I'm with the Band

Confessions of a Groupie

By: Pamela Des Barres, Dave Navarro

Narrated by: Pamela Des Barres

The stylish, exuberant, and remarkably sweet confession of one of the most famous groupies of the 1960s and 70s is back 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.

©1987 Pamela Des Barres (P)2011 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Sunny, uninhibited prose." (Slate.com)

"She charms me every time she refuses to regret. And she regrets nothing." (Los Angeles Times)

Live the groupie life vicariously through Pamela

What did you love best about I'm with the Band?

Pamela's anecdotes are full of little factoids about famous rockstars and their strange habits. The story shines with truth and the passion of a young rock-devotee that has never dulled. It's fantastic to hear the much older Pamela's asides and extra little tidbits of memories as she's reading her first memoir.

What did you like best about this story?

Pamela des Barres, as founding member of the GTOs, literally stood at the very forefront of the groupie movement. She came onto "the scene" right at the start of the rock revolution and immersed herself in a world that was rapidly changing. Unlike today's glamour-obsessed fangirls, the true groupies lived to inspire, comfort, nurture and pleasure the talent that inspired them - this is probably the most pertinent revelation from the book.

What three words best describe Pamela Des Barres’s voice?

Pamela's voice is filled with enthusiasm, lots of tonal shifts and a slight over-the-top recounting. If you manage to ignore the little bits of song she delivers wistfully (but very off-key), she has a true storyteller's timbre and pace.

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

Knowing Pamela's married name, when she described meeting her would-be husband for the first time (Michael des Barres), I felt an instant tingle of anticipation. When she elaborated on their relationship and the love they shared, it made me melancholy for loves past and present.

Any additional comments?

Can't wait to read the sequel and see how Miss Pamela applied her groupie smarts to the world of wife- and motherhood.

Great memories of a great story!

Loved her honesty! Glad to see that she wasn’t apologetic for living her life, her way! Music rocks!!

Refreshingly Unapologetic

The narration was a bit annoying at times, but was nice to listen to the author. I like a story about a woman who lived her life, made her own decisions, enjoyed the ride, and is self confident. I feel her story is a story that can be related to most people just likely in a different context. Worth the read.

The life and times are remarkable.

I read or listen to biographical books all day long. The author sheds light on the "life in the day" of a free loving groupie. The author is intelligent, honest, sweet and insightful. She brings the past alive. I do wish someone else would have narrated the book. Her inflection is too severe at times, pleasant at others. Thanks for a look into the world of a conisour of music and of band members! I highly recommend this read!

Amazing life

You have lived your life as it was destined. You’ve been loved and thank you for sharing. I’m sorry for the heart breaks, but how strong you are. I wish you health and happiness.

Charming

Would you listen to I'm with the Band again? Why?

Yes, I might. Pamela does such a great job of narrating it, her warmth and personality shine through. By listening to her I could see why all the band members loved her, something that might not have come across if it were narrated by someone else.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Miss P!

What about Pamela Des Barres’s performance did you like?

She put so much energy into her narration and I really liked the extra bits she threw in as she was going. I also liked the catch up bits at the end.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, I liked to listen to a chapter then sit with what I'd heard.

Any additional comments?

Not long enough. I hope to listen to more of her exploits.

Entertaining

Loved the book. Miss Pamela was very entertaining and I think she is the only person who could have narrated this book.

It’s addicting, bingeworthy

My favorite movie is Almost Famous and it lead me to Miss Pamela. It is like reading my own diary accept hers was a lifetime of rock& roll dreams come true.

Fun read from a different perspective than normal

Any additional comments?

If you're a lover of 60's-70's rock culture this is a must-read! From the perspective of famous groupie Pamela Des Barres and the audio version is read by Miss P herself! I've read several books about this period, but especially enjoyed Miss P's unique perspective. Also a coming-of-age story.... I love that Pamela's free, fun-loving spirit comes through in her words and her voice as she happily recounts her amazing experiences with no hint of regret whatsoever. Just finished it this am, a fantastic, refreshingly light-hearted read!

Before Penny Lane there was Pamela Des Barres

I am allowed to listen to earbuds at work so I've taken to listening to my favorite books on Audible (I know what happens if I am too engrossed in work)

Anyway, I am replacing all my books with Audible versions so I simply had to add "I'm With The Band" to my list. This is one of my favourite books. Pam and her GTOs were the original Groupies - not "groupies." Ms. Des Barres takes us on a fun roller coaster of rock roll, fun, sin, laughs, and EMPOWERMENT.

Yeah I said it. Pam and her gals did what they wanted with who they wanted. And this is not just about sex. I love hearing her stories in her voice. It's almost like she called you up to chat and this is the transcript. Her additional comments - including updates regarding "Me Too" - are a welcome update..

I revisit "I'm With The Band" every other year or so. It's always worth it