Events

Rock and roll lore is full of stories about artists getting sucked into the drug-fueled, sex-crazed underworld of stardom—and musician Mike Doughty is no exception. His memoir, The Book of Drugs, chronicles his struggle to survive his own lifestyle and offers insight into the world of addiction.  Doughty provides snapshots of his family life and the development of his love of music, including his time at The New School in NYC, where he had class with renowned folk singer Ani DiFranco. He recalls playing to empty clubs, getting high with Jeff Buckley, and forming his own band. As Doughty and Soul Coughing, his ’90s alternative rock group, rose in popularity and fame, his drug use spiraled out of control as he abused a variety of illegal drugs. Doughty’s solo career caught a big break when Dave Matthews, completely taken with his music, signed Doughty to his label, ATO Records. Since then, he has recruited bandmates and continued touring and recording. And he has stayed sober for more than five years. Mike Doughty is a musician and prolific blogger. Among other publications, he has written articles for the New York Press, Paper, and the Village Voice. His most recent album, Yes and Also Yes, was released in August of 2011. He lives in Brooklyn. “Hardly your typical rock star memoir. Doughty is brutally honest about life as an addict…Bringing the writing skill that he has crafted to his underground poetry, magazine articles, and songs, Doughty conveys his message with both despair and humor…A compelling look at one man’s struggle to come to terms with the much-discussed connection between addiction and art.”—Publishers Weekly