Melissa Auf Der Maur Reflects on Rock History in ‘Good’ Memoir

Explore Melissa Auf Der Maur's vivid memoir capturing her iconic bass journeys with Hole and Smashing Pumpkins during the transformative '90s rock era.

A Front-Row Seat to Rock’s Defining Decade

If you ever found yourself headbanging to the gritty yet emotive sounds of '90s rock, then Melissa Auf Der Maur's upcoming memoir is a treasure trove you won’t want to miss. Titled Even the Good Girls Will Cry, this memoir dives deep into her electric tenure as bassist for two of the decade’s most influential bands—Hole and Smashing Pumpkins. Released through Da Capo on March 17, it promises a passionate homage to the years 1991 to 2001, a decade that shaped not only her life but an entire generation’s soundtrack.

Melissa, the Montreal-born musician whose basslines helped define the soundscape of alternative rock’s golden years, shares a love letter to the power of music and those unforgettable voices that made the world undeniably cooler. But it's more than just a nostalgic trip; it’s also an ode to the analog era—the raw, unfiltered magic that we've lost in today’s digital age.

“This book is about the decade that defined me and my generation, 1991-2001, and my life in the rock bands which allowed me to have a front row seat to an incredibly visceral and unforgettable moment in the counterculture,” Melissa explains. “It’s a love letter to the power of music and one-of-a-kind voices that make the world a cooler place. It’s also an ode to the analog, and what magic has been lost. Sharing what our generation witnessed, and what the world once was, in my hope of building a more livable future together.”

Riding the Waves with Hole and Smashing Pumpkins

Melissa’s story is inseparable from the turbulent yet thrilling time she spent with Hole. Joining the band in 1994 during their tour for Live Through This, she stepped in during a heartbreakingly pivotal moment—only weeks after the tragic deaths of Kurt Cobain and Hole’s bassist Kristen Pfaff. Her bass playing became a backbone for the band, especially highlighted on their 1998 album Celebrity Skin, which captured a more polished yet emotionally charged sound.

Her journey didn’t stop there. In 1999, she joined forces with Billy Corgan’s Smashing Pumpkins, replacing D’arcy Wretzky. Although her stint with the band lasted just about a year before their initial breakup, it was a significant chapter in her career, offering a firsthand experience of the powerhouse alternative rock scene at its peak.

Melissa’s own musical ventures blossomed after her time with these legendary bands. She released her riff-heavy self-titled solo album in 2004 that showcased her gritty yet melodic bass skills and followed it up with Out of Our Minds in 2010, blending art and music into a unique creative expression. Alongside her husband, filmmaker Tony Stone, Melissa now co-owns the Basilica Soundscape venue in upstate New York, a hub for creative collaboration and live performances.

From Androgynous DJ to Rock Icon

What’s striking about Melissa’s story is her transformation from a DJ with an androgynous style to a revered bassist in heavy rock circles. In a 2004 conversation, she candidly shared how she got into music:

“All my musical friends know I’ve loved heavy music since 1990, but I guess I look more like an art teacher than a person who loves hard rock. What’s so crazy is that I grew up so androgynous and so one of the guys. I started playing bass because I wasn’t that cute. I used to work as a DJ in a bar, and my guy friends were like, hey, do you wanna come down and play live music and drink beer? That’s how I got into this.”

That genuine, unpolished entry into the rock world is part of what makes her memoir so compelling. It’s a candid peek at the struggles, friendships, and unforgettable moments behind the scenes of some of rock’s biggest stories.

Why This Memoir Matters Today

This book isn’t just a walk down memory lane. Melissa’s reflections offer a potent reminder of the analog magic—the tactile, imperfect essence of music that defined her era. In a world increasingly dominated by digital perfection and streaming algorithms, Auf Der Maur’s memoir urges us to cherish those raw, unfiltered moments that shaped music history.

Whether you were moshing in the crowd during a Hole show or blasting Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness on repeat, Melissa’s story captures the spirit of a counterculture that still resonates today.

Rock’s Legacy Through Melissa’s Lens

As fans eagerly await Even the Good Girls Will Cry, it’s worth remembering how Melissa’s contributions have quietly yet powerfully shaped the rock landscape. Her memoir offers not just a personal history but an essential chapter in the wider story of '90s alternative and hard rock. It’s a testament to the women who broke barriers in a male-dominated genre and the analog artistry that continues to inspire generations.

FAQ

• What bands did Melissa Auf Der Maur play bass for?
  She played bass for Hole and Smashing Pumpkins during the 1990s.
• When is Melissa Auf Der Maur’s memoir released?
  Even the Good Girls Will Cry was released on March 17.
• What themes does the memoir cover?
  It explores the 1991-2001 rock era, the power of music, the analog age, and the counterculture experience.
• Did Melissa Auf Der Maur release solo music?
  Yes, she released a self-titled solo album in 2004 and Out of Our Minds in 2010.
• What is Melissa Auf Der Maur’s current involvement in music?
  She co-owns the Basilica Soundscape venue in upstate New York with her husband, filmmaker Tony Stone.

For those inspired by Melissa’s story and the raw power of ’90s rock, why not bring a piece of that era into your own space? Shop your favorite album cover poster at our store and celebrate the music that defined a generation. Browse posters here.