World Famous Comics: The Lost Beach Boy: The True Story of David Marks one of the founding members of the Beach Boys
The Lost Beach Boy: The True Story of David Marks one of the founding members of the Beach Boys
By: Jon Stebbins, David Marks Publisher: Virgin Books Average Rating: Binding: Hardcover Label: Virgin Books Number of Items: 1 Number of Pages: 288 Publication Date: May 29, 2007 Release Date: May 29, 2007
Recommended for any true Beach Boys fan This may be the only true version of the origin of the Beach Boys that exists. David Marks was there from the very beginning and he was an integral part of their initial success. The fact that his involvement was largely "sanitized" from all authorized Beach Boys biographies by Murry Wilson makes this book even more important. Buy it, read it. You won't regret it. It is a real eye opener!
another masterpiece from Jon Stebbins! When it comes to author's who can really dig deep and express in writing form the true soul of a person, Jon Stebbins is at the top of the list. I was very much impressed with his previous book, The Real Beach Boy and was even more impressed with this book (The Lost Beach Boy) as well. The book was realistic, was not candy coated, it showed the ups and downs and reality of life and how it affects some people, something we can all relate to at times. I already had respect for Dave Marks as a musician, but now I have even more respect for him as a person and being a survivor in all aspects. I had the honor of meeting Dave Marks and his lovely wife Carrie on a few occasions at Beach Boys related events out in California and also in Conneticut, he is a very down to earth person and is filled with so much talent, this book showcased all of this and so much more. Kudos to Jon Stebbins on writing yet another fantastic book, I hope to see more books from you in the near future!
Not Just for Beach Boys fans It shocks me to read some reviews that say this book doesn't have any new information or is limited to just music fans. These people must not have any soul! This book is beautifully written and contains all the elements of a good novel - humour, heart-break, fame, loss, irony, etc. If you didn't shed a tear on the last page as David and Brian stand in their old neighbourhood and, well I won't spill it, but I have no trouble admitting it was a very emotional scene. As for new information about the Beach Boys, this book is full of new facts, dates and information and highlights an entirely new perspective on the genesis of the Beach Boys. You can't be a fan of the Beach Boys and not learn something from this book and you can't be human and not be affected by the 'heart' in this story.
Opportunities Missed but No Regrets I'm a solid Beach Boy fan starting around 1964 so I was never aware of David Marks' story. Also, I had previously read Jon Stebbins' biography of Dennis Wilson and didn't realize it was the same author until mentioned in the book.
With that caveat, this is an enjoyable book but a struggle to make into a complete book. David Marks was a young boy suddenly thrust in the new role of a Rock Star but also managed by a band member's father who felt immature behavior should not be tolerated. Mix that with immaturity and whether resigned or fired, Marks is out of the band. Unfortunately for him, lightening didn't strike twice and for true commercial success of a book, there is just not enough story here. But there is a story, early success, great disappointment, and later depths in alcohol and drugs.
But all that is happening in an exciting era in Los Angeles with famous touches like running into the Manson crew at Dennis Wilson's house, and later haircuts by Jay Sebring who is later killed by the Manson crew at Sharon Tate's house. If you have interest in that era or rock n roll history, this is a worthwhile read and it was for me. But it's not deep or long enough for everyone. Irrespective, overall the Beach Boys come off as regular guys thrown in an irregular world. It is great to see that later in life they kept somewhat in tough and even gave David a job as a touring guitarist. A great book for music lovers only.
Fantastic and insightful book on the Beach Boys early days and the price of fame The early history of the Beach Boys is usually given short shrift by rock writers. As a result, many Beach Boys fans are unaware that David Marks was a member of the band for almost two years and played on the group's first five albums. Jon Stebbins and David Marks insightful book rectifies this oversight and gives us a rich and rewarding look at America's favorite bands formative years. Early tours and recording sessions are recalled with warmth and detail. For Beach Boys fanatics there is a host of new information that was previously unknown. After reading this book, one emerges with a new appreciation for David Marks. The book makes a persuasive argument that guitarist Marks played a pivotal role in the development of the group's early sound and deserves some credit for their success. The book, however, is more than just another Beach Boys tome. Marks was thrust into the limelight at the age of thirteen and was an ex Beach Boy before his fifteenth birthday. Stebbins and Marks present a fascinating story of life in the fast lane and its pitfalls. It is a story of bruised egos, lost chances, rock star excesses and finally redemption. David Marks life keep you interested long after the Beach Boys have exited the narrative. This is a quite an achievement. I strongly reccommend this book.
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