logo Wed, 25 Dec 2024 04:18:53 GMT

I'm With the Band


Synopsis


The stylish, exuberant, and remarkably sweet confession of one of the most famous groupies of the 1960s and 70s is back in print in this new edition that includes an afterword on the author's last 15 years of adventures. As soon as she graduated from high school, Pamela Des Barres headed for the Sunset Strip, where she knocked on rock stars' backstage doors and immersed herself in the drugs, danger, and ecstasy of the freewheeling 1960s. Over the next 10 years she had affairs with Mick Jagger, Jimmy Page, Keith Moon, Waylon Jennings, Chris Hillman, Noel Redding, and Jim Morrison, among others. She traveled with Led Zeppelin; lived in sin with Don Johnson; turned down a date with Elvis Presley; and was close friends with Robert Plant, Gram Parsons, Ray Davies, and Frank Zappa. As a member of the GTO's, a girl group masterminded by Frank Zappa, she was in the thick of the most revolutionary renaissance in the history of modern popular music. Warm, witty, and sexy, this kiss-and-tell-all stands out as the perfect chronicle of one of rock 'n' roll's most thrilling eras.

Pamela Des Barres (author), Dave Navarro (foreword)

Summary



Chapter 1: "A Star is Born"
This first chapter introduces the main character, Pamela Des Barres (later known as Miss Pamela), and her love for music and celebrities. She recounts her childhood in Reseda, California, where she would spend her days listening to music and dreaming of becoming a famous rock star. She is enamored with famous musicians and their lifestyle, and her obsession becomes even stronger when she moves to Los Angeles after dropping out of college.

Example: Pamela talks about going to a Led Zeppelin concert and sneaking backstage, where she meets Jimmy Page, the guitarist of the band. She is instantly drawn to his charismatic and enigmatic persona, and this encounter only solidifies her desire to be a part of the rock and roll scene.

Chapter 2: "All You Need is Love"
In this chapter, Pamela dives into her first serious relationship with a musician, Kim Fowley. She met him at a party in LA and was immediately infatuated with him, despite him being much older and married. Kim takes Pamela under his wing and introduces her to many famous musicians, including members of The Doors and The Rolling Stones. Pamela becomes enamored with the lifestyle of these rock stars and is determined to become a part of it.

Example: Pamela recalls a time when she was staying at The Doors' manager's house and Jim Morrison comes to visit. She finds herself alone with him in the kitchen and they end up having a meaningful conversation about music and life. This encounter leaves a lasting impact on Pamela and only solidifies her desire to be a part of the music scene.

Chapter 3: "Girls, Girls, Girls"
In this chapter, Pamela talks about the female groupies and their role in the rock and roll world. She delves into the competitive nature among groupies and how they would vie for the attention of famous musicians. Pamela also becomes part of a group of girls known as "The GTOs" (Girls Together Outrageously), who are considered the "ultimate groupies" and often travel with bands on tour.

Example: Pamela talks about a time when she and The GTOs traveled with Frank Zappa and his band on tour. They would have wild parties and participate in risque activities, all in the name of rock and roll. Pamela also shares stories about other famous groupies she met along the way, such as Cynthia Plaster Caster, who was known for making plaster molds of famous musicians' private parts.

Chapter 4: "You Can't Always Get What You Want"
This chapter focuses on Pamela's relationship with famous musician, Mick Jagger of The Rolling Stones. She had been infatuated with him for years and finally gets the opportunity to meet and spend time with him. However, their relationship is volatile and tumultuous, and Pamela struggles to come to terms with Mick's infidelity and her own feelings for him.

Example: While on tour with The Rolling Stones, Pamela gets the chance to go on a date with Mick. She is beyond excited, but the date does not go as planned and she ends up feeling rejected and used by him. This experience serves as a wake-up call for Pamela and makes her question her pursuit of fame and love.

Chapter 5: "Whole Lotta Love"
In this chapter, Pamela talks about her relationship with musician, Chris Hillman of The Byrds. This is a much more stable and loving relationship compared to her past experiences with famous musicians. She is truly in love with Chris, but their relationship faces challenges due to Chris' busy touring schedule and Pamela's own struggles with finding her own identity outside of being a groupie.

Example: Pamela recalls a time when she and Chris were able to spend time together on a cozy beach house, away from the chaos of their respective rock and roll lives. They enjoy a simple and peaceful day together, and it is a refreshing change from the wild parties and backstage antics she was used to.

Chapter 6: "Rock and Roll High School"
As Pamela gets older, she starts to feel the pressure of maintaining her looks and youth in order to stay relevant in the rock and roll scene. She also struggles with finding her own identity and purpose beyond being a groupie. She starts taking acting classes and eventually gets a role in the cult film, "Beyond the Valley of the Dolls."

Example: Pamela talks about her experience on set and the friendships she formed with her co-stars. She also shares her excitement and nervousness about her first acting role and how it helped her realize that she wanted to pursue a career in the entertainment industry beyond just being a groupie.

Chapter 7: "The End"
In the final chapter, Pamela reflects on her journey as a groupie and the changing landscape of the rock and roll industry. She also talks about her transition into a more stable and fulfilling career as a writer and actress. She realizes that while her time as a groupie was fun and exciting, it is now time for her to move on and find fulfillment in other areas of her life.

Example: Pamela shares her experiences as an actress and writer, including writing for Rolling Stone magazine and publishing her own book, "I'm with the Band: Confessions of a Groupie." She also talks about reconnecting with her former groupie friends and how their lives have also changed and evolved. Pamela ends the chapter and the book by stating that she may not have become a famous rock star, but she did get to live her dream of being a part of the rock and roll scene and would not change a thing.