**Rock Music Icon Melissa Auf der Maur Reflects on Life and Legacy in Upcoming Memoir**
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*Melissa Auf der Maur, the renowned bassist known for her work with the Smashing Pumpkins and Hole, has candidly shared her journey in her new memoir, “Even the Good Girls Will Cry,” set for release on March 17. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Auf der Maur discussed the profound motivation behind her writing, her relationships with music legends, and the supernatural elements that influenced her storytelling.*
The idea of penning her memoir came to Auf der Maur in 2020 when she realised she wanted to create a narrative that her daughter could read one day. The 53-year-old musician expressed her desire to share her experiences growing up in a bohemian household in Montreal, navigating the grunge music scene of the ’90s, and exploring her relationships with prominent figures in rock music. “I wrote the book for my daughter, so she could understand my version of my childhood and womanhood,” Auf der Maur explained.
She emphasizes the emotional weight of her family’s history, remarking on how personal narratives are often a reflection of inherited dramas and traumas. “Each of us embodies a universe of all these people who came before us,” she noted, highlighting the importance of understanding family legacies while striving to empower future generations.
“Even the Good Girls Will Cry” captures various pivotal moments in Auf der Maur’s life, including a remarkable incident involving a thrown beer bottle and a letter to a P.O. Box that ultimately led her band Tinker to open for the Smashing Pumpkins. It was through this experience that she formed a significant bond with Billy Corgan. “The day my book is released is also Billy’s birthday. That’s how we connected,” she shared, illustrating the personal ties embedded in her narrative.
The memoir is not just a collection of life stories; it also offers a glimpse into Auf der Maur’s creative process. After a decade focused on motherhood and local living, the pandemic prompted her to introspect and pursue her writing ambitions. Enrolling in an online memoir course helped her find her voice again, resulting in a first draft by the age of 50 and finally securing a publishing deal by 51.
Addressing the privacy concerns associated with writing about famous figures from her past, Auf der Maur acknowledged the delicate balance of sharing personal anecdotes while respecting others’ privacy. “Celebrities have less rights to their private lives, and the people who might be more upset are often those who are lesser-known,” she explained, demonstrating an awareness of the potential impact her writing might have on friends and family.
In discussing her relationships with fellow musicians like Courtney Love and Dave Grohl, Auf der Maur revealed their supportive nature. “They all care about me, and they want me to be creatively satisfied,” she said. Love, in particular, was eager to read the book and has expressed her fondness for the memoir.
The memoir intertwines elements of the supernatural, as Auf der Maur recounts dreams that have influenced her perception of the world. “My life was changed by dreams I had that terrified me,” she recounted, relating to a memorable incident at 19 when she was visited by a spirit. She admits that this experience played a role in shaping both her life and the title of her book.
Among the lighter moments in the memoir, Auf der Maur fondly recalls her initial encounters with industry greats, including a notable interaction with actress Danny DeVito during an after-party for Hole. She marveled at the surreal nature of celebrity encounters that characterised her time in the industry.
Another highlight of the book illustrates a whimsical moment shared with Stevie Nicks. Auf der Maur reminisced about a time spent together that revolved around a shared appreciation for fashion. “It was a sisterly moment, a cross-generational passing of the baton,” she stated, underlining the sense of community that can exist among women in the industry.
As Auf der Maur looks to the future, she hints at her desire to reconnect with music, having retired from the scene to focus on motherhood. She has been working on a score for an upcoming art exhibit of her photographs from the ’90s, demonstrating her continued passion for artistic expression. “My bass is just staring at me, wondering why I’m not touching her,” she joked, revealing her longing to return to music.
In conclusion, “Even the Good Girls Will Cry” is more than just a memoir; it encapsulates a journey of self-discovery and empowerment for both Auf der Maur and her daughter, while shedding light on the complex and often tumultuous world of rock music. With a publication date of March 17, this memoir promises to be a testament to the lessons learned and the connections formed throughout Auf der Maur’s unique and inspiring life.