by: Jackie Lo

Twenty-five years ago, at a mutual friend’s wedding, I was wandering through the venue, looking down and not paying attention, when I walked smack dab into someone’s chest – hard. We both stopped, startled by the collision, and immediately launched into a flurry of embarrassed apologies. The 21-year-old version of me couldn’t believe it when I looked up and realized I’d just run straight into Evan Dando. I was a 90s teeanger that had only seen his face in my magazines and at that point in my life, I had never even picked up a guitar, but fast forward a little over a decade later, I found myself opening for him at Bottletree. It was one of the highlights of my musical career.

I’ve been a fan for years and had heard plenty of stories about him, so when I found out he’d written a book, I couldn’t wait to dive in. Rumors of My Demise has been sitting on my “to-read” list all year, and learning that Jim Ruland was the co-writer sealed the deal – Corporate Rock Sucks is one of my all-time favorites. (I even reviewed it here last year.)

Evan takes you through his life, from being a broke teenager recording the first The Lemonheads tracks to touring with The Blake Babies. Along the way, he shares a front-row view of his friendships and encounters with Juliana Hatfield, J. Mascis, Mudhoney, Fugazi, Johnny Depp (whose house he lived in for a time), and Gibby Haynes of the Butthole Surfers – who, by the way, just released a fantastic documentary I also recommend. He also recounts touring with Courtney Love and gives his side of the stories and rumors that swirled around them during and after the loss of Kurt Cobain.

I was happily reminded of movie roles I’d forgotten he’d played (like Reality Bites), which made me want to go back and rewatch all of the films. I also had never heard his story about living at Ground Zero during 9/11 or being in a Jello commercial as a kid. Through the book, he offers a raw, first-hand look at his relationships – with women, with music, and, inevitably, with heroin. Addiction looms large here, showing up at nearly every stage of his life. Evan writes (and speaks) with unflinching honesty, reflecting on his highs, lows, and the self-awareness that only hindsight can bring.

Give Rumors of My Demise a read (or listen) – I highly recommend the audiobook, which Evan narrates himself. It’s an engaging, can’t-turn-it-off experience. When you’re done, cue up It’s a Shame About Ray, listen straight through, then watch Heavy and Reality Bites – your 90s heart will thank you.