“I had a ball!“: Pamela Des Barres on groupie life during height of 70s rock scene

[@AvecPoesie]

I will NEVER forget reading Pamela's book when I was 19. I had such a controlling, restrictive family. Her book made me feel ALIVE and liberated vicariously through her. 🥀

[@franny5059]

I read it too a few years ago, fascinating 👍🏻

[@chrisfreeman9960]

Hopefully her book can continuously help you in your progress from your restrictive family. I had a similar situation. Counseling...and therapy....with the right people...can help in that regard. I came from a similar situation, and it's really helped me.

[@frankinsaneandmyrrh1202]

wow, that's such a great take. I had mixed feelings because of my upbringing. I'm in awe because I feel like a free spirit that was chained in, and her story makes me feel a mix of envy, longing and joy. I'll try to see it the way you do!

[@02testeny]

She had a fling with Jimmy Page and Jim Morrison, God! She wins in life!

[@Hooklineandsinker145]

These are the two I would want , too!😂

[@bobnunyabiznz4917]

@Coogan Well, no shit! You aren’t telling us anything we don’t already know.

[@Suzismymom]

One of the bands I was in, we wrote a song about Miss Pamela, she had an incredible life at an incredible time in music history. I hung out and was friends with many musicians, I was 18 and it was during the NYC punk scene so they weren't on the same level as the bands Miss Pamela hung out with but the scene felt just like she describes in I'm With The Band. I was involved with only one famous singer for about 2 years, I never slept with anyone but him even though I was pursued, I didn't want notches on my bedpost, it was about feelings. Afterwards, we stayed in touch for awhile, I became serious with someone I'd gone to high school with and he started dating Bebe Buell. Those were incredible days, when innocence was still a thing.

[@ShellyBomb]

Pamela is a Living Legend ~ what an amazing life she led and is still living ❤️ 🎶 🎸

[@mjp96]

wouldn't go that far!

[@headron66]

My aunt used to say to me “live your life to the fullest, don’t worry about other people talking about you, one day you will be old and people will never believe how badly behaved you were when young” one, because most of those people you knew are dead and two, young folk are not interested in the old you, they are thinking more about themselves. She was right.

[@tenbroeck1958]

I'm glad you don't feel shamed from your life. You are a great raconteur of your experiences, and really a huge part of American Bohemian culture/history. Peace

[@timmotel5804]

Glad that you are well. What great memories and experiences that you had. I've been a drummer since 1964 when I was 12 years old and I still am. My Very Best Wishes to You 🎶☮💖

[@Tituba-z5t]

Dear Pamela - I just read your books " Take another piece of my heart", "Rock bottom" and " Let's spend the night together". For me as a German sometimes a little difficult to read ( because of many american slang expressions), but I must say: I admire, how you made your way, despite moral prejudices. What a tough, warm-hearted, sympathetic power-woman you are!! So I enjoyed this lecture - a pretty way of freshing up my English! Thank you!!!

[@tonjawade9037]

I was a little girl in the early 70s,and this music has always been so special to me. Pamela's stories are soooo fascinating and naughty!🤫😄

[@margueritemazzeo2904]

They were relationships until the bands left town or left them for another groupie..she was summarily dumped by Jimmy Page when he went for Lori Maddox..and then he dumped Lori for Bebe Buell..all around..a sad affair of illusion..😭💔

[@odessadelphine6061]

Sweetie, We ALL suffer disillusionment and heartache in crushes, relationships and breakups, no matter who or where!. It’s how we mature. Get over trying to make it seem like there’s a difference if it’s rockstars. It’s just shinier and more intense for awhile when it’s celebs you got lucky with. 99-100% of those who find fault with groupies are just plain jealous hypocrites.

[@TTM9691]

What are you babbling about, you priggish slug, she's not under ANY illusions. She talks directly about all that! And is laughing about it! So much for the "sad affair of illusion"! Man oh man, does she address people like you directly in this video or what? Marguerite Mazzeo likes to have it both ways: she likes to live vicariously through gossip and other people's lives.....and then pass judgment on them! What a mediocrity!

[@Katherine.H.]

​@odessadelphine6061 You're phenomenally judgemental and small-minded. Can't you be more nuanced of thought and conclude something more than the cliché that " she's jealous"? It wasn't even a negative comment . Perhaps reflect on why you were pressed by it. Also this idea that dissent of opinion = jealousy is a goofy, tired old trope.

[@Journeestothesmokeymoon]

I read her book in about 1990. And I just love her. I'm grateful for her telling her story. I was a groupie too but just not like she was. If I didnt stay with a loser I probably would have been a better groupie. I was in love with a singer who's band played sometimes with Dimebag Darrell....

[@oblivion_007]

What exactly groupies do?

[@paranormalendeavors666]

As I was!!! I was massively in love with Phil Anselmo. When Pantera would come to town ( Toronto, Hamilton all greater Canadian cities) I'd partied with them 2 days in Hamilton as they played Copp's Collision, and head over heels in love with Phil, followed in him to the bathroom, almost cried, so unimpressed with his manhood... All that dreaming and planning on kidnapping him...poof out the window...lmao Dime was so beautiful as well

[@coconin5941]

She had the BEST LIFE EVER!!!!!

[@lockness1980]

Really????

[@odessadelphine6061]

Yes, really!! She glows with light and life. She’s one of the most positive and uplifting people you could be around.

[@mizzclawdy]

I got to meet Miss P - I took her Los Angeles Rock N Roll tour - great tour and she’s an amazing woman. great interview!

[@adc2327]

She was far braver than me. Good for her! Not quite as old, almost, but I could have had a similar life. I was a music fan. Innocent I went to concerts all of the time. I was smoking hot, but didn't know it. Always had a pretty face. I had been fat. Lost a incredible amount of weight in a short period of time. Mind hadn't caught up with the body. I still felt like a insecure fat girl that no one was interested in. I kept to myself. Got hit on from guys in bands that would see me from the stage. Got involved with only a couple. It could have been more but I was afraid. The bands and guys were not as big as the ones she was with, but still famous. You can Google them all. Still stayed a good girl never went on tours, took drugs, went to any parties. Had little outside involvement. Had a regular 9-5. One of my biggest shocks was running into a girl I went to school with. I was 18, she was younger. Her sister owned a popular restaurant. She sometimes helped out. A popular group was eating. She heard my named mentioned. She asked them to describe me. Of course it was me! She said they wanted to get in touch with me to go on tour. Why? I don't play an instrument. On top of that, I would hang with the lead singer at the shows. He kept quiet. I was shocked and hurt.

[@mjp96]

I was smoking hot too!!

[@ellajackson4272]

She seems like a cool, vibrant lady. I bet it wouldve been so fun to hang out with her when she was young in the 60s/70s!

[@sagit74]

I got to meet Ms. P this year and what an awesome experience. Also she is a musician with the GTO’s and that seems to get swept under the rug because she is better known for author/groupie.

[@BijouxBee]

Pam is so beautiful. Her emotions run so deep. There’s probably many who and relate and resonate to and with her in so many ways, I know I do.

[@HelenGeer-cr3yi]

Die ist vollgepumpt mit Botox. Die kann ja gar nicht mehr normal gucken.

[@cathygiuliana9089]

Love you Pam! You are an icon! I’m 60 yrs old and remember when you babysat Frank Zappa’s children! Awesome lady!❤️✨🌟⭐️

[@rosimona7253]

I just read her books: "Rock Bottom" and " Light my fire" - super lecture! Pamela is a very sympathetic, intelligent woman, who lived an unconventional life , made it her own way...... Respect und love!!!

[@JamesKingsleyQPatriotOrg]

I was working at a Casino at one time and served the band playing there.. I jokingly referred to the ladies hanging wit the band as "Groupies" and they left me a nickle under a upside down glass of water.

[@Hooklineandsinker145]

I wanted to hear more about Jim Morrison ! she’s so lucky to have lived in this time. I was a generation ahead of her. Mt parents are 73/75, but they had kids in 1968 & 74, so didn’t go to shows.

[@lewasil]

It's in her book. I have the book but forgot what it's called, lol.

[@stevie7255]

@@lewasil It's called Im with the band

[@user-bz2fc5bm1l]

I LOVED THIS INTERVIEW

[@tiffanyroseangeles7517]

The pad of Pamela" is indeed groovy at that! You are still beautiful ageless timeless love your style! Plus great sense of humour is a blast! What times those must've been!!! You know she's a true beauty when a lady never got plastic surgery!!! Her eyes dance like diamonds,her hair is red like fire ! She has still gorge skin! She's a girly girl. Still a bohemian Gypsy 73??? How inspirational is this beauty??? I'm 60!! So,I don't feel old myself. Quit drugs years ago.....always took care of myself too. With me, it was Zeppelins Whole Lotta 💕 the first O"solo. She's the best! Love you Miss P!

[@4everfree]

Wow. She looks good for her age!!!!

[@pennywollett3953]

Looks like she has had a lot of help, lol!

[@SongSwan]

Yeah,I'm sure everyone here would like their daughter to follow in her footsteps.

[@shannonfrench6893]

I never got nationality famous but I had some local and regional success in my day playing in band's and I was so glad to hear Pamela say the musicians usually don't have to try and get with the groupies (and I use that term in a derogatory way) but it's the ladies almost always make the moves on the band members. I've played about all my life and I became single almost 10 years ago and I don't really know how to ask a woman on a date! Because I never had to. I still write and record and have a small KZbin channel and I have a woman or two almost all the time wanting to meet me and even hook up with them. So in defense of us "Rock Star's" who have such a bad reputation thank you Pamela for being so honest and letting people know it's not always us who go home with a groupie.

[@user-lu9hq6jv4v]

You are head of your time; Pamela, and will always will be!

[@mizzprettyhuston]

If i hadn't fell in love at 16 with my now husband...I'm sure I'd been a groupie just because I absolutely love music! Most people start their mornings off with coffee ......I start my mornings off with the radio blaring ACDC, Rolling stones, Ozzy, or Elvis on my way to work 😂 🤘

[@Tyrenexg]

She’s my icon, I looove her

[@clairereesretouching]

She's still so beautiful! a wonderfully bohemian free spirit

[@sarahwelty9223]

I love Miss Pamela! I've read her books and I wish that she was my mother. She's had such an amazing life and is a very intelligent lady. Thanks for uploading this. Greetings from North Wales, UK 🙂❤

[@habituallearner7680]

Miss Pamela is right. So many people today are so uptight and prudish. In fact I think we're entering a new age of prudishness. It doesn't look like the prudishness of the late '50s but it's a joy-killing, grim disapproving attitude toward everything enjoyable in life. I was young then and let me tell you we had a good old time.

[@thedarkmoonrises]

It's because a bunch of us were severely mishandled in the early 2000s from trying to have even a tenth this freedom. Rich girls get away with everything and still go onto live comfortable lives; while the poor girls get sold in to slavery or abused- best case scenario. It's how it was in the 70s, the 00s, and now too. No shame to her. But hers is a rare and unrealistic look at groupie life for 90% of women.

[@rebeccaflowerbeck9894]

I would love to have hung out with Pamela and her friends back in the day…❤️ LA, New York and San Fran in the late 60s and early 1970s would have been an amazing places 😎🎶

[@PaulSmith-pz9eq]

Interesting lady … What a fantastic journey she had. I really wish some of these big , big rock stars that fooled around with groupies back in the day would come forward with some of there stories and give these beautiful women the credit they deserve for keeping them happy while touring …

[@christellebilodeau]

Let her speak..

[@DianeLake-sw3ym]

Pamela, It was the 70s and everything was very decadent. But, girls like me in high school in the 70s in a small city were aware of groupies. We did not think ugly of them. We just thought 'cool'. Though many of us could not have the nerve to do what you did - and that is a compliment - we thought it was great to be so strong, and independent and liberated to do what you wanted to do., We never really talked about you guyAnd \\s but, the few mentions were how awesome you ladies were because we thought you were not submissive and stepped on but, so independent and your own selves. And doing what you wanted to do. Those who condemn you are just those uptight religious freaks who think women are to be pure, submissive to one man and be a slave. If any woman dared to be strong and her own person - not just a groupie - she was evil and wrong. How dare you. Lady, you had fun. You did things to remember and I am not talking about sex but, adventures and seeing if not the world then the country, The guys were able to shower you with that ability and to give you a wonderful life for a short while. And unlike some women of today I don't think you were exploited. You knew the score and made your own choice. And many times you exploited the men. You were the queens.

[@paranormalendeavors666]

Loved her!!!!!!!! THE GROUPIE that no-one in my view could EVERRRRR surpass her!!!

[@rebeccawhite5128]

It's amazing that even now people are so mean to her. I'm on her Facebook page and even now people go there just to make a nasty comment.

[@moa3813]

The funniest thing is that people aren't slut shaming the men she slept with even though they probably slept with more people than she did lol

[@omarcapaso7156]

Yeah cuz they’re probably conservative people who find it taboo for a girl to have fun and enjoy her life how she wants to. If a guy, as many in the 70s and now, had sex with 100 women he’s the top dog. Girl does the same she’s a whore. Fucked up world we live in

[@husq48]

One of the main reasons why I have become disillusioned with Christianity, they are so quick to condemn, and seem to enjoy it, then I found myself being like that...🤒

[@mikoshmitty]

Because she thinks she's the "queen of the groupies". None of them wanted her except for her husband who was never a real rock star.

[@isadona59]

¿Ha hecho algo mas importante en la vida? Además de acostarse con todos los famosos que ha podido (que guay) ha hecho algo mas para poder escribir libros?

[@bluemoon472]

Luv her Lady & Tramp art- says it all (in a good way for anyone who doesn’t get it!!) Rock on, Pam! You’re beautiful!! ❤🎸🔥

[@marywhite7341]

This lady is so sincere and honest. She was nothing like Lori Maddox who slept around at 13. I mean Jimmy Page the most beautiful man on the planet. I love this woman. I am going to buy her book ❤

[@cherrybelle7956]

Not even 3 mins in a bloody love her ...o want her life shee had how fun ..and she was of age ..does make me feel way about sable..Lori..and poor nance..readd her mommy's book.i now need need to read this one xxxxxlove to u lady u admirable💜💜💜💜💜✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️💕💕💕💕🕉☸️💓🛎

[@deannawitt9376]

I love Ms. PAMELA.

[@Unclerad7777]

Sex is not love, sweetie.

[@yvonnesanders4308]

Do people not really hear what she's saying? I can sleep around its fine....I was chasing love...acting like the cheers for the band were for them...thought she was going to marry a rock star. The men wanted an accommodating hole.

[@JetWindTV]

Some probably were just looking for tail. The groupies had a huge impact on the direction of the artist though back then. Alice Cooper has talked and credited his groupies for making Alice Cooper into what Alice Cooper became. They deserve some level of credit for their contribution to the art direction, their input, their inspiration and making touring easier on the bands. They were important at the time and did work for them.

[@JTRocks4Ever]

I love bass players too! ❤️❤️❤️

[@sharonkutz8272]

Went out with a bass player in my early 20s. Band was popular in the area and I was so dumb. Just a notch on his bed post.😮

[@ChristysChannelYall]

Wow, she looks great! I’m 50 and I just wanted Jon Bon Jovi back in the day 😂

[@Suzismymom]

We went to high school together, he lived in my neighborhood. He may have been pretty but that was just on the outside. Dave Snake Sabo from Skid Row also lived in my neighborhood, he's an amazing guy, very kind and generous.

[@billybrown00]

She had a ball? Yeah, I’d say she had quite a few balls over the years.

[@danilaroche1156]

That's COLD. She just needs the Lord Jesus as her reality. We all do.

[@becirenot4762]

What an amazing life she's led...if a chance come up to do something, do it! Say what you want about what she did but she enjoyed her days, she has find memories and stories to tell. What more to life is there? ❤❤❤...I was born slightly too late lol

[@mizzprettyhuston]

My "Jimmy Page" cried for me back after cheating on me & I said buh bye 😂 Then I found my soul mate ❤

[@carrielucas5672]

Always wondered if she was jealous of Lori

[@davidmorgen4558]

Pam ? Did you ever meet members of the british band the preety Things They were on L.Z label as well

[@dwes49]

Just read her book which I found not knowing at all who she was….great read, she’d be amazing to meet

[@Tamar-sz8ox]

I was with Jimi Hendrick 🎸 and we went to a party at the Factory 💀 I’m done ✅❤️❤️❤️

[@andreaklitzke316]

Love Miss P!💕

[@4everfree]

7:16 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@animalrevenge1058]

She had a great time no reason to be ashamed of. People are just jealous

[@pythagorasnine]

No, no one in their right mind is jealous about such horrible teenage years, serving sexually middle-age drug addicts, alcoholics and pedophiles.

[@kenwalz7231]

Great to see Pamela is still great looking! Keep on Truckin' Pam!

[@flylil]

L love Pamela!!

[@sharongrenier1667]

Literally

[@gailmiler2797]

I was wondering if she ever felt insulted that none of them wanted a permanent relationship with her... they always picked others to be wives or girlfriends... but this might have been what she wanted, and I guess if you're going to live that lifestyle at all you better do it in your teens/twenties cuz after that any interest in you as purely a sex partner will be limited or nonexistent.

[@lorrilewis2178]

I saw a documentary on her and the other groupies. The thing that struck me the most was that they all seemed so financially unstable, whereas the rock stars themselves were rich. Pamela seemed to be doing somewhat better than the others. It might have been a lot of fun, but then they were left with nothing.

[@odessadelphine6061]

NOTHING? That’s effing ridiculous. Stop trying to tear her down because it wasn’t you. Not only did she marry the sensational actor and rockstar Michael Des Barres and have a son with him, she created a whole lifelong career for herself writing books and giving writing workshops around the country, she also gives tours of rock star homes and 1970’s clubs and other locations. She’s s a best selling author and has appeared on dozens of TV talk shows and given interviews and written article for magazines etc. She also herself interviews many in the music scene. LMAO, and you call it nothing? She’s absolutely one the highest vibe/vibrant persons you could ever know or follow.

[@choossuck7653]

​@@odessadelphine6061 they have a word for that

[@rdred8693]

People should control their desires

[@mizzprettyhuston]

What?? She's 73?? Man I hope I look that good at 73!

[@4gma59]

This poor woman. Still delusional.

[@frostedcherrybon]

She's so cool

[@christysmyles1644]

She's beautiful. 🌺

[@BILLYMORGAN1971]

I remember when Miss Pamela was on Oprah. I got the impression at the time Oprah really frowned upon her, while essentially giving Gene Simmons(no not the actress)a pass who could pleasure the nurse in the next room while the doctor was using his tongue depressor on him. In light of recent allegations regarding Oprah....ummmm looks like what goes around comes around.

[@Hooklineandsinker145]

She is still a beautiful woman. I thought she was so pretty, young. Too

[@GREG62944]

Jesus is waiting for us to be fulfilled in spiritual things. Rock n roll just be in tune spiritually.

[@tinalundy7858]

Looking back with a smile I do it too!

[@tammywozmoak6349]

Addicted to the life style not the rock stars

[@suzannelawson9215]

I wonder if Mick Jagger was a sweet guy to go out with and where he and Pamela went to on dates? Also, wonder what they talked about;, music, their own personal lives - just what would you talk about when on a date with Mick? Where did they go to, dinner, a movie?

[@isadona59]

Si fuese un hombre quien contase con todas las famosas con las que se ha acostado ke criticariamos

[@austinschingen7831]

Today? He would most likely have a r@pe case against him.

[@JBaldwin310]

She’s too Cool

[@sammyvh11]

Shes one cool chick.

[@bohoxplorer840]

I think is sounds fantastic ...what fun 😂

[@lookout2841]

Well that's awesome I bet you haven't time in your life that is so sick

[@indiantrace]

Keith was 32 at death.

[@melissasw64]

I love her decor. So cool. But, to me, she is sad.

[@lewasil]

But noone things these "rock stars" are bad for sleeping with all the women. But the women get chastised. Yay society.

[@caramanico1]

OK, you had a great time and did everything consensually with other consenting adults. Drugs? Illegal, but we all did pot - and maybe a bit of hash - back in those days. But... what have you given back in your time on this planet? Raised a family and reared a couple of great kids? Any charitable work? What goes on your headstone? "Loving daughter, sister, mother and grandmother" or "she sure had a great time"?

[@littlebird2276]

You should research before you start typing. She married, raised a son, and was a mother hen to many of her friends. So yes, loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Happy now?

[@hawksnest7527]

Penicillin and a shower please

[@williamhiles7404]

Haha. Jimmy Page Rules!!! LedHed Steven 🎸 🎸 🎸