From the Graveyard of the Arousal Industry [Paperback]

As an adolescent, Justin Pearson moved with his mother from “Shit Creek Phoenix, AZ” to sunny San Diego after his father was murdered on Halloween. There, he fell in with a subculture of young musicians playing some of the most original and brutal music in the world. Turns out the chaos of Pearson’s bands — The Locust, Swing Kids, and Some Girls — is nothing compared to the madness of his life.
An icon of the West Coast noise and punk scene, Pearson managed to arrive at adulthood by outsmarting skinheads and dodging equally threatening violence at home. Once there, the struggle continued, with Pearson getting beat up onJerry Springerand, on more than one occasion, chased out of town by ferociously angry audiences.
From the Graveyard of the Arousal Industryis the outrageously candid story of Pearson’s life. In loving, meticulous detail, Pearson gives readers the dirt behind each rivalry, riff, and lineup change.

Advance Praise forFrom the Graveyard of the Arousal Industry

“After reading his book, I'm convinced that Justin Pearson offers one of the best reasons to not do drugs . . . the dude can remember every nuance of his twisted upbringing, which not only makes for interesting memories on behalf of the author, but an even more interesting read for we the people. A truly visceral account of the life of one of punk rock's more obscure excrements.” —Travis Ryan of Cattle Decapitation

“Christ, it’s four dudes with no faces squeezing into tight pants and feigning murder on the dancefloor. And you hear it in every note they play: The Locust simply love what they do.” —Brandon Stosuy inPitchfork

“JP’s writings are as inspiring as they are brutally honest, filled with amazing tales of beating odds and getting beat. A true punk legend.” —Nick Zinner of the Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs

“Justin Pearson is a phelóT