Slash, Clapton and Sixx in Top 20 in Different Medium

Slash, Nikki Sixx and Eric Clapton are familiar because of the popular music they have made over the years. Though we are familiar with them as musicians, the New York Times Bestseller list is not where one would expect to find them. But they are there, and in the top 20 Hardcover Non-Fiction category this week.

Nikki Sixx is the bassist for Motley Crue, who published "The Dirt" a few years back. The Dirt was a chronicle of Motley's outrageous trip through rock with the stories told by each member of the band. The new book "The Heroin Diaries: A Year In The Life of a Shattered Rock Star" chronicles Sixx's struggle with Heroin and other intoxicants during the worst period. The Heroin Diaries gives an honest and frightful vision of where addiction can go.

Slash, the famous guitarist with Guns and Roses, Slash's Snakepit and Velvet Revolver has published the self-titled "Slash". The book is a reflection of his life and takes one inside the volatile Guns and Roses days. It takes fans back to when Guns was taking over the world and spinning wildly out of control at the same time.

Eric Clapton has also released a self-titled autobiography that spans a much longer career. The book goes through the solo years, Cream, Yardbirds, Derek and the Dominoes and much more. Clapton's drug and family problems have been well publicized over the years, but this book is from the man himself. As "Slowhand" is one of the most prolific bluesmen ever, the book shows that the art is often drawn from experience.

The books bring to light the stories that all three have been associated with and their triumphs and trials. The Slash and Sixx books almost go together as the two have been friends for years, toured together and were often drug partners. As interesting as the dark stories are, you can't help but admire the gifted musicians who beat their demons.