After nearly three decades of musical innovation and cultural influence, former Hole and Smashing Pumpkins bassist Melissa Auf der Maur is set to release her memoir chronicling the transformative decade that shaped both her career and a generation of rock enthusiasts.
Titled “Even the Good Girls Will Cry: A ’90s Rock Memoir,” the book is scheduled to hit shelves on March 17, 2026, through Da Capo, an imprint of Grand Central Publishing, with pre-orders already available.
The memoir, described as part autobiography, part travel diary, and part psychedelic scrapbook, spans from 1991 to 2001, offering readers an intimate glimpse into Auf der Maur’s journey through the alternative rock scene.
Growing up in Montreal’s vibrant creative community, Auf der Maur’s bohemian upbringing provided her with early exposure to music culture while working as a cassette DJ and ticket girl for major 1990s rock acts.
Her breakthrough came with her band Tinker, which secured an opening slot for The Smashing Pumpkins through an unconventional combination of a thrown beer bottle and fan letter.
This serendipitous encounter led to Billy Corgan recognizing her bass playing talents and later recommending her to Courtney Love when Hole needed a new bassist.
The book promises behind-the-scenes photos and firsthand accounts of Auf der Maur’s experiences maneuvering mainly male rock environments while performing with two of the era’s most influential bands.
Her unique perspective as a woman in these spaces adds a valuable dimension to the historical record of ’90s alternative rock.
Atlantic’s acquisition of the book rights signals strong publishing industry confidence in the memoir’s cultural significance.
The work is positioned as a love letter to the analog era’s “magic” and the influential music that defined a generation, while simultaneously reflecting on broader cultural shifts affecting the counterculture during this pivotal decade.
For fans of Hole, Smashing Pumpkins, and rock memoirs generally, Auf der Maur’s account promises an authentic journey through the grit and glory of ’90s rock. The memoir offers valuable insights for aspiring musicians looking to develop their own personal brand in today’s music industry. The publication follows a careful metadata preparation process typical of major literary releases, ensuring the book reaches its intended audience effectively. Readers can expect powerful stories about her time with Hole during the emotionally charged period following Kurt Cobain’s death, when the band was touring for “Live Through This.”
The memoir will feature over 50 never-before-seen photographs documenting her encounters with iconic figures like Michael Stipe, Marilyn Manson, and Dave Grohl, providing visual context to her remarkable journey through the grunge era.
