Best-selling rock biographer Tony Fletcher to discuss memoir at city event

IN CONVERSATION: Tony Fletcher

By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor

Best-selling rock biographer Tony Fletcher will be talking about his new book, POW! When UK Punk Went Pop 1980-84, in an event at Union Mash-Up on Friday, September 18.

As well as reading from the book, Fletcher will be in conversation with Hull author Russ Litten and taking questions from the audience.

Fletcher has previously authored eleven books, including best-selling biographies of Who drummer Keith Moon, R.E.M. and The Smiths. He was also a teenaged music magazine publisher, creating the popular and influential fanzine Jamming!.

As well as interviewing rock stars including Paul McCartney, he also ran a record label, led a band, promoted concerts, and was a presenter on cult TV show The Tube.

Fletcher chronicled the early days of his life and career in Boy About Town (2013) but had enough extraordinary experiences left over for this colorful and engaging memoir, his publisher Trouser Press Books said.

‘COLOURFUL AND ENGAGING’: Tony Fletcher’s new book

The period 1980–84 was an explosive time in British rock, as the disruptive energy of bands like The Clash and Sex Pistols gave way to more sophisticated and chart-friendly genres and bands. Fletcher was on the front lines, running a record label with the Jam’s Paul Weller, attending all the important concerts and meeting the top acts, including Madness, Dexy’s Midnight Runners, Wham!, Echo & the Bunnymen, Killing Joke, Adam and the Ants, and The Smiths.

“This is a coming-of-age story, the tale of a naïve young man in a cultural whirlwind who learns some hard lessons about business, journalism, love and sex – all the while trying to get his own band a record deal,” Trouser Press Books said.

POW! costs £16.99 and will be on sale on the night courtesy of Hull independent bookseller JE Books.

Admission to the event in Princes Avenue is free and doors open at 7pm.