An Afternoon with Pamela Des Barres: A Rock ‘n’ Roll Dream

This past Sunday, I had the incredible privilege of spending an afternoon with the Pamela Des Barres at City Winery in Boston. For those not in the know, Miss Pamela is a woman deeply embedded in the rock renaissance—a muse, a storyteller, and one of the most beloved rock journalists of all time.

Did you know the iconic film Almost Famous and the character Penny Lane were inspired by her extraordinary life? That’s right—Pamela Des Barres is the real deal, living proof of the magic and allure of the rock ‘n’ roll era. From her wild adventures with Led Zeppelin to her role as a central figure in the music scene, she has lived the kind of life most of us only dream of.

Yes, Jimmy Page himself was once eating out of the palm of her hand, and that’s just the beginning of her fascinating stories.

Miss Pamela’s energy, humor, and candid charm filled the room as she shared tales of her days with the GTOs (Girls Together Outrageously), her friendships with rock legends, and the cultural shifts she witnessed firsthand. She has a way of making you feel like you’re right there with her—whether it’s backstage at a Zeppelin show or sitting in Frank Zappa’s kitchen.

Her groundbreaking memoir, I’m With the Band, is a must-read for anyone who loves music, history, or just a damn good story. It’s packed with insight, humor, and unfiltered memories that paint a vivid picture of the golden age of rock.

Meeting Miss Pamela, being in her aura, was a dream come true. I love her to pieces and left feeling inspired to embrace life with more boldness, creativity, and unapologetic passion. Here’s to the woman who lived it all and still shines brighter than ever.