When musician Warren Zevon was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2002, he asked his ex-wife, Crystal, with whom he remained close, to write his biography upon his passing. On May 1, her book I'll Sleep When I'm Dead: The Dirty Life And Times Of Warren Zevon was published by HarperCollins. Filled with stories of sex, drugs and rock 'n roll over the course of 452 pages and told in the voices of many of those who knew him best, the book is an unflinching look at the life of a brilliant but troubled artist. Earlier this week, I spoke with Crystal Zevon about her book and the life of her ex-husband. Below are excerpts from that interview.
How did you come to write the book?
Warren asked me to write the book. It's not something I think I would ever have thought to do on my own, but almost immediately after he was diagnosed the subject came up. According to Warren, it was Carl Hiaasen's idea.
There wasn't a lot of back and forth discussion, so over the last year of his life we talked – a lot of reminiscing. He let me know things that he would want included, and then, a week before he died, he called and said, "So you're gonna do this, right?" And I said, "Well, I guess so," and he said, "Well, you've gotta tell the whole truth, even the awful, ugly parts, because that's the Excitable Boy who wrote them excitable songs." I said, "I don't even know what the whole truth is," and he laughed and said, "You'll find out." Which I did.
Were you worried that, because you're his ex-wife and putting these stories that don't portray him in a flattering light, that the book might be seen as exploitative?
Absolutely. I worried about it from the time he first asked me to do it, and we talked about that. I didn't really know what to do about it, because telling the truth was what it was, and I think I had to keep focusing on a larger picture. I believe -- I know -- Warren was a genius. I know that he had a lot of torment. My hope was that, in presenting the salacious details or the troubling times or the poor parenting or the abuse that I suffered, what would come through was a larger picture of someone with an incredible heart, who suffered greatly, who just by his nature put his art first, regardless of the consequences.
Article comments
1 - Chris Beaumont
I cannot wait to read this book! And I don't read books all that much anymore....
2 - Natalie Bennett
This article has been selected for syndication to Advance.net , which is affiliated with newspapers around the United States, and to Boston.com. Nice work!
3 - Dave Lifton
Thanks!
Chris, I think you'll really enjoy the book.
4 - Drake Hall
I've just finished Crystal's book on Warren and must say that it's one of the most interesting bios I've ever read. He's certainly one of the most complicated, intelligent, tortured people I've ever read about
and hats off to Crystal for having the courage to revisit the best and worst parts of her life with him and others to bring it to this book.
5 - Katelynn Patterson Barrett
Mrs. Zevon,
My inquiry is strictly personal. I lost my father to leukemia, pre-maturely March 1, 2009. I was pregnant with my 3rd child when he was diagnosed. He was given a death sentance and his wish was t see my son's birth.He was a huge fan of your former husband's. The more I learn of Mr. Zevon, the more it feels...real, I guess. My mom recently gace me your book. I haven't started reading it. Yet, I saw Carl Hiaasen;s name on the cover and i truly LOVE his work. I lost my father pre-maturley. he battled many demons in his life. I don't know whom to seek shelter with. My husband and i are so differnet...my 3 yr old sings your husband's songs...which as we all know is probaly not the best parenting that is to be offered. Something tells me its also not the best. I've skimmed "I'll sleep When I'm Dead", at best...
I have 3 kids, 2 with serious heart issues. My dad only wanted to be there long enough tomeet my 3rd even though his diagnosis was awful. I always grew up with your husband as an influence, and I think many think that kind of odd. I think it only encouraging to my character. I didn't know my father well...by my standards I guess. I don't know...I am lost. I saw a grief counseler and she was by far, the stupidest fucking person I ever met. Anyway...I wish my dad were still here. Mr Zevon didn't have te following he should, and my dad didnt have my support, as he should...I am sorry for your loss... remmeber it well, in my own accord-y dad recorded Warren'sdocumentary. Had his and the Boss's music palyed at his memorial...Green Day too. I hope your family is well. God bless, as best He can.
Kate Barrett