Hit Hard

By: Joey Kramer

Narrated by: Holter Graham

In 1997, amid Aerosmith's sold-out world tour and number one album release, Joey revealed in an interview his ongoing struggles with depression. The response from fans and people battling those same internal demons was overwhelming. Joey now tells the complete story: the early days of the band, glamorous drug-addled events leading up to their eventual sobriety, battles within his family and among bandmates, and the explosive internal dynamics in Aerosmith that continue to unleash a fury of endless creativity.

Hit Hard unpacks the history of a rock star who became willing to accept help and finally kick a serious alcohol and drug addiction, only to find that the real terrors and hard work were still ahead. Ultimately, Hit Hard is about how Joey recognized his confusion between love and abuse, awakening to the kind of self-acceptance and compassion that make relationships possible in the "real world" as a member of the biggest band in American history.

©2009 Joey Kramer (P)2009 HarperCollins Publishers

The things we never knew

I loved this book. I am a drummer and suffer with depression. I do not agree with the drug use and reckless living. I'm glad he got help and was able move past his addiction. Great stories to listen to. All the ups and downs.

Highly recommend for anyone!

This book was really interesting from the very first chapter. By being a drummer that was and is currently dealing with some of the same issues and with the same first name, there was not a chance I would miss this book and for me to never give it any thought when I heard that Joey Kramer had a book. I've been through this audio version for the 3rd time now. A must read or listen for anyone.

Thank you Joey

I’m a pro drummer. Audio engineer and producer that’s been lucky enough to have some success. Nothing like you but my HP has gifted me a life of music in spite of my character defects. I’m sober 16 yrs and find your story at a time when I can recognize outside mental and emotional issues that I now need to work on. Your story gives me the courage
Thank you

Great book

Joeys honesty and struggle in his life were portrayed beautifully in this book. Highly recommend. My only complaint is that it's too short.

A big inspiration

He’s storytelling is wonderful. I identify with a lot of what he went through. Is insight help me with my struggles. I’m grateful for his honesty. I highly recommend this book

Wow, must read for anyone who has been struggling.

I can't believe it, I bought this book on a whim to see life from somewhere different(my curiosity at work). It turned out to be among the best of books I have ever experienced, and ironically, instead of being shown a different life from a different point of view I truly felt as if I was being shown MY whole life from a different point of view.
To me, this book has been a voice for anyone struggles with taking back control of their life from manipulation, co-dependency, nervous disorder, or just plain lives in retreat from fear.
Bravo Joey Kramer, you are an inspiration to me like never before. Thank you for being so human and vulnerable in writing this book.

A must for true Aerosmith fans or anyone suffering with mental health issues

It was hard to listen to Joey’s struggles sometimes but he is so open and honest that it’s not only a beautiful story for Aerosmith fans but also a gift for anyone who struggles with anxiety, depression, or any other negative results of childhood trauma. I know that listening to this book has been freeing for me and has given me a lot to think about in my own journey if healing and moving forward.

Joey bares his soul.

Would you listen to Hit Hard again? Why?

Yes, because I have been suffering from most of the same problems that Joey and millions of people suffer with.

What other book might you compare Hit Hard to and why?

While this is not a self-help book, it serves that purpose in a different way. So books describing Anxiety and Depression.

What does Holter Graham bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I loved his easy going inflections and enthusiastic attitude.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When Joey burst into tears...very moving. I feel his pain.

loved it!

A very inspiring tale from one of my favorite drummers in one of my favorite bands

Moreover, this book speaks not only to Aerosmith and Joey Kramer fans, but also to anyone who's grown up in an abusive environment or struggle with mental health issues particularly depression.

A story full of raw emotion and personal resolution

I loved reading the account of Aerosmith drummer Joey Kramer's life. I thought his book was an honest account of coming to terms with life regardless of talent, celebrity, drugs and all the other parts of life one generally encounters. Joey takes through his life from the early days. We meet his parents, his friends, his mentors and his enemies. We learn his struggles and his triumphs. The book is well written and told from his personal experience. I like how he accepts responsibility and does the work to overcome severe issues. Inspiring to listen to this.