Books!

Boy, would my high school English teacher be proud of me! After two years the book came to light. I tried to write my story 20 years ago, then 10 years ago, but the time wasn't right. I had to do more living and loving to tell the whole story. Two years ago I was approached by Monica Chakraverty of HarperCollins to write an autobiography. She was the editor of Hugh Cornwell (The Stranglers) when he wrote about his life (Hugh Cornwell -- A Multitude Of Sins). Over the years I've been asked to publish my anecdotes (some mostly printable), and this was an offer I couldn't refuse. Writing a book requires a plan, an outline and a timeline. I asked my good buddy Richard Havers to keep me honest and my story accurate and he would send me clippings from newspapers of the 70s that I really forgot about. But once my memory was jogged there was no stopping me. A good way to remember certain periods was to listen to records I had produced at the time. Music unlocks memories and emotions. I didn't want to remember certain things, but the exercise helped me to exorcise several old demons. The writing turned out to be therapy, but mostly a lot of fun.

I really pounded the keys, I didn't dictate this book. I think this website got me into shape for long sessions running late into the night. When I felt there was something for Richard to see I zapped the text to a village near Edinburgh, Scotland. When I woke up I'd brew a pot of coffee and have a chat with Richard via iChat and an Apple iSight camera. Richard would revise my text and sometimes I'd revise his. As usual I left a lot of the book to the last possible minute and found myself on the lovely island of Kauai pounding the keys for four solid days and sending the last few revisions to Richard.

The book is now available in bookshops all over the UK and on import in many European countries. There is no date for a book release in any other country, including the USA, but we are confident that it won't take long. If you must have this book now you can order it directly from Amazon.co.uk. I am told that it gets to the USA in as little as five days.

On February 5th the book was officially released and I flew to London on my favourite airline (Virgin) in my favourite class (Upper). This amazing service has individual cubicles with comfy seats that turn into beds. If you're lucky enough, the on-board therapist will give you a neck and shoulder massage or a hand and arms massage. I opted for the latter.

Jane Beaton, chief of publicity and her assistant, Ann Bissell kept me busy for two weeks. I signed about 1,000 copies between HarperCollins in house (publisher's jargon: a signed book is a sold book) and at three outside book signing events. I was interviewed on many radio shows, often sitting in just one studio at BBC radio and speaking to a new interviewer every 10 minutes. I did some television interviews too. All in all, I was a very new experience for me. I think I'm going to have to write another book -- I'm hooked!

My feet in Virgin's Upper Class.


Kevin Rowlands of Dexy's Midnight Runners
who was at the BBC as a fill-in DJ.


Paul Coyte, DJ at Capitol Radio


With Tom Robinson, of Tom Robinson Band,
now a DJ at BBC Radio 6.

I was interviewed for TV show London Tonight by Steve Hargrave at the Roundhouse in Chalk Farm.

Oh Calcutta

No, that's not me, that's a photo from a performance of Oh Calcutta in the 70s. I played with David Bowie and Hype on that stage in 1969.

Here's a photo of that night taken by
legendary stardust photographer Ray Stevenson.


Here's the Roundhouse in 2003.

Karima Francis

I mixed business with pleasure and saw an amazing gig by Karima Francis, a 20-year old singer from Manchester. What an amazing voice she has! Her songs are convoluted tales of passion. We met after her show and talked about the possibility of working together.