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Summary: History will smile knidly upon Mr. Roth
Review: The spirit of the times influence many to deride David Lee Roth as a washed-up has-been who lent little to the world's cultural landscape other than several early 80's hard rock recordings and a frivolous (albeit colourful) public persona. Many people disparage his music as disposable and dated-sounding, and in truth, much of it's thus. However it is my opinion that history will smile kindly upon Mr. Roth and his artistic accomplishments. David stood (and still stands) for much more than just the music that he created, just as Andy Warhol, David Bowie, and Madonna (obviously I could go on,) stood for more than the works that they've created... Artistically David missed the mark nearly as often as he hit it, however in life, Roth stands like a colossus. He lived (and to my knowledge continues to live) a life dictated solely by his own self-interests. In this way he personifies the philosophy espoused by the Marquis de Sade.
Collectively at this time we do not recognise David Lee Roth's importance in the grand cultural scheme, however, one day I would not feel the least surprised if Crazy From the Heat graced university reading lists. (You'll recall that van Gogh sold only one painting during his lifetime--the same principle applies to Roth's meagre book sales--someday people will take notice of this brilliant work.) It became apparent to me throughout the course of reading this work that David Lee Roth does not care so much about creating brilliant music as he does capturing a particular spirit--in his music, persona, writing, etc. That spirit bespeaks a joyous sarcasm and love of life that emanates from an unflinching personal philosophy. That spirit is David Lee Roth's "art."
Davis's "autobiography" contains equal amounts of ribald humour, cultural observation, and philosophy. He never panders to his audience nor deviates from his artistic intention; in this way Roth writes in the style of Henry Miller.
Crazy From The Heat--moreso than much of his recorded material-- exposes David's brilliantly creative mind. He is a genius in the style of a Cocteau, Miller, or Sade.
His story is an incredible read, although those of you who desire a tell-all of his times with Van Halen, backstage antics, etc. will feel ripped-off. Crazy from the Heat is literature--not to be confused with other such rock star writings.
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Summary: Very funny and wonderful book!!!
Review: I highly recommend this book to all Van Halen/David Lee Roth's fans. It includes 48 pages of color/photo pages. Dave tells all; from the backyard party days, club days, big hit, breakup and his solo career. Some reviewers below complained of grammatical errors. So what? This is not a textbook! The story still flows smoothly to me. I have read and reread this book and will read this again... If you want to know the story of Van Halen from the beginning, buy this book! Fyi, it's out-of-print now, but you'll defitely find one on auction/Amazon marketplace sellers.
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Summary: DRUGS, SEX, AND ROCK AND ROLL BABY!
Review: This is a very interesting book if you are interested in reading the exploits of one of the biggest rock bands ever!
Rating: 
Summary: Not too bad
Review: I expected a rock star tale of excess and glory. Instead its basically a subtle statement from what turns to be a very calm and zen-like man. Interesting because Roth is way different then I imagined him to be, but not a captivating story. Not enough expose into the young Van Halen machine we deserve.
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Summary: David Lee Roth is King
Review: This book is great. Dave tells all on his fascinating life. The woman,the traveling escapades,what made classic Van Halen tick and of course the famous 1996 failed reunion. Dave tells all. This man is a superb storyteller. Everyone should bow to the feet of the quintessential rock star David Lee Roth. Dave is a Rock God!! He was Van Halen!!
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Summary: The Parable According to Dave...
Review: Think back to the last time you and a good friend decided to get drunk together at home. It is now very late, you are both drunk and quite happy to let your friend talk away because you simply don't have the energy to make conversation yourself. Your friend is telling you all sorts of things he probably wouldn't have done if he was sober. Eventually, he falls asleep and you tiptoe out of the room, leaving him to it, content within yourself that you at least listened.....That is what reading DLR's book is like. Regardless of whether or not you are (or were) a Van Halen fan, this book is for anyone keen to learn more about the man most male 30-somethings today aspired to be. DLR doesn't try to be the funny man in the way he was portrayed by countless music magazines in the 1980's. He talks openly and honestly about who he is, what makes him tick and how he became the legend he is today. He makes a particularly interesting point within this self-penned autobiography. He says he is as well known as the "guy on the dollar bill." He is right. Don't read this book with a view to discovering previously untold stories about Van Halen. Read it with a view to discovering a side to rock's greatest frontman you probably never new existed.
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Summary: Crazy From The Heat
Review: Excellent book and arrived in record time!! Thank you
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Summary: Diary of a Madman
Review: Although this book reads like the journal entries of an insane person (the prose and chronology are almost too incoherent to follow), it is not without its pleasures. Roth displays charm and honesty as he rambles off the story of his life, which of course includes a stint in one of the great hard rock bands of the last thirty years. He is also quite a traveler, and if I had to flag one of the book's biggest stumbling blocks, it would be the repetitious mentions of his wanderlust, as well as the less-than-thrilling descriptions of his many exotic adventures. Those looking for a behind-the-scenes account of the tumultuous Van Halen days will not be disappointed, though the other members of the band are rather thinly sketched, and even then, are smothered under Roth's megalomania (hey, it is his autobiography). If nothing else, Roth comes across as a genuinely likable, fun-loving character, who truly enjoys life. It is difficult to imagine such a person, especially a rock star, in these post-grunge days of target markets and heavy irony. David Lee Roth is one of a kind.
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Summary: A Little Ain't Nearly Enough
Review: As a big fan of rock biographies, I have to say that 'Crazy From the Heat' is less than comprehensive; there's very little about song/album creation from the respective VH albums, and even his own solo stuff is virtually unmentioned. Maybe this is a good thing, based on his most recent stuff. However, as over-the-top as it could have been, the book still remains a good read for any occasion, simply because of the flow of the narrative. There are some very interesting tidbits about the music industry in general, and the mud-slinging is (thankfully) kept to a minimum. The VH reunion chapter isn't particularly unbelievable; from what I've read in countless musician's interviews and editorials, the VH brothers and their management are pretty despicable human beings, regardless of talent or however media-savvy they may be. It is, like Diamond Dave himself, an original piece of work, and well worth reading.
Rating:
Summary: Diamond Dave keeps on rockin'
Review: Diamond Dave' "Crazy from the Heat" keeps us laughin' with him and at him in this thoroughly enjoyable and insightful look at the world he inhabits. He shows us how truly enlightening it is to be a man as free as he is, through descibing his many adventures, both within rock and beyond. True to his style this is done in all its wild and wonderful mayhem. I have been a VH and DLR fan for 20 yrs, and this book painted the true picture of Dave, that I and so many others identify with. Basically, a life lived through his heart and soul and without regret. You certainly have to love the way that he calls it as he sees it,without any sense of malice. He is a true renaissance man. Dave keep on rockin' and laughin' well into the 21st century, and here's hopin' those DLR with VH rumours can come up with the goods.
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