Beastie Boys Book is panoramic experience that tells the story of Beastie Boys, a book as unique as the band itself—by band members ADROCK and Mike D, with contributions from Amy Poehler, Colson Whitehead, Spike Jonze, Wes Anderson, Luc Sante, and more.
The story of the New York hardcore band that found an unlikely path to stardom after forming in 1981, told for the first time in the words of the Beastie Boys themselves. Adam “ADROCK” Horovitz + Michael “Mike D” Diamond offer revealing, funny accounts of their transition from teenage punks to budding rappers; their early collaboration with Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin; the debut album that became the first hip hop record ever to hit #1, Licensed to Ill - and the album’s messy fallout as the band broke with Def Jam; their evolution as musicians and social activists over the course of the classic albums Check Your Head, Ill Communication and Hello Nasty and the Tibetan Freedom Concert benefits conceived by the late Adam “MCA” Yauch and more. With a style as distinctive and eclectic as one of their albums, Beastie Boys Book upends the typical music memoir. Alongside the band narrative you will find rare photos, original illustrations, a cookbook by chef Roy Choi, a graphic novel, a map of Beastie Boys’ New York, mixtape playlists, pieces by guest contributors and so much more.
Hardcover; 2018, Spiegel & Grau.