Diary of an Ardent Fan

The phenomenal Val Kilmer (1959-2025) has released a few books.

One his autobiography, a few poetry books (all in a picture below) and a book of his one man play called Citizen Twain.

This review is about one of his poetry books called Val Kilmer: Cowboy Poet Outlaw Madman, as well as his book Citizen Twain: A One-Man Play Written, Produced, Directed And Performed by Val Kilmer.

As I said, Val Kilmer: Cowboy Poet Outlaw Madman is a series of poems Val wrote between the 1970s all the way to 2020.

I’ve never had the greatest understanding of poems, but I think if you can write poetry, that is quite a talent.

And Val, being the extremely talented artist he was (He sadly passed away April 1 of this year, actually four days before I’m typing this.), he seems to have written poems effortlessly.

I’ve included pictures of two of his poems from the book as examples of his creativity as a poet.

If you are a fan of poetry and of course a fan of Val’s then this book is for you.

In the book Citizen Twain: A One-Man Play Written, Produced, Directed And Performed By Val Kilmer, Val takes the reader through the script of his one man play Citizen Twain, which is a fictionalized tale of Mark Twain.

Val toured this show around the United States (I wish I could’ve seen a show!!) and actually filmed it too and called it Cinema Twain. However, Cinema Twain has yet to be released, outside of screenings that Val put together.

I hope Cinema Twain will come out someday because just from reading the script and seeing pictures from the play Citizen Twain, it really shows off Val’s acting craft and creativity as a writer.

I’ve been a fan of Val’s for many years, but it never truly dawned on me until a few years how creative Val was.

The word genius or icon are used too often and is not always deserved.

However, for Val Kilmer, those words and so many more great words are deserved.

Val was and always will be one of the best at what he did.

I know he rubbed some people the wrong way and I’m sorry about that.

But he did things his way and he did it extremely well.

If you can find both of these books (I purchased both of them for my girlfriend Mariah. I actually got one of the last copies of the Citizen Twain book available on Val’s website before they sold out, and Val signed it!!) please get them.

They really showcase Val’s talent beyond just acting.

Val was and always will be a truly brilliant artist.

We will forever miss you Val!!

I saw another singer for the very first time.

Michael Monroe, the singer of Hanoi Rocks!!

Hanoi started in the late 70s and broke up in the mid 80s.

After that, Michael started a solo career until Hanoi reunited for several years before returning to be a solo artist.

Michael’s band includes Steve Conte and Rich Jones on guitars, Sami Yaffa (also of Hanoi Rocks) on bass (although Todd Kerns is filling in for him on this tour), and Karl Rockfist on drums.

Michael sings, and plays harmonica and some saxophone.

Michael is the ultimate rock and roll frontman.

He still sings great, is a ball of energy, all over the stage, off the stage interacting with fans and just getting closer with the audience, and does all of this well.

He’s still making great albums and does plenty of his solo material, Hanoi Rocks songs, and some covers in concert too.

I’m glad I finally got to see Michael and his great band.

I thank my friend Kevin Montavon, who I went to the show with, for giving me a free ticket. Thank you man!!

The openers, Sweet Gypsy and Pettibone, both rocked and were good too, but make no mistake, I and everyone was there to see Michael Monroe.

He does not play in the United States much. This was the first time in 9 years he’s been here, although he said on stage at this show that he intends to come here more. So here’s hoping.

And people are coming far and wide for this tour (10 dates). I met one lady who came from Delaware to see this show, and she actually saw the other two shows before this one (this was the 3rd show so far on the tour) and she is going to another one in Las Vegas soon. Michael is her favorite artist and she’s even traveled to Finland (where Michael is from) to see him. I love that.

Anyway, another great show for the books.

Thanks Kevin for the ticket. Thanks to Sweet Gypsy and Pettibone for pumping up the crowd before Michael and his band came on (I also got Pettibone’s set list too and have posted it below). And thank you Michael Monroe for all the great music and you and your band please keep on rocking because we need you.

Oh and thanks for giving me the thumbs up and wave at the beginning and putting the microphone in front of me at one point when you were interacting with the fans. You rock!!