Riding So High: The Beatles and Drugs

This is a very clever and interesting book, looking at The Beatles and how their music - and lives - were affected by their use of various substances.A truly fascinating read, and if you're a fan of, and you've read other books about, The Beatles, you should read this one too.

A while ago I was listening to a podcast and a Beatles expert was asked which books still needed to be written about the band (considering there have been so many already). Without hesitation, she replied that she would like to see a book about the Beatles and drugs, which she felt had not been properly addressed. In this account of the Beatles and their relationship with drugs, the author attempts to discuss their drug use over the years, how they influenced them, drug references in their songs and the repercussions for them personally.We begin with the Beat poet Royston Ellis in 1960, introducing them to substances other than the usual drink and cigarettes. Of course, Hamburg saw them introduced to pills, to help them cope with the long hours and, later, there is the famous visit from Bob Dylan to their New York hotel, kick starting a love affair with cannabis (although they were aware of it earlier), and the dinner party where John and George were introduced to LSD by their dentist, who slipped it into their drinks.There are all kinds of people along the way who influenced the Beatles in their experimentation with drugs. Some are well known, others less so. I don’t think I have ever read Paul McCartney recalling how Mr Asher (Jane’s father) showed him the best way to get the best out of an inhaler before; little knowing that he had been aware of these tricks, and many more, for years. Other important influences on the Beatles included members of the Rolling Stones and Robert Fraser; particularly in the mid-Sixties.We read of the decline, and death, of Brian Epstein, and of his dependence on drugs. The introduction of heavier drugs – cocaine and heroin. The peer pressure that members of the band were under to conform to what the others were doing. By 1968, John Lennon was using heroin, and cocaine, heavily. Meanwhile, Norman Pilcher, who had already busted singers such as Donovan, had, “set his sights on bagging a Beatle.” As the band became embroiled in excessive use of drugs and addiction, the establishments attitude towards the Beatles changed and they became fair game and open to drug busts.The book continues beyond the Beatles to look at the repercussions of drugs arrests, which caused issues for the ex-Beatles. There is much about John and Harry Nilsson in the Seventies, of his immigration issues and his lost weekend. Meanwhile, Paul was busted throughout the Seventies, culminating in his arrest in Japan. George and Ringo also struggled with addiction, with Ringo eventually emerging from alcoholism.This is an interesting read. I knew much of what was within the book; although there were odd nuggets that were less familiar to me. Overall, this addresses an important part of the Sixties counter culture, which influenced all of the Beatles in different ways. It shows how drug use changed not only the Beatles music, but the relationships within the band, between the various members and those who worked for, or with, them, and the influence of the women in their life. A good addition to my Beatles bookshelves.

It's OK. If you're an avid Beatles book reader, you won't miss anything. If you're unfamiliar with Beatles books, you'll enjoy it.

I’ve been a Beatles fanatic for years and this book taught me so much. Highly recommended for any reader.

There are so many Beatles books out there. However, Goodden has carved his niche by documenting the literal highs and lows of each of the Beatles. Yes, there is much here that is known but Goodden is still able to mine rich new material, exploring the Beatles legacy in a fresh way. Goodden also writes about a controversial topic in a sensitive and meaningful way. Excesses of rock stars from the 1960s onwards are not glorified but used as examples of how people who had everything could sink so low, yet still come through the other side of addiction. This is particularly poignant in Ringo's case at the end of the book. Highly recommended!

Interesting book. Doesn’t really talk much about with songs were written when on drugs, more about the times they were living in and how The Beatles social and personal lives were dependent on drugs. An excellent read for fans of the Fab Four.

Does not cast moral judgment but doesn't advocate their use.Correctly identifies cigarettes and alcohol as the most long term and unavoidable issues to both the beatles and society.Pot and speed as relitively benign but at times a serious problem to the band.LSD as a massive influence but to some destructive drug.Coke and Herion to be some to the most destructive things to happen even to more tolerant band members.I was impressed by the research and scope but I feel there were some events skimmed over, probably for lack of sourcing. Some areas that relied on unreliable testimony, but with such illegal activities this may be inevitable. And some of the data is interpreted by the author in ways I think are not the more reasonable conclusion and protect certain individuals.That said it is so well written that I can't help but respect it and the work of the author. Hopefully it will open the door to further discussion and revelation

I was sceptical of what there was still to say on what is essentially the most written about rock band in history.The answer is a surprising amount really. Thankfully the author does not dive down the usual rabbit holes of myths that The Beatles and others have layered onto their historical records.Instead it's a fascinating account of how their individual drug use affected their interpersonal and profession relationships.To many fans there will be few surprises here but what this book does provide is context. Thus the known stories are enhanced.Their demise as a band was actually a lot more messy behind the scenes that the, then public headlines would have suggested.