And the Band Played On

Politics, People, and the AIDS Epidemic

By: Randy Shilts

Narrated by: Victor Bevine

By the time Rock Hudson's death in 1985 alerted all America to the danger of the AIDS epidemic, the disease had spread across the nation, killing thousands of people and emerging as the greatest health crisis of the 20th century. America faced a troubling question: What happened? How was this epidemic allowed to spread so far before it was taken seriously?

In answering these questions, Shilts weaves the disparate threads into a coherent story, pinning down every evasion and contradiction at the highest levels of the medical, political, and media establishments. Shilts shows that the epidemic spread wildly because the federal government put budget ahead of the nation's welfare; health authorities placed political expediency before the public health; and scientists were often more concerned with international prestige than saving lives.

Against this backdrop, Shilts tells the heroic stories of individuals in science and politics, public health and the gay community, who struggled to alert the nation to the enormity of the danger it faced. And the Band Played On is both a tribute to these heroic people and a stinging indictment of the institutions that failed the nation so badly.

As an added bonus, when you purchase our Audible Modern Vanguard production of Randy Shilts' book, you'll also receive an exclusive Jim Atlas interview. This interview – where James Atlas interviews Larry Kramer about the life and work of Randy Shilts – begins as soon as the audiobook ends.

This production is part of our Audible Modern Vanguard line, a collection of important works from groundbreaking authors.©1987 Randy Shilts (P)2009 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"The most thorough, comprehensive exploration of the AIDS epidemic to date.... It is fascinating, frightening, and essential reading." ( San Francisco Chronicle)

" And the Band Played On is about the kind of people we have been for the past seven years. That is its terror, and its strength." ( The New York Times Book Review)

"A heroic work of journalism." ( The New York Times)

Outstanding

I saw the HBO movie back in 1993 and after listening to the audio book, it should have been a limited series like Angel's in America. As an LGBTQ+ Ally this was a very eye opening to the crisis that went.

Excellent and in-dept history of the AIDS Epidemic

The most in-depth history of the AIDS Epidemic around. Must read for anyone curious about the story of the Epidemic.

HIV/Aids From Day 1

What made the experience of listening to And the Band Played On the most enjoyable?

Although this was a very long book it was in chronological order. The late Randy Shilts wrote so tenderly and about so many victims of this still dreadful disease. Victor Bevine's performance was excellent adding so much color and inflection even down to his French accent when required.

What did you like best about this story?

Again I liked the continuity and each section Randy kept the reader in the 'loop' by constantly updating the reader with the dates and locations of major events.

Have you listened to any of Victor Bevine’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes. I have listened to Milk and was not disappointed this time either.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

A must see movie. If we are not aware of our past we are destined to repeat it.

Any additional comments?

Even though this was a very long book I will listen to it again.

4.5 very thorough

this was everything you've ever wanted to know about the HIV crisis. from the life of gay men to the scientists searching for the cause to doctors seeking to find any treatment.

I love the narrator and writing

Book is great, reading is great. Even if he mispronounces tons of names and words

A book everyone should read especially those too young to remember

I was aware of the details surrounding the origins of the AIDS epidemic, but given the time that has passed, I felt it necessary to bring it to the surface again. We have a generation today who have no memories of that time. As with any horrific period, it should never be forgotten lest we risk repetition. This is a fantastically written epoch of the era. Very well done.

Fabulous, what a brilliant piece.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absolutely; brilliant look at the world at that time, the outbreak and who and how it affected people.

What did you like best about this story?

I loved how it showed the lives of people but my favorite part was hearing about how the virus moved, what symptoms and subsequent illnesses it caused. I love hearing about HOW viruses work.

Which character – as performed by Victor Bevine – was your favorite?

They were all really well done.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Moving, unforgettable, a look into the world at a painful time that forever changed the world.

Any additional comments?

Really worth the read.

A must read!!!!

This was a very sad and embarrassing time for America. Why we let so many human beings die because of politics and hatred we will probably never know.

Well done, thank you. RIP Randy.

if you saw the 1993 movie and wanted the deep dive, then this is for you. Don't let the length frighten you. If you are interested in the subject matter, it will keep you engaged to the end.

Definitely an interesting book

This is a fascinating look at the AIDS epidemic and the social and political challenges surrounding it. The book can be vulgar, so if you can’t handle it, it’s not for you. The book is written by a gay man who eventually died from the disease. It’s a long read but worth the time.