Existence is movement, and even the smallest, seemingly insignificant events can change the direction of a life for ever. The User’s Guide to Perpetual Motion is a series of relatively small incidents – entirely fictional – designed for me to explore character motivations and reactions and for you, hopefully, to enjoy. –––––––––– “I hope this doesn’t make […]
Existence is movement, and even the smallest, seemingly insignificant events can change the direction of a life for ever. The User’s Guide to Perpetual Motion is a series of relatively small incidents – entirely fictional – designed for me to explore character motivations and reactions and for you, hopefully, to enjoy. –––––––––– It felt like […]
Highlights of my work, including writing, television, radio, music and theatre output… ––––– April 13/04 – Meet the Band David Bowie ‘Climbed Over’ for Fame (Ultimate Classic Rock) 12/04 – Interview (SunnyG Radio) 12/04 – The Beatstalkers reunite for one night only (GlasgowLive) 12/04 – The Beatstalkers publication day (blog) 11/04 – Live […]
April 12, 2018 has been a long time coming. When I first spoke to Alan Mair in 2006, during research for another book, he told me about the events of June 11, 1965, that set his band The Beatstalkers onto a rollercoaster ride. When a free, open-air show in Glasgow’s George Square attracted 7000 people […]
My 17th book, The Beatstalkers: Scotland’s Number 1 Beat Group, is published on April 12 at a launch party in The Clutha, Glasgow. It will be available in limited-edition hardback and standard paperback editions, with worldwide availability. Here’s a brief extract from the story, which takes place just as the Beatstalkers were beginning to build […]
I’m beginning to agree with those who think that phones might actually destroy live music. In the past I didn’t really have a problem with people shooting wee video clips and checking themselves into venues, and keeping in touch with their mates during the show. After all, it’s a social experience, and everyone’s entitled to […]
THE BEATSTALKERS: Scotland’s Number 1 Beat Group Scotland’s first-ever pop stars tell their story in official book, including their rise to fame, working with David Bowie, the Kinks and others, and how they managed to stay friends as the music industry tried to crush them. By band members David Lennox (vocals), Alan Mair (bass), Ronnie Smith (guitar), Eddie […]
Highlights of my work, including writing, television, radio, music and theatre output… Ultimate Classic Rock articles, December 2017 – Dream Theater, Bruce Dickinson, Dire Straits, Robert Plant, Dio, Judas Priest, Metallica and more Diffuser.fm articles, December 2017 – Noel Gallagher, Liam Gallagher, Josh Homme, Chris Cornell, Tears for Fears, Tom DeLonge, Morrissey and more Dec […]
Another ten wee episodes from the story of my life, following on from part one, part two and part three. Five to go then I’ll shut up, I promise… 31. My death-defying mountain climb 1980ish… There’s a lovely wee sea bay at Cwmtydu (“Coom-tidi” will do for our purposes) in west Wales, a striking little […]
An abstract list of moments that led up to me arriving at the age of 45 last week, items 21 to 30. The first lot and second lot seem to have been well-received. It’s proving incredibly interesting to write about myself, something I’ve never found easy before. More to follow! 21. I lost an afternoon […]