narrative. The author's use of cockney slang adds to the authenticity and charm of the story. Many readers find it engaging even after multiple readings, showcasing the book's lasting impact.
A Clockwork Orange Connection: Readers appreciate the clever inclusion of a glossary at the end of the book, which adds an element of humor and enhances their reading experience. Comparisons to "A Clockwork Orange" are made, highlighting the book's unique storytelling style.
A Wild Romp Through Rock & Roll: The book is described as a wild romp through a rock and roll life, filled with nonstop mischief, tasteless pranks, and excessive indulgence in brandy and ginger ale. Readers find it entertaining and relatable, particularly those who appreciate Keith Moon's antics.
Essential Background: "Full Moon" is seen as essential background on the insanity of Keith Moon's life. It offers a glimpse into his genius as a drummer and his struggles with addiction and mental health. Readers appreciate the author's ability to convey both the generosity and madness of Moon's character.
A Bittersweet Portrait: Some readers find the book bittersweet, as it chronicles the tragic end of Keith Moon's life. They appreciate the compassion and frustration conveyed by Dougal Butler, who shares his own experiences with Moon's unpredictable behavior and the impact it had on those around him.

Reasons for Recommendation

Well-Told Story: Readers highly recommend "Full Moon" for its well-told narrative, which captures the essence of Keith Moon's wild rock and roll lifestyle. The author's use of cockney slang adds authenticity and humor to the story, making it engaging for both new readers and those who have known the book for years.
Unique Perspective: The book offers a unique perspective on Keith Moon's life, providing insights into his behavior from someone who was close to him. Dougal Butler's personal experiences as Moon's assistant offer a fresh take on his antics and add depth to the overall portrait of his life.
Background on Extremes: Readers recommend "Full Moon" for its ability to provide essential background on Keith Moon's extremes, both in his music and his personal life. It offers a glimpse into his genius as a drummer and his struggles with addiction, shedding light on the complexities of his character.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Poor Writing Style: Some readers find the writing style in "Full Moon" to be poorly executed, with present tense writing that detracts from the overall reading experience. This style may put off some readers who prefer more traditional narrative structures.
Limited Context: The book does not provide extensive context for Keith Moon's life, leaving readers with an incomplete understanding of his background and upbringing. While it focuses on his experiences during Dougal Butler's tenure as his assistant, it does not delve deeply into his early life or personal relationships.

Conclusion

"Full Moon: The Amazing Rock and Roll Life of Keith Moon" by Dougal Butler is a captivating memoir that offers a unique perspective on the life of one of rock and roll's most iconic figures. With its well-told narrative, authentic cockney slang, and engaging stories, it has garnered praise from readers who appreciate its wild romp through Keith Moon's rock and roll lifestyle. While some readers find fault with the writing style or lack of context, overall, "Full Moon" is recommended for those interested in understanding the extremes of Keith Moon's life and his impact on music history.