Finding Joseph I

by Paul (H.R.) Hudson and Howie Abrams with James Lathos

This oral history is the first fully authorized biography of H.R., the enigmatic front man of the legendary Bad Brains.

The first fully authorized biography of one of rock’s most enigmatic singers is a thoroughly uncensored rollercoaster ride through a riotous, tumultuous and utterly singular life and career. This gripping oral history features H.R. himself and the people who know him best, including Ian MacKaye, Questlove and members of Sublime and the Deftones.

The spiritual leader of Bad Brains was one of the most iconic and legendary front men in punk rock and hardcore. Paul “H.R.” Hudson launched his unique, ferocious vocal assault and dynamic physical showmanship with love and Rasta in his heart, along with a hopefulness seldom found in punk.

His journey has been riddled with unprecedented volatility: drugs, violence, disappearances and a debilitating mental illness. The disorder was so powerful—and the suffering so severe—that it’s difficult to fathom how he even survived.

How could one so tremendously troubled produce such an incredible body of work and have made such an impact?

Finding Joseph I  features interviews with H.R.’s family, bandmates past and present, friends, and those he has influenced and inspired. Interviewees include members of Bad Brains, Guns N’ Roses, Black Flag, Living Colour, 311, Fishbone, the Wailers, Cro-Mags, Dead Prez, Murphy’s Law, P.O.D., Michael Franti & Spearhead and many more. Packed with many rare and never-before-seen images, Finding Joseph I is the definitive account of the punk rock icon.

Now available through Lesser Gods

Check out a teaser for the book below...