Rumors of My Demise

A Memoir

By: Evan Dando

Narrated by: Evan Dando

Evan Dando, front man of The Lemonheads and “poster boy—and prettiest boy—of Gen X” (The New York Times), spills the true story of his band’s tumultuous history and what it was like to be famous in the pre-internet days in this candid, colorful, and unputdownable memoir.

After Kurt Cobain’s passing in 1994, everyone expected Evan Dando to be next. The Lemonheads front man, songwriter and actor started in the ’80s hardcore scene and went on to become a ’90s icon. Think of Evan Dando, and you think of heroin chic, grunge, and celebrity burnout. Perhaps known as much for his partying and boyish good looks, after two gold records and the kind of fame that you just can’t enjoy anymore, the Lemonheads cooled off and life went on.

Dando grew up in Boston, the son of a lawyer and a model, and attended the prestigious Commonwealth School. Fame was never what motivated him but the lure of the wild life proved trickier to refuse. From sneaking into concerts as a child, to sleeping on floors in the punk rock days, to crashing at Johnny Depp’s place in Hollywood, he was right there in the thick of it. So much so, that social media once reported his death.

Now, very much alive, sober, and enjoying a life in South America when he’s not on the road, Evan Dando is going to tell his own story. His memoir will remind readers what was so great about the pre-internet ’90s: the innocence, the access, and the anonymity. Reclaiming the purity and exuberance of his early days and encapsulating the spirit of the era, this candid autobiography presents a portrait of an artist who lives wholly for his music, and one that makes no apologies for doing so.

Honest, uncensored, and unapologetic - great insights from an unlikely rock star

Honest, open, unapologetic. A unique memoir that sheds light on an influential band and musical era. Emotional, insightful, and sometimes a bit humorous. Evan's narration (voice) is a bit uneven, but I wouldn't have listened to this if it was narrated by anyone else.

Evan Being Evan

Having gotten into The Lemonheads from Lick forward I've been a fan for a while. I've followed Evan's career and his ups and downs. In this book he hides nothing. He clarifies some rumors and it's up to you to decide whether you believe him or not. You can hear the different recording sessions for this audiobook and sometimes his voice is clear and full. Other times he seems "under the weather" wink wink. Regardless whatever makes him happy and producing great music is fine as it's his life to live as he wishes.

A messy, memorable ride through a messy and memorable life.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — A messy, memorable ride through a messy, memorable life

I want to start by saying this upfront: I love the Lemonheads. Evan Dando is stitched into the patchwork of my 1990s youth. I saw him and the band more times than I can count at clubs around Chicago. He’s also—full disclosure—one of the only men I’ve ever kissed. Long story. Let’s just say there was drinking, a lot of talking about music, and at one point he was making out with my girlfriend and I. Ah, the 90s. What a decade.

That chaotic energy permeates Rumors of My Demise, for better and for worse. Dando is a gifted songwriter, a genuine talent—and also a major drug addict. Drugs run through this book like a bassline you can’t turn down, and your tolerance for that will likely shape your experience of the memoir.

I saw him play a solo show last summer, and hearing those songs again (“Shame About Ray” and Come On Feel the Lemonheads will always be hook-filled masterpieces) was a thrill. He was also completely f**ked up and borderline incoherent… and somehow still put on a good show. That contradiction—fragile and brilliant at the same time—comes across throughout the book.

I genuinely enjoyed this memoir. I learned a lot about his relationship with Juliana Hatfield—complicated, creative, and very human. His friendship with Tiffany Sedaris was fascinating and deeply sad, another tragic thread woven into his life. Dando was the original “alternahunk,” and the book doesn’t shy away from the fame, the photo shoots, and yes, the endless scoring of dope. At times, those sections dragged a bit for me.

But the stories, the music quips, the behind-the-scenes snapshots of 90s alt-rock culture—they kept me turning the pages. If you came of age with post-punk, indie, or alternative music—or if you just want to revisit the beautiful, chaotic mess of the 90s—this memoir is worth your time.

A flawed but fascinating read. Recommended if you are a Lemonhead!!

Really good!

I loved learning about the history of my favorite band and I loved getting to hear Evan’s insight and growth as a person! Really really good time.

What a great surprise

I was nervous reading this book as I am a huge Lemonheads and Evan Dando fan. I have seen them good and unfortunately bad and I was worried that Evan is off the rails. This is a great story and Evan did a wonderful job narrating. Evan all of us out here are rooting for you and I’m happy to hear your journey and learn more about you and your music. I recommend this read.