Sweet Demotion: How an Almost Famous Rock Journalist Lost Everything and Found Himself (Almost) Paperback – Import, 25 April 2011

Was familiar with Lonn from his RIP Magazine hair metal days, but lost track of his journey until picking up a few of his memoirs. "Sweet Demotion" was such a raw, honest, heavy-yet-lighthearted journey through the 90's and early 00's, when the music business changed overnight, Friend revamped his career and went through a personal reinvention at the same time. Great anecdotes and you can see why guys like Steven Tyler, Slash, Jon Bon Jovi—whoever—all leaned on, trusted and opened up to Lonn over the years. Must read for fans of the era. Same for his "Life On Planet Rock" book.

We've all been bitch slapped by the Universe. Yes, we have. And if we say we haven't, it only means we haven't YET. It is a bitter pill, when it happens. Until one understands what is happening and why. When relationships, career, and finances crumble: take notice. It is a humbling experience, meant to grow our character and move us where we need to be.Lonn Friend takes us on his own, personal, path of discovery. Acting as pensive, prodigal son, and Magical Mystery Tour Guide. He is a self-effacing musical mensch and friend to all, without respect to persons or station in life. It is this sense of humanity and down-to-earth humility, combined with his congenial genius, that makes him irresistible and worthy of our trust.The reader will quickly catch onto the rhythm of the author's distinctively breezy, fast-paced, writing style. It sweeps us along, and dazzles us with wit, insight, and alliterative iterations. Leading us through his journey of spiritual awakening, dream-state enlightenment, career reinvention, and lessons in love.Yet, fundamentally, a gifted writer possesses not only requisite literary skills--but approaches life with the mindset of an eyewitness observer. Testifying with sincere appreciation of, and precise attention to, detail. Numbers repeat, personality types reappear, situations replicate, and themes resonate. Until it all reverberates... with synchronicity. The man who brought us the news and reviews from the world of rock , has not become the news--until now. Film at 11:11.

For any fan of guitar driven music older than 40, there was many Hard Rock and Metal magazines we grew up with. There was however only one king. That king was Lonn Friend. His throne was RIP MAGAZINE. It was equal to Rolling Stone for people who hated pop drivel. It was what Rolling Stone magazine was to our parents. So what ever happened to our Sherpa of sonic assaults? This is his second book and it tells us how this legend has evolved, matured, and still feels a little lost about who he should become post music industry icon. If you were a fan of RIP MAGAZINE you will be taken on a roller coaster ride with his ups, downs, and mystical place in between.

Lonn, I went out of my way for this book - and paid the full (and then some) price for this book. When I openned the package I was excited with the great cover and the bulk of 500 pages --- I carefully read each Quote from all the famous people that read it. But reading it was a different story.... Lonn you of course are a great writer... you were a journalist. Honestly in my opinion you needed a better editor.Or at least someone to sort out the miles of (Name throwing)and patting yourself on the back for all the famous people you knew.Yes that was impressive! but believe me after 200 pages of "look at me I sat next to peewee Herman, and Ed Sullivan" etc.. it get's old. I have to sift through the famous names to find a story or funny quip - other than we smoked dope together. I am not saying it is a bad book -- I have not finished it though I have tried several times, and plan to try again. But it is work. What an incredible life -- I just need better stories - not just lists of famous people. I wonder did the people that wrote the quotes in front of the book read all this book cover to cover. It is work.I am sorry Lonn -- I am a nobody, but this is how I feel about the book.. ps great title I have it on my night stand and I will try again to forge ahead.. Who knows I may change my mind by the 300th page.

I am a HUGE Lonn Friend fan! I love his first book, Life on Planet Rock. It's great!!! I love this book even more. I finally just finished it, and it is a great read. I highly recommended it!!