Greg is pondering a life of fame and fortune, quickly realising that your life is not your own – having to sign autographs, smile constantly even if you don’t feel like it, and hide any embarrassing facts or moments in your life.

But what about being a friend of someone famous? That would be perfect – all of the perks and none of the annoying stuff.

Greg’s big brother Roderick is the drummer in a rock band called Diper Överlöde, and Roderick’s dream is to be famous. The first step is winning the local Battle of the Bands competition. They begin in earnest, using a past winner as inspiration.

But as in many bands, getting members to agree on social media and marketing strategy, what songs to play on an album, who is going to carry the the heavy parts of their equipment, or what art will be on their first album cover – is timing consuming if not impossible.

They certainly didn’t plan for their ageing vocalist to need nana naps, a court summons about the band’s name, Roderick leaving his drumsticks at home, or his idol to tell them not to bother.

This is a hilarious list of how to do everything wrong when wanting your band to become rich and famous.

It has lots of wise advice, but told by Greg in his usual diary style of fun, dread and entertaining mishaps, among illustrations on every page.

No.17 in the Diary of the Wimpy Kid series – this episode comes with a competition. Buy a copy and go in the draw to win your own electric guitar.

Author / Illustrator – Jeff Kinney

Age – 9+

(2022, Penguin NZ, Funny, Laugh out loud, Humour, Series, Band, Rock Music, Fame, Famous, Rich, Wealthy, Dream, Competition, Brothers, Siblings, Band members, Roadie)