'Zappa The Hard Way' is the story of Frank Zappa's last ever world tour that ended in mutiny. In 1988 Frank Zappa toured with a twelve-piece band that had rehearsed for months, learned a repertoire of over 100 songs and played an entirely different set each night. It is why, in Zappa's own words, it was "the best band you never heard in your life" - a reference to East Coast American audiences who never got the chance to see this particular touring ensemble. Zappa appointed bass player Scott Thunes to rehearse the group in his absence. In carrying out this role, Thunes was apparently abrasive, blunt and rude to the other members and two factions quickly developed: Thunes and stunt guitarist Mike Keneally on the one side; the remaining nine band members on the other. The atmosphere deteriorated as the tour progressed through America and on to Europe. Before leaving Europe, Zappa told the band that there were ten more weeks of concerts booked in the USA and asked them: "If Scott's in the band, will you do the tour?" With the exception of Keneally, they all said "no". Rather than replace Thunes, Zappa cancelled almost three months of concerts and never toured again - claiming to have lost $400,000 in the process. 'Zappa The Hard Way' documents that tour. If you think touring can be fun, think again! Yes there were groupies and the usual paraphernalia associated with rock 'n' roll, but there was also bitterness and skulduggery on a scale that no one could imagine. Author Andrew Greenaway has interviewed the surviving band members and others associated with the tour to unravel the goings on behind the scenes that drove Zappa to call a halt to proceedings, despite the huge personal financial losses. This paperback edition includes a foreword by Zappa's sister Candy, and an afterword by Pauline Butcher, Zappa's former secretary and author of 'Freak Out! My Life With Frank Zappa', 'Zappa The Hard Way' might just be the best book you've never read in your life!

Zappa the Hard Way

Biographies & Memoirs

Greenaway, Andrew

Arts & Literature

Wymer UK

Steve Hackett has been at the forefront of inventive music and original playing for almost four decades. After his origins and "apprenticeship" in 70's progressive rock group; Genesis, he moved on through the passing trends of time in a unique and solitary fashion. Since his highly successful debut album in 1975, his music as a solo artist has encompassed a vast array of differing styles. Both influential and inspiring to other guitarists, Hackett has honed his skills, from the exciting techniques he pioneered on the electric guitar, to playing nylon-strung guitar with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra on some of his critically acclaimed, classical albums. In this, the first ever fully authorised biography, he reveals through many candid conversations with author and good friend; Alan Hewitt, the twists and turns that led to him being recognised as one of Britain's most revered and respected musicians; with contributions from family and friends, along with past and present collaborators. Following the 2009 hardback edition this 2012 paperback includes additional chapters and expanded appendices and takes us along the journey of his rich, diverse and exceptional musical career right up to the Beyond The Shrouded Horizon and Fire &amp; Ice releases.

Sketches of Hackett

Hewitt, Alan

Norfolk gives an impression of tranquillity, but smouldering beneath the surface is a history of dissent, upheaval and change. This county is a surprising hotbed of subversion. From the woman who challenged the might of the Roman Empire to the man who helped inspire and instigate the American Revolution, Norfolk's rebels have not only affected the county, but invariably the world. Fire In The Veins: Norfolk Rebels weaves them into a dark and violent, but vibrant tapestry of rebellion. It tells the stories of Norfolk's rebels, from Boudica; through other famous Norfolk figures such as Elizabeth Fry and Thomas Paine, Robert Kett and Edith Cavell to some of Norfolk's most well-known modern day rebels, including radio presenter and author Keith Skipper who also wrote the book's foreword. Even Norfolk's most famous and revered son Horatio Nelson had a rebellious streak that is explored in this new and riveting publication. Many of these characters are linked and weaved into the vibrant tapestry of rebellion that is our inheritance. With nearly 100 images included, and a beautifully written introduction by Joanna's husband, former Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett, this book depicts the many fine men and women of Norfolk who through the centuries have defended their ways, as only Norfolk people can.

Fire in the Veins: Norfolk Rebels

History

Lehmann-Hackett, Joanna

Europe

The story of a fanatical Marc Bolan fan who took his obsession to a completely different level! This is an amazing journey of one man's ambition and determination to bring to the people the sounds, the performance, the songs, the stage craft, and the imagery of his lifetime musical hero: The 1970s Glam Rock superstar Marc Bolan of T.Rex, who died in an untimely car accident on 16th September 1977 at only 29 years old. Danielz, the founder member of T.Rextasy, writes honestly and memorably from his teenage years as a Bolan fan watching T.Rex in concert. Then later striving to make it with his own original material. Recording with members of Gary Numan's band, Alex Harvey's, Ozzy Osbourne's, Iron Maiden, and others, through to his years in the most successful, credible, and endorsed live tribute band dedicated to Marc Bolan, recognised as the world's only official Marc Bolan tribute - T.REXTASY. Read about his exploits; the gigs, the countries, and the people he has met along the way: Slade, The Sweet, Ian Hunter (Mott The Hoople), Cockney Rebel, Ray Dorset (Mungo Jerry), Marc Almond (Soft Cell), Clem Burke (Blondie), Alvin Stardust, Linda Lewis, The Damned, Shakin' Stevens, and of course, T.Rex, Tony Visconti, Gloria Jones &amp; Rolan Bolan. Danielz story is also interwoven with fascinating tales about the very man who inspired him - Marc Bolan. Throughout the book stories are regaled by those who were close to Bolan and in turn have become associated with Danielz. He also writes about his acquisition of the Bolan master tapes and the subsequent releases of previously unissued Bolan recordings. With forewords by Tony Visconti, Rolan Bolan &amp; Marc Almond, this is an essential read for T.Rextasy and Bolan fans alike.

T.Rextasy - The Spirit of Marc Bolan

Danielz

Colin Hart, the former Deep Purple and Rainbow tour manager devoted over thirty years of his life to these great rock musicians. This is his story and indeed theirs. A tale of excess in terms of greed, petulance, anger and devotion. It is counter balanced by extremes of pure talent, showmanship and, of course musicianship. He was the constant 'man in the middle' through all of the break ups, make-ups and revolving door line-up changes. Joining them at twenty-four years old and leaving with a curt email dismissal thirty years later, he was there every step of their rock 'n' roll way. A story of two of the most innovative, often copied, rock bands; seen through the eyes, ears and emotions of their 'mother hen' (as Jon Lord described him). He was their minder, chauffeur, carer, provider, protector, father confessor & confidant. In truth he is the only one who can tell this tale of both bands as he was the only one there on the road throughout the life of, not one, but both gigantic bands.

A Hart Life

Hart, Colin

Allix, Dick

A Matter Of Fact is the perfect companion to Deep Purple's music. Full of bizarre, obscure and amazing facts that have surrounded the band throughout its career of over forty years. If you have ever had disagreements with fellow fans about various facts or want to test the biggest fan on just how good their Deep Purple knowledge is, then this is the book for you. * How did Ian Paice and Rod Evans end up supporting Deep Purple? * Why did Ritchie Blackmore's country and western guitar playing save him from a beating? * Why did Dire Straits' Mark Knopfler review a Purple gig? * Who first recorded versions of several Deep Purple songs, complete with an orchestra? * Did Deep Purple's explosive performance at Plumpton really prevent Yes from performing? * Who did Deep Purple sue for selling bootlegs? * Which big rock star did the band get in a spat with at Knebworth? * Why did the Bee Gees receive Purple's lifetime achievement award? * What was Deep Purple's involvement with a film about a sixteenth century naval explorer that never got produced? * Why were some of Deep Purple's recent gigs illegal? The answers to all these questions, and many more amazing facts are revealed in this captivating book. Based on interviews with band and road crew members, contemporary press articles, and drawing on management files, A Matter Of Fact helps to clarify the truth behind several stories. It also dispels some untruths once and for all, as well a few previously un-revealed new stories that will appeal to even the most diehard fans.

Deep Purple: A Matter Of Fact

Arts & Photography

Bloom, Jerr

Music

Rangers FC - 100 Facts

Sports & Outdoors

Clayton, David

Soccer

A comprehensive story of Deep Purple's golden years 1968-76, which saw the band come from nowhere to have a top 4 US hit with its debut single. Within two years the band was in the throes of potentially dissolving when the record company went into liquidation. Fortunately, focussing on their homeland in Britain, in 1970 they re-launched their career with the groundbreaking In Rock LP - the platform that ensured by 1973 Deep Purple was the biggest selling album artists in America. Band break-ups and in-fighting continually rocked the boat before finally calling it a day in 1976 after a brief UK tour. The Road of Golden Dust documents the ups and downs, drawing on the author's interviews with various band and road crew members including founding members Ritchie Blackmore, Jon Lord and Nick Simper, as well as interviews with Roger Glover, Glenn Hughes, roadie Ian Hansford and tour manager Colin Hart. Co-operation from the management company Deep Purple (Overseas) Ltd, including access to previously unpublished interviews, all help to unveil new stories that help to explain the whys and wherefores that shaped one of the greatest and most influential rock bands of all time.

The Road of Golden Dust

Bloom, Jerry

Between 1967-69 Henry Blofeld was fortunate to witness cricket on three continents. He followed the great West Indies side captained by Garry Sobers through its home series against England - to the 1968-9 Australian tour, and finally their early summer '69 tour of England.  Two main themes are explored throughout: The gradual demise of the West Indian side that included the likes of Lance Gibbs, Basil Butcher and Deryck Murray - but which also saw the emergence of future greats such as Clive Lloyd - and the link between a country's topography, style and endemic characteristics with the type of cricket it plays. These threads are skilfully woven together to highlight some great cricketing moments and analyse the humour and style of both the Australians and West Indians with thoughtful insight.

Cricket On Three Continents

Blofeld, Henry

Other Team Sports

When Kerry Packer appeared on the cricket scene in the late seventies he revolutionised the game.  Today's followers are used to coloured clothing and all the other razzmatazz that is now a part of cricket.  But back in 1977 Packer's intervention was divisive and nearly broke the game completely.  Players were ostracised by their nations and for a while it looked as if cricket might not survive.            Son of the newspaper tycoon Sir Frank Packer, the wealthy businessman shook the cricket world to the core.  Henry Blofeld observed the goings on from his position as both a commentator and writer.  In 1978 he compiled a detailed account of the events that unfolded, aided by his interviews with Packer, as well as the deposed English captain Tony Grieg.            He witnessed at first hand the Packer Tests in Australia; The Australia-India Test series; MCC play Pakistan and New Zealand; and finally the young Australian side that took on the 'Packer-filled' West Indies.  In a mere seven-week period he witnessed all the then six Test-playing nations playing Test cricket.  The first time that had been possible.            The Man Who Coloured Cricket is Henry Blofeld's detailed account of the developments that occurred throughout 1977-78.  It also shows concern for the human dimensions of the controversy.  The varied reaction of the English county players; overseas players; the legal tussles; the complex and surprising character of Packer himself; and the establishment figures with whom he did battle, are strands of the story expertly woven together to make a dramatic and moving story.            Complete with a new afterword in which Henry reappraises his thoughts, The Man Who Coloured Cricket  is a truly enthralling read for new and old cricket enthusiasts alike.

The Man Who Coloured Cricket

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