Melissa Auf der Maur’s Memoir ‘Even the Good Girls Will Cry’ Unveils ’90s Rock Memoirs

Explore Melissa Auf der Maur’s journey through ’90s alternative rock with her memoir ‘Even the Good Girls Will Cry’ filled with stories and rare photos.

A Rock Icon’s Story Ready to Be Told

If you grew up wrapped in the grunge and alt-rock vibes of the ’90s, you know the name Melissa Auf der Maur. Former bassist for legendary bands Hole and Smashing Pumpkins, Melissa has now stepped into the literary spotlight with her first-ever memoir, Even the Good Girls Will Cry. This isn’t just any rock autobiography; it’s a kaleidoscopic trip through the decade that shaped her and countless others, described as “part coming-of-age autobiography, part travel diary, part psychedelic scrapbook.” And yes, it’s sprinkled with rare photos from her fascinating career.

Melissa Auf der Maur, a pivotal figure in '90s alternative rock.

The book is set for release on March 17, 2026, via Da Capo, and you can already pre-order your copy to secure a front-row seat to her story.

From Montreal to the World Stage: The Rise of a Bassist

Melissa’s musical odyssey began in Montreal while she was still a university student. She formed the alternative rock band Tinker, laying the groundwork for a career that would soon catapult her into the hearts of alt-rock fans worldwide. In 1994, she was recruited by Hole, joining the band during a turbulent yet creative phase. Her bass work graced several albums, including the iconic ‘Celebrity Skin’ in 1998.

After departing Hole in 1999, she briefly toured with The Smashing Pumpkins before launching a solo career in 2004 with her self-titled album Auf Der Maur. Her journey is a rich tapestry of music history from a time when the alternative scene was exploding with raw energy and emotion.

Intimate Glimpses Into the ’90s Rock Scene

Melissa describes her memoir as a reflection on the defining decade from 1991 to 2001—years when she lived and breathed the rock bands that shaped an era.

“This book is about the decade that defined me and my generation… 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.”

This intimate look at the analog days before the digital takeover carries both nostalgia and a sense of urgency for preserving what made that era so special.

An official description reveals how her bohemian Montreal upbringing and early immersion in the creative scene—working as a cassette DJ and ticket girl—opened doors to legendary acts like Nirvana, Jane’s Addiction, Pavement, and Sonic Youth.

Through a wild stroke of fate (involving a thrown beer bottle and a fan letter), her band Tinker landed a life-changing opening slot for The Smashing Pumpkins. Billy Corgan himself noticed her talent and recommended her to Courtney Love, weaving an uncanny thread of destiny that runs throughout the memoir.

Behind the Scenes of Tour Life and Loss

Joining Hole for the 1994 Live Through This world tour was no simple gig. It came on the heels of heartbreaking losses—the deaths of Kurt Cobain and Hole’s previous bassist Kristen Pfaff. Courtney Love was at the epicenter of this whirlwind, and the tour was a rollercoaster of passionate intensity and chaos.

Melissa invites readers into this vivid, often raw moment in rock history, painting a heroic portrait of Courtney Love as a force of nature battling grief on a global stage.

Recent Reunions and New Collaborations

Fast forward to this summer, when Melissa reunited with Billy Corgan in Montreal, performing the Smashing Pumpkins’ classic “The Everlasting Gaze.” The moment was even sweeter as she addressed the crowd in her native French, a nod to her Montreal roots.

Just last year, Melissa got back in the studio with Courtney Love for the first time in over two decades. The pair also appeared together on 070 Shake’s cover of Tim Buckley’s “Song to the Siren,” showcasing their enduring chemistry.

Their live reunion happened in October 2018 in Hudson, New York, where they performed classic Hole tracks like “Doll Parts,” “Miss World,” and “Softer, Softest.” For fans, these moments are a beautiful reminder that some rock bonds never truly fade.

Personal Notes: Love and Reflection

Melissa’s personal life also intertwines with rock royalty. Between 1999 and 2001, she dated Dave Grohl, frontman of Foo Fighters and former Nirvana drummer. Reflecting on their time together in 2023, she fondly described it as “this beautiful compatible couple of years where, I mean, we were madly in love.”

Why You Should Look Forward to Even the Good Girls Will Cry

Melissa Auf der Maur’s memoir promises to be more than just a recount of her years in music. It’s a snapshot of an era, a love letter to the analog magic of ’90s rock, and a deeply personal journey through the highs and lows of life on and off stage.

For anyone who’s ever felt the thrill of alternative rock’s golden years, this book is a must-read. It offers a unique perspective from someone who was not just a witness but a defining voice in one of the most vibrant chapters of music history.

FAQ

• What is the memoir Even the Good Girls Will Cry about?
  It’s a blend of coming-of-age autobiography, travel diary, and psychedelic scrapbook chronicling Melissa Auf der Maur’s life from 1991 to 2001, her rock career, and the ’90s alternative scene.
• When will the memoir be released?
  The book is scheduled for release on March 17, 2026.
• Which bands has Melissa Auf der Maur played with?
  She’s best known for her time with Hole and The Smashing Pumpkins, as well as her solo work and early band Tinker.
• Does the memoir include photos?
  Yes, it features rare photos from throughout Melissa’s career, offering fans a visual journey alongside her stories.
• Has Melissa Auf der Maur recently collaborated with her former bandmates?
  Yes, she reunited with Billy Corgan in 2025 and recorded with Courtney Love in 2024, also joining her on a recent cover appearance.

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