Melissa Auf der Maur, former member of Hole and Smashing Pumpkins, reveals plans for memoir

Former bassist of Hole and Smashing Pumpkins Melissa Auf Der Maur recently announced her upcoming memoir, ‘Even The Good Girls Will Cry,’ set to be released on March 17, 2026, via Da Capo. Described as a blend of a coming-of-age autobiography, a travel diary, and a psychedelic scrapbook, the book will feature rare photographs from her career.

Auf Der Maur, an influential figure in ’90s US alternative rock, began her musical journey while in university in Montreal, forming the alternative rock band Tinker. She later joined Hole in 1994, contributing to various records, including the iconic ‘Celebrity Skin’ released in 1998. After her departure from Hole in 1999, she briefly collaborated with The Smashing Pumpkins as a touring member. Her solo career kicked off in 2004 with her debut album ‘Auf Der Maur.’

Reflecting on her memoir, Auf Der Maur expressed that it delves into the defining decade of her life, from 1991 to 2001, and her experiences in the rock bands that allowed her to witness a pivotal moment in the counterculture. She described the book as a homage to the power of music and the unique voices that shape our world, while also lamenting the loss of analogue magic in today’s digital age.

The book begins by exploring Auf Der Maur’s artistic upbringing in Montreal, her immersion in the local creative scene, and her encounters with music legends like Nirvana, Jane’s Addiction, Pavement, and Sonic Youth. Notable moments, such as Tinker’s opening slot for The Smashing Pumpkins and her connection with Courtney Love, are highlighted throughout the memoir.

The narrative captures Auf Der Maur’s journey from a local music scene to worldwide tours with Hole, navigating the grief following the deaths of Kurt Cobain and Kristen Pfaff. The memoir vividly portrays the intense yet chaotic environment of the band during the ‘Live Through This’ world tour. Her unique perspective offers insights into Love’s resilience amidst personal turmoil and grief.

Recent events have seen Auf Der Maur reunite with The Smashing Pumpkins’ frontman Billy Corgan in Montreal for a performance of ‘The Everlasting Gaze.’ Additionally, she collaborated with Courtney Love on a cover of Tim Buckley’s ‘Song To The Siren.’ Their onstage reunion in 2018 in New York featured renditions of Hole classics like ‘Doll Parts’ and ‘Miss World.’

The memoir also touches upon her past romantic relationship with Dave Grohl and her reflections on their time together. Auf Der Maur reminisced about their madly in love years between 1999 and 2001. Her memoir promises to provide a detailed and intimate account of her life in alternative rock during an era that defined a generation.

Fans eagerly anticipate the release of ‘Even The Good Girls Will Cry,’ as it promises to offer a deep dive into the life and experiences of Melissa Auf Der Maur, a key figure in ’90s alternative rock.