NOEL E. MONK & JOE LAYDEN
Runnin’ With the Devil: A Backstage Pass to the Wild Times, Loud Rock, and the Down and Dirty Truth Behind the Making of Van Halen
September 15, 2022
Lettings Hungarian
The manager who shepherded Van Halen from obscurity to rock stardom goes behind the scenes to tell the complete, unadulterated story of David Lee Roth, Eddie Van Halen, and the legendary band that changed rock music.
Van Halen’s rise in the 1980s was one of the most thrilling the music world had ever seen—their mythos an epic party, a sweaty, sexy, never-ending rock extravaganza. During this unparalleled run of success, debauchery, and drama, no one was closer to the band than Noel Monk. A man who’d worked with some of rock’s biggest and most notorious names, Monk spent seven years with Van Halen, serving first as their tour manger then as their personal manager until 1985, when both he and David Lee Roth exited as controversy, backstabbing, and disappointment consumed the band.
Throughout Van Halen’s meteoric rise and abrupt halt, this confidant, fixer, friend, and promoter saw it all and lived to tell. Now, for the first time, he shares the most outrageous escapades—from their coming of age to their most shocking behavior on the road; from Eddie’s courtship and high-profile wedding to Valerie Bertinelli to the incredible drug use which would ultimately lead to everyone’s demise. Sharing never-before-told stories, Monk paints a compelling portrait of Eddie Van Halen, bringing into focus the unique combination of talent, vision, hardship, and naiveté that shaped one of the greatest rock guitarists of all time—and made him and his brother vulnerable to the trappings and failings of fame.
Illustrated with dozens of rare photographs from Monk’s vaults, Runnin’ with the Devil is manna from rock heaven no Van Halen fan can miss.
Rating: 8.5 / 10 Stars
REVIEW – Runnin’ with the Devil: A Backstage Pass to the Wild Times, Loud Rock, and the Down and Dirty Truth Behind the Making of Van Halen offers an unvarnished account of Van Halen’s meteoric rise and the hedonistic lifestyle that followed. Noel Monk, who managed the band during their formative years, pulls no punches in recounting the highs and lows of his tenure with the group.
The book is packed with anecdotes that highlight the band’s raw talent and charisma, as well as the internal conflicts and personal excesses that threatened to derail their success. Monk’s firsthand experiences provide a candid look at the personalities behind the music, from Eddie Van Halen’s guitar genius to David Lee Roth’s flamboyant frontman antics.
One of the book’s standout features is its honesty. Monk doesn’t shy away from discussing the darker aspects of the band’s journey, including drug abuse, infighting, and the pressures of fame. This brutal honesty makes the book both compelling and sobering, offering a balanced view of the rock and roll lifestyle.
However, the book occasionally suffers from a lack of cohesion, as the narrative sometimes jumps between events without clear transitions. Additionally, Monk’s personal grievances with certain band members can come across as biased, though they do add to the book’s authenticity.
Runnin’ with the Devil is an essential read for Van Halen fans and anyone interested in the gritty reality of rock stardom. The book’s vivid storytelling and insider perspective make it a captivating addition to rock literature, shedding light on the complexities of managing one of the most influential bands of the 1980s.
This book captures the essence of Van Halen’s legacy, revealing the tumultuous journey behind their iconic sound and enduring impact on rock music.
