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If you could become part of any band’s “inner circle” – travel with them, party with them, witness their creative processes – which band would you choose?

For me, it’s Dave Matthews Band – hands down. (No surprise there though, right?)

I’ve pretty much idolized DMB – and their music – since ’94. Under the Table and Dreaming opened up a whole new world of music for me, and a few years later “Crash Into Me” became – and remains – my all-time favorite song.

Although I’d probably pass out if given the chance to hang out with such musical genius, I don’t think it’d be detrimental to my mental health. Bill German, however, can’t say the same about his time spent with the Rolling Stones.

In his new book Under Their Thumb: How a Nice Boy from Brooklyn Got Mixed Up with The Rolling Stones (and Lived to tell About It), German tells what it was like for a fanzine writing kid in his late teens and early twenties to hobnob with one of the world’s most iconic rock groups – and it ain’t all pretty.

“Some people wind up leaving the Stones circle in caskets or handcuffs because they think that they can keep up with them on a nightly basis […]” (Reuters)

German’s own well-being didn’t fair much better:

German walked away from the band, but not before his physical and mental health suffered to the point where he seriously considered committing suicide at a show.

“I did use humour to broach that subject. That was the only way I could do it. Even when I was absolutely miserable I did maintain my sense of humour which I think is something that helped me survive the Stones and all this.”

The Washington Post‘s Mark Athitakis did not have favorable things to say about Under Their Thumb, but overall the book seems like it might be an interesting read…might also make you think twice about spending quality time with the behind-the-scenes version of your favorite band.

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From Psych Central's website:
PsychCentral (March 4, 2009)

From Psych Central's Alicia Sparks:
Mental Health Month Spotlight: Sarah McLachlan | Celebrity Psychings (May 7, 2009)

    Last reviewed: 4 Mar 2009