A memoir by the Guns n' Roses guitarist documents his childhood as a biracial son of divorced artist parents; his relationships with such figures as David Bowie, Joni Mitchell, and Seymour Cassell; and his observations about the 1980s music scene.

Introduction. Having considered all things -- Stoked -- Twenty-inch-high hooligans -- How to play rock-and-roll guitar -- Education high -- Least likely to succeed -- You learn to live like an animal -- Appetite for dysfunction -- Off to the races -- Don't try this at home -- Humpty dumpty -- Choose your illusion -- Breakdown -- Coming up for air -- If memory serves.