None of This Rocks

A Memoir

By: Joe Trohman

Narrated by: Joe Trohman

Lead guitarist and cofounder of Fall Out Boy shares personal stories from his youth and his experiences of modern rock and roll stardom in this memoir filled with wit and wisdom.

Trohman cofounded Fall Out Boy with Pete Wentz in the early aughts, and he’s been the sticky element of the metaphorical glue-like substance holding the band together ever since, over the course of a couple decades that have included massive success, occasional backlashes, and one infamous four-year hiatus. Trohman was, and remains, the emotive communicator of the group: the one who made sure they practiced, who copied and distributed the flyers, and who took the wheel throughout many of the early tours. As soon as he was old enough to drive, that is—because he was all of 15 years old when they started out. That’s part of the story Trohman tells in this memoir, which provides an indispensable inside perspective on the history of Fall Out Boy for their legions of fans. But Trohman has a great deal more to convey, thanks to his storytelling chops, his unmistakable voice, and his unmitigated sense of humor in the face of the tragic and the absurd.

None of This Rocks chronicles a turbulent life that has informed Trohman’s music and his worldview. His mother suffered from mental illness and multiple brain tumors that eventually killed her. His father struggled with that tragedy, but was ultimately a supportive force in Trohman’s life who fostered his thirst for knowledge. Trohman faced antisemitism in small-town Ohio, and he witnessed all levels of misogyny, racism, and violence amid the straight edge hardcore punk scene in Chicago. Then came Fall Out Boy. From the guitarist’s very first glimpses of their popular ascension, to working with his heroes like Anthrax’s Scott Ian, to writing for television with comedian Brian Posehn, Trohman takes readers backstage, into the studio, and onto his couch. He shares his struggles with depression and substance abuse in a brutally honest and personal tone that readers will appreciate. Not much of this rocks, perhaps, but it all adds up to a fascinating music memoir unlike any you’ve ever read.

Joe rocks

Very impressed by and thoroughly enjoyed Joe’s writing, storytelling, and humor. I was even more excited to listen when I saw that he narrated the audiobook himself! Joe’s book is honest and vulnerable, yet down-to-earth and relatable. A really well-written, entertaining, and interesting insight into Joe’s life. I hope there will be more to come from Joe!

Fascinating, witty, and raw

A refreshing memoir that seems more like a heart-to-heart with a good friend than a celebrity tell-all. Through candid anecdotes and self-depreciating humor his unfiltered storytelling is relatable and compelling. From the exhilarating highs of performing on stage to the crushing lows of self-doubt and creative struggles, Joe really peels back the layers of the man behind the guitar. This book definitely tops my list of favorite memoirs and is an absolute must read for FOB fans!

All of this rules!

An illuminating journey through Joe Trohman’s life and his personal struggles. A quick “read” that any fan of any of his music can and should read.

Interesting man

Of course I got a copy of the memoir of Fall Out Boy’s guitarist. Having bought their Fueled by Ramen debut purely out of the interest in their band name, I felt like I grew up with the band. This led to buying their Jack-Ass style DVD, seeing music videos of Trohman throwing himself around, and concerts to see him destroy himself live for the performance.
It’s curious to hear it from the perspective of the very person that made me want to attend their live shows. The reason behind the antics, what was going on behind closed doors, and then lots of backstory that led to his decision to pursue music.
It was a bit of a struggle listening at times. Trohman’s writing feels like reading a high schooler’s English paper with all the jokes they want to make actually making it onto the page. It’s an endearing aspect of the storytelling, and Trohman is a talented storyteller, but it made me cringe at times.
If you don’t mind that, then otherwise the book is a captivating read.

As a FOB fan girl it was a 10/10

Joe!
This book was raw and performed so so so well! Mental health and families suck a lot sometimes but hearing your story was something I’m very thankful for. Take all the time you need to get good bro, see you on the other side!