Book Review: Three Dog Nightmare - The Continuing Chuck Negron Story by Chuck Negron
Published April 29, 2008
Negron reports that Hutton and Wells were apprehensive when he first published Three Dog Nightmare, concerned about their dirt being dished, but his goal was, “[not] telling anyone’s secrets other than mine . . . I was exposing the horrors of my addiction in hopes of helping others with addiction problems.” Through most of the 300 pages, and nearly 20 years, Negron’s single-minded desire for heroin (along with alcohol and other drugs) is shown jeopardizing the livelihoods of his band mates and the safety of his own family.
To his credit, Negron seems to recognize how deplorable his selfishness and self-indulgence are, and how serious the consequences have been for everyone in his life. That doesn’t make it any easier to read about his son, Chucky, being born addicted to heroin or his girlfriend deciding between an abortion or giving birth to a second addicted baby. And despite his candor, Negron seems lacking in introspection over what led to this destructive lifestyle, or what he could have done to prevent it. Had he used a Three Dog Night song title for the book, “My Impersonal Life” might have been appropriate.
One of the book’s most disturbing aspects, and the apparent reason for this new edition, is to update the fate of Chucky Negron, that addicted baby. By age 28, Chucky had become a “full-blown heroin and crack addict” and was on his way to prison. Despite the family’s participation in A&E’s Intervention series, Negron indicates that, at the time of his writing, Chucky’s addiction was far from under control.
It’s evident that Negron had the best intentions in portraying himself so negatively and that he is a testament to the practice of rehabilitation, given his ongoing sobriety after more than 30 failed rehab attempts. Three Dog Nightmare should have the desired “Scared Straight” effect, while offering encouragement for addicts and their families. Still, any personal victory Chuck Negron has achieved must be overshadowed by the tragic legacy he handed down to his son, which is certainly the most profound cautionary message of his book.
- Book Review: Three Dog Nightmare - The Continuing Chuck Negron Story by Chuck Negron
- Published: April 29, 2008
- Type: Review
- Section: Books
- Filed Under: Books: Entertainment, Books: History, Books: Memoir and Autobiography, Culture: Celebrity, Music: History and Appreciation, Music: Rock
- Writer: James A. Gardner
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- James A. Gardner's personal site
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Thanks for the comment, Kevin. My understanding, from Negron's book, is just as you say, that his son has ongoing addiction problems due to his parents' drug abuse. Hopefully, with persistence and support, he can eventually overcome his addictions, as his father apparently has.
I just finished reading the book.What a train wreck! I can't believe he isnt dead.Three Dog Night is the first band I remember hearing as a kid.My kindergarden teacher used to play Joy to the world.I applaud Negron.He's sober,on top of his game,and is trying to repair the damage of his past.He's 66 now and looks better than Wells and Hutton.I wish they would do one more tour,but I dont think that will happen.
Thanks for your comment, Mick. I wish they'd tour again, as I never got to see them in concert, but based on the animosity that comes through in Negron's book, it doesn't sound likely.
According to Negron's site, he was touring with the "Flashback Classic Rock Experience," which sounded kind of cool, but that tour is "on hold until further notice."
Great book. I could'nt put it down.
Chuck came to Mohegan Sun,CT. in April 2008 to promote his book. In the Cabarat they had a Q and A session then a book signing and later that night @ the Wolfe Den he held a concert. His step son Berry Oakley played guitar. It was a great time. I like his new band. I enjoy Chuck and his band more than Cory and Danny and the rest of Three Dog Night. Check out his website. There is a cruise in February 2009.
Again,Chuck is an inspiration to me.I've never met the man, but he seems approachable.If he ever tours through Lancaster Pa.I would definately see him.Wells and Hutton do but I refuse to go unless Negron is there.Face it Chuck IS three dog night!
"Face it Chuck IS three dog night!"
Mick, after reading his book, I know he would definitely agree with you! While there's no denying all he brought to the band, when you hear him without the other two singers, and that group of musicians, you realize what an exceptional combo it was. But he did bring a ton to TDN.
For a slightly different perspective on the TDN story, Jimmy Greenspoon's book (which is out of print) is worth a read.
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So his son Chucky Negron was basically born into addiction, and still suffers as a result? That is very sad, repulsive actually. If anything, it shows how rock excess can really ruin lives. I love the music of many of these bands, but the drugs and excess really destroy the music and the musician's life.