Devin Townsend – “a crash course in emotional intensity.” And it’s not an album.

Published by Rocket88 Books and available now

Devin Townsend – something of an enigma?

A book that features previously unseen behind-the-scenes and private photos with info about them from Devin. One that feels like peeking into the family album. Skeletons are revealed emerging from cupboards and a lifetime of what might be seen now as fashion faux pas (they were cool at the time!) see nothing held back.

The successor and companion to Only Half There, Devin’s collection of personal and professional photographs  trace his journey from childhood in Canada through teen years in different bedrooms, on to his professional career and beyond parenthood, all the while showcasing the many faces (and assorted haircuts) of Dev’s unique career.

As with many celebrities, the early years are often the most interesting and revealing. We know about stadium filling superstardom. We want to know where it came form and how. What made these demigods different from everyone else? Didn’t we all start the same (ish)? Maybe a clue is in the page of a school book that reads: “I am a VIP because I have my own way of living. Some people look like me but they are not the same.” followed by ‘Good’ and a big tick.

As well as baby Dev and early family photos, there are the photographs of his brief stint as a model, lots from his time with Steve Vai (including the now infamous Letterman ‘Green Room’ pics), live performance photos from all the bands Dev’s been in, plus snaps of life on the road and in the studio with among others, Strapping Young Lad, Metallica’s Jason Newsted, the Devin Townsend Project, and various puppets.

Most enlightening of all, the images go hand in hand with extensive (what else?) captions by Devin himself who recalls memories and details of people, places, strange happenings (and haircuts…) that have peppered his time on earth so far. Most of them are published for the first time in overexposed + underdeveloped.

The sort of book that all major rock stars – indeed, EVERYONE! – should have a go at creating. As Dev himself says: “Man. What a life. Reflection is a hell of a thing.“

Devin talks hairstyles…..

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