Fresh Air For Cameron Crowe, Being 'Uncool' Is A Badge Of Honor
Oct 27, 2025
Cameron Crowe, acclaimed filmmaker behind hits like Almost Famous and Jerry Maguire, dives into his unconventional teenage years as a rock journalist in his memoir The Uncool. He shares gripping tales of sneaking backstage at 15, mastering the art of authentic interviews, and being mentored by the legendary Lester Bangs. The discussion also touches on candid moments with rock icons like David Bowie, the complexities of groupie culture, and how embracing 'uncoolness' became a badge of honor for Crowe. Plus, David Bianculli reviews the new season of The Diplomat.
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Home Scene Became Movie Dialogue
- Cameron Crowe recounts his mother's staged interrogation about kissing that became dialogue in Almost Famous.
- He says real life often supplies the best material for writing and stayed lodged in his head forever.
Selling Rock As Intellectual To Go On Tour
- Crowe convinced his protective mother to let him tour by framing Led Zeppelin as intellectually valid music.
- Her condition: call every night and "don't take drugs," which became a recurring refrain.
Decline Drugs To Be Taken Seriously
- Refuse offered drugs politely to signal professionalism and seriousness.
- Crowe found saying no made people respect him and assume he was there to work, not party.
