Tom Wilson (12)

Tom Wilson, best known as a musician and member of Junkhouse, Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, and LeE HARVeY OsMOND, always found it odd that his parents were so much older than those of his schoolmates, and that he didn’t really look like either of them, but there was a veil of secrecy drawn over his beginnings. His mother, Bunny, said she knew secrets about him that she would take to her grave. She did take them, but others in the family knew the truth about his beginnings. It took him 56 years to learn the truth, but what a story he learned.

Wilson is courageous for telling his story. He is honest and unflinching as he talks about his experiences in alcohol and drugs, and clear-eyed yet compassionate about Bunny and George, who did what they could for him within their abilities.

CanRock fans are treated to cameos from musicians such as Colin Cripps, Stephen Fearing, and Fred Eaglesmith, but the overriding focus is on Wilson’s family and his non-music experiences. There are tales of addiction and rehab, but also tales of joy about having his kids. His love for them leaps off the page.

I would recommend this if you are a fan of Tom Wilson’s, but even if you have more of a nodding acquaintance with his work (as I do), this is still a moving and worthwhile read.… (más)

As a fan of Junkhouse, the sex and drug-fuelled exploits of guitarist Tom Wilson were not unexpected. What was a revelation though, was the cause of the pain behind all that self-destructive behaviour. In Beautiful Scars, Wilson details a life plagued by a constant feeling of being an outsider and not knowing where he belonged. It is heartbreaking that it was not until his mid 50s that he experienced the liberating feeling of finally knowing the truth about his Mohawk roots and finding the place where he belongs. If you weren’t already a fan, you will be after reading this.… (más)

Full disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher through a Goodreads giveaway. As well, while I had heard of Tom Wilson before, I was not particularly familiar with him or his music.

This is an evocative book about family secrets, racism, identity, music, and sobriety. Make no mistake, this is a shorter book, but it packs a punch. Tom Wilson deals with a lot — and shares a lot, with a level of intimacy and honesty that is so compelling.

Would definitely recommend, especially to fans of Tom Wilson.… (más)