“There were definitely better known personalities than Mercy Fontenot in her time, but she was no less of a thrilling iconoclast for it. Long before unorthodox women like Cosey Fanni Tutti or Courtney Love there was Mercy Fontenot. Her relatively unknown story, told here in her own words, is chock-full of delightful pop culture references and peppered with cameos from some of music’s most beloved stars, but the story that sticks with you long after the telling is done is that of Mercy herself. Rock ‘n’ roll rebel until the end. What a gal.”—Shirley Manson, Garbage“Miss Mercy was dripping in sarcasm. She was a very funny and lovely lady. She may have been the voice of reason for the GTOs...but I doubt it.”—Alice Cooper"Miss Mercy spun herself through the most magical days of the ‘60s and into the arms of punk. She was a that one-of-a-kind character none of us will ever forget."—Exene Cervenka, X“I am thrilled to know this book is finally out there and we can know firsthand what it was like to live in Miss Mercy’s towering platform shoes. I love rock ‘n’ roll, and Lyndsey Parker has the most encyclopedic knowledge of all music; I can't think of a better person to bring Mercy’s story to life.”—Margaret Cho“It was an honor to cross paths with Mercy and to be in the final part of her fascinating story.”—Yoshiki, X Japan“Miss Mercy was a one-off iconoclast, style- and taste-wise. She looked, lived, and loved uniquely and was a trailblazer for women in rock ‘n’ roll.”—Siobhan Fahey, Bananarama and Shakespears Sister“Mercy was one of the most inspirational and magical people I ever got the chance to meet and work with. She had endless stories to tell and the coolest style, like a badass Gypsy pirate witch. She embodied that old spirit of Hollywood that we never get to see anymore. Mercy was and will always be a legend.”—Arrow de Wilde, Starcrawler“Lyndsey and Mercy had many things in common, the most important of which was commitment. Both committed to the music and the musicians that made it. Mercy had secrets and stories and reveals them here to someone who understands. An imperative read for anyone with a rock ‘n’ roll soul.”—Michael Des Barres"Miss Mercy was the real thing, all about the music. She was there at the beginning and knew everyone. Believe whatever she says, and immerse yourself in the world of Sunset Boulevard, Frank Zappa, the GTO's, and the ‘60s style.”—Ronee Blakley“Mercy wore unusual and stunning makeup. She set a trend. She was a very individualistic, charismatic woman. The GTOs made the party swing and were an integral part of rock ‘n’ roll culture at the time.”—Dave Davies, the Kinks"Mercy led a fascinating life. As a founding member of the GTOs, along with her relationship with Arthur Lee, she was at the epicenter of the Hollywood music scene."—Johnny Echols, Love"Mercy was absolutely the real deal, for real.”—Blackbyrd McKnight“Lower Los Feliz is filled with trendy lumberjack and low fashion model wannabes, and out of nowhere there was Miss Mercy telling her stories about being in attendance at Jimi Hendrix and his Rainbow Bridge, watching Arthur Lee and Love in concert, a few Chambers Brothers performances and how she was the Gears’ hairdresser. Mercy was the ray of sunlight cutting through gray skies and a fire opal in an ocean of gravel and rocks.”—Keith Morris, Black Flag, Circle Jerks, Off!"Mercy was my counterculture cover girl. She represented the movement of women finally staking their territory in the world of individuality, free of society’s demands to conform.”—Baron Wolman, Rolling Stone photographer“Even though I met Mercy near the end of her life, I’d seen her around at different rock events over the years, always thinking, ‘Who is this bold-ass woman?!’ I later learned that we came from Northern California and had traveled our own musical paths, both crash-landing on the Sunset Strip in the ‘60s in our teens. I’m looking forward to everyone else hearing Mercy's stories and learning about her journey through her own words.”—Brie Darling, Fanny, Boxing Gandhis“Back in late ’78, I met Miss Mercy. To say she made me realize there was a lot more to life is an understatement. Before I knew it, I had bleached-blond hair, a large pompadour, and skateboarding was never to be the same again. She was, and always has been, important beyond most people’s comprehension. Her knowledge was unmatched to most. I thank you and love you, Mercy. It’s time for you to be acknowledged for the queen that you are.”—Steve Olson, pro skateboarder“The women of Laurel Canyon and beyond wrote their own rules and changed them when they chose. Mercy was one of them. Her group was appropriately named because they decided they were going to be ‘outrageous.’ Mercy simply would not have it any other way.”—Elliott Mintz, celebrity publicist
