In the pulsating realm of rock-and-roll's wild excess, the saga unfolds with fame, avarice, desire, and substances swirling together in a decadent dance. This tale delves into the lives of those who inhabit the electrifying world of rock, driven by the relentless pursuit of stardom among roaring crowds and chart-topping hits.

The novel Rock Star follows three distinct individuals on their tumultuous journeys to success. Among them are two men—one hailing from England and the other of African-American heritage—and a woman of mixed European descent. Their paths to glory intersect with the temptations of wealth and influence, yet through the haze of excess, their inherent "goodness" shines through, creating yet another captivating narrative by Collins.

Collins and Social Awareness

Collins acknowledges the dominant anxiety surrounding AIDS, albeit superficially. One example is illustrated through the character of Kris Phoenix, who renounces his previous lifestyle of promiscuity in favor of a semblance of monogamous relationships. Kris maintains a live-in girlfriend, Astrid, in his English abode, and another companion, Cybil, resides with him in California. Having indulged in a whirlwind of affairs across Europe and the United States over several years, Kris reaches a turning point around the age of thirty, opting for a more conscientious approach to his sexual conduct. By 1988, Collins herself reflects a heightened sense of social responsibility.

In the world of Collins, the quintessential antagonist often emerges as a prosperous entrepreneur, embodying the sinister aspects of American capitalism. Driven by an insatiable hunger for profit, these affluent magnates exhibit a chilling disregard for humanity. With a single-minded focus on enhancing their financial gains, they mercilessly discard, destroy, or eliminate anyone who dares obstruct their path to dominance and wealth.

One of the true joys for fans of Collins is the thrill of spotting glimmers of reality woven into her characters' personalities and escapades. Some suggest that because Collins navigates the rock music scene, a realm somewhat exotic for her, echoes of the past pulse through the vibrant pages of Rock Star. Nova Citroen, with her dazzling trove of jewelry and mesmerizing violet eyes, conjures images of the legendary screen siren Elizabeth Taylor.

Bobby Mondella's devastating "accident," which robbed him of his sight and derailed his career, eerily mirrors the misfortune that befell Teddy Pendergrass. Mondella's origins as a youthful performer evoke memories of "Sugar Chile" Robinson and the early days of "Little Stevie" Wonder. The enigmatic Zella Raven seems to channel the striking charisma of Grace Jones. Even Jackie Collins's own youthful rebellion, marked by her expulsion from school at 15, finds its way into Kris Phoenix's backstory.