Photos by Andy Argyrakis

The unflinching honesty that populates every page of Moby’s new “Porcelain: A Memoir” continued when The Book Cellar brought his signing tour to City Winery. As a 20 million album selling DJ and electronic artist, he’s known for playing some of the most prominent stages in the world, so the up close and personal visit was a true treat, as was the audience’s ability to ask several questions following a conversation with Mark Bazer (host of the “The Interview Show”).

No, there’s never a dull moment to be had with Moby, and considering “Porcelain” merely covers 1989-1999 (prior to the phenomenal explosion of the “Play” album) the potential sequel is destined to be just as fascinating.

No topic was off limits, starting with a poor upbringing alongside his hippie single mother in Darien, Connecticut to being the sober Christian guy working in some of New York’s wildest clubs (including the disastrous night when he bumped the record needle while sharing the stage with a member of Run–D.M.C.). Moby also talked about how music’s been a constant refuge and confidant amidst a panic attack-laden life that eventually spiraled out of control with sex, drugs and way too many drinks.

In fact, the musician/author named the book “Porcelain,” not only after the song and the fragile nature surrounding his life, but also because a considerable chunk of the years it encompasses were spent throwing up into porcelain sinks and toilets. He’s completely clean now and is in the process of reconciling that humble upbringing with a ridiculous amount of fame, while continuing to explore an evolving spirituality and clinging to a longtime vegan lifestyle (which includes running Little Pine restaurant in Los Angeles).

The evening stayed equally interesting when fans had their chance to chat, which prompted memories of his long dormant feud with Eminem, randomly dancing next to Prince at a night club in the late 1980s and the time friend/frequent collaborator David Bowie gave him the hat he wore in “The Man Who Fell To Earth” as a Christmas gift. No, there’s never a dull moment to be had with Moby, and considering “Porcelain” merely covers 1989-1999 (prior to the phenomenal explosion of the “Play” album) the potential sequel is destined to be just as fascinating.

Click here for more Moby photos from City Winery.

For additional information on Moby, visit Moby.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at City Winery include JD Souther (May 25); Billy Joe Shaver (May 26); Cathy Richardson Band (May 27); Sergio Mendes & Brasil (May 30); Ben Sollee (Jun. 2); Robby Krieger (Jun. 3); Kris Allen (Jun. 4); John Doe (Jun. 5); Jordan Smith (Jun. 6); Beth Orton (Jun. 7); The Weight (Jun. 10); Alice Peacock with Ralph Covert (Jun. 11); Jimmy Webb (Jun. 12); CeeLo Green (Jun. 14); Kenny Lattimore (Jun. 17) and Rhett Miller (Jun. 19). For additional details, visit CityWinery.com/Chicago.

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