Peter Wolf, the iconic frontman of the J. Geils Band, has been contemplating crafting a book for quite a while. However, it was the process of creating a new solo album that ignited his determination to finally pursue this long-held aspiration. As he delves deeper into his musical journey, the urgency to share his experiences through a written narrative has become increasingly apparent to him.

Peter Wolf reveals that he is currently “about 80 percent” through completing his upcoming album, which marks his first release since the 2016 project A Cure For Loneliness. He reflects on how many of his solo works have remained unnoticed over the years. With the fast-paced nature of today’s music industry, he fears that without proper attention, his latest efforts could easily fade into obscurity. This realization has motivated him to publish his new book, Waiting on the Moon: Artists, Poets, Drifters, Grifters, and Goddesses, under Little, Brown. Wolf candidly shares with Billboard, “I thought, ‘Well, maybe now is the time to write that book I’ve been talking about for decades.’ If this book resonates with readers, it might just give me the encouragement I need to finalize and release the album.”

Wolf also received an inspiring nudge from esteemed writer Peter Guralnick, renowned for his exceptional biographies of music legends like Elvis Presley and Sam Cooke, as well as the influential Sam Phillips. Wolf reminisces, “He read some of my writings and urged me, ‘Y’know, Pete, you better finally do this book because many people you’d want to read it may not be around if you take too long.’ That struck a chord with me and really made me think about the urgency of sharing my story.”

While Waiting on the Moon chronicles Wolf’s journey from his childhood to the modern era, it does not follow a typical linear memoir format. Instead, it unfolds as a captivating collection of anecdotes that highlight his adventurous life, filled with remarkable encounters with notable figures. One of the intriguing chapters is titled “I Slept With Marilyn Monroe,” detailing an unforgettable moment when a young Wolf found himself sitting next to the legendary actress during a film screening. Monroe, who was accompanied by then-husband Arthur Miller, unexpectedly fell asleep on his shoulder, creating a memorable moment that showcases the whimsy of his life experiences.

As the narrative progresses, Wolf vividly recounts his connections with legendary blues artists such as Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, and John Lee Hooker, often reminiscing about their gatherings in his Boston apartment. He also shares fascinating stories about his encounters with iconic musicians like Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, the Rolling Stones, John Lennon, and Harry Nilsson, as well as Sly Stone and Aretha Franklin. The book also explores his interactions with influential figures in the music industry, including Ahmet Ertegun, Bhaskar Menon, Jon Landau, and Dee Anthony, while humorously recounting a moment when he inadvertently crossed paths with Alfred Hitchcock after politely declining an offer for a drink.

Among his many illustrious encounters, Wolf shares stories of meeting cultural icons such as Eleanor Roosevelt, Louis Armstrong, Andy Warhol, and even his former roommate David Lynch. He also reflects on memorable interactions with culinary legend Julia Child and playwright Tennessee Williams, all of which enrich the tapestry of his experiences detailed in the book.

“My aim was to craft a book filled with short stories, treating each chapter as a standalone narrative,” Wolf explains. His journey as a musician began in Boston, where he initially studied art and worked as a radio DJ before forming bands like the Hallucinations and later, the J. Geils Band in 1967. Under his leadership, the band skyrocketed to fame with their hit album Freeze-Frame in 1981, which topped the Billboard 200 and produced the chart-topping single “Centerfold.” After parting ways with the band in 1983, he launched a successful solo career, with his 1984 album Lights Out reaching No. 12 on the Hot 100. “I didn’t impose a strict timeline on myself. Each story has its own unique beginning, middle, and end. My intent was never to create a sensationalist kiss-and-tell book, but rather to honor the incredible people I’ve had the privilege to meet and know,” he shares.

While he hesitated to delve into his marriage with Faye Dunaway and his experiences with the J. Geils Band, both subjects find their way into the narrative. He expresses, “Faye was an extraordinarily talented and determined person, and we shared a deep love for one another. I strived to bring our relationship and the adventures we experienced together to life.” He acknowledges that he previously avoided discussing personal details, focusing instead on his music and career. However, as he wrote about his life adventures, the stories of their shared experiences flowed out more freely than he anticipated.

“Regrets are a natural part of life, and I’ve expressed those feelings throughout the chapters. Some are minor mistakes, while others are more significant, and I don’t shy away from acknowledging them. The writing process allowed me to explore these emotions deeply, and I was surprised at how naturally the stories poured out once I connected with the essence of my experiences,” he reflects.

The J. Geils Band serves as a continuous thread throughout the book, culminating in a chapter where Wolf candidly discusses the band’s disintegration at the height of their success. He reflects on the shock and emotional upheaval he experienced, stating, “It was a significant turning point for me. I participated in Geils reunion tours from 1999 to 2015, which brought back many memories.” The book also recounts a harrowing incident where he was assaulted in a London pub while en route to perform at the 1989 Pinkpop Festival in the Netherlands. “I endeavored to write authentically about my experiences and emotions. The band was my life, and even during my marriage to Faye, our careers always took precedence. I worked tirelessly to keep the band relevant, so the eventual fallout was incredibly painful for me. I didn’t include in the book that I was asked to leave the band in 1968 due to concerns over my vocal performance holding them back.”

Wolf has already recorded an audio version of Waiting On the Moon and has scheduled several author appearances this month, starting on Tuesday, March 11, at the Harvard Bookstore in Cambridge, MA. His tour includes stops in major cities like New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Philadelphia, and Connecticut. However, he has canceled a planned appearance at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., citing concerns over recent staff terminations by the new administration.

Wolf is also gearing up to work on his album, collaborating with the same talented team that contributed to his previous projects. He expresses enthusiasm about the new material, saying, “I believe it features some truly memorable songs, and I invested significant time in crafting it.” He anticipates returning to live performances as well, stating, “Yes, that’s my calling. However, writing the book required a hiatus. It’s akin to creating a remarkable album that demands undivided attention and commitment.” Additionally, he mentions that a reissue of the J. Geils Band’s 1972 concert album “Live” Full House is planned for release later this year.

Looking ahead, Wolf is hopeful for the J. Geils Band’s potential induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, a recognition that has eluded them through five nominations from 2005 to 2018. He has previously inducted musical icons like Jackie Wilson and the Paul Butterfield Blues Band at past ceremonies. While he acknowledges that the outcome is beyond his control, he expresses a desire for it to happen. “Yes, it would be a wonderful honor,” he says. “I genuinely believe the Geils Band made significant contributions during the AOR era of rock n’ roll. Like the Rolling Stones, we introduced many listeners to incredible artists such as the Contours, Otis Rush, Muddy Waters, and doo-wop music. Despite our efforts over 17 and a half years, we remain overlooked. Yet, as a Johnny Mathis song goes, ‘it’s not for me to say.’”

Wolf’s author appearance schedule for Waiting On the Moon includes:

Tuesday, March 11th:  Harvard Bookstore at the First Parrish Church, Cambridge, MA

Wednesday, March 12th:  The Strand, New York, NY

Thursday, March 13th: Bookends Bookstore, Ridgewood, NJ

Tuesday, March 18th:  Writers on a New England Stage at The Music Hall, Portsmouth, NH

Thursday, March 27th:  Free Library of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA

Tuesday, April 8th: RJ Julia Booksellers, Madison, CT