Utopia Avenue

David Mitchell, (the author, not the comedian and actor) has written this novel about two years in the life of a British band formed in 1967. Folksinger, Elf Holloway, blues base guitarist, Dean Moss, guitarist Jasper de Zoet and jazz drummer, Griff Griffin combine their extensive talents to form a psychedelic, pop, rock, folk band named Utopia Avenue. 

The story of how these musicians met and learned to work together to showcase their music forms the basis of the novel which is divided into sections reflecting their three LPs. Music runs throughout the novel, not just the story of the band and the lives of the individual band members, but scattered throughout the book are names of musicians from the late 1960s. For those of us who grew up in the 1960s the book takes us on a musical trip back to our youth.

The book is definitely about life in the 1960s and sex, drugs and rock ' n' roll, but it also portrays four very different individuals as they have the chance to develop their talent and be accepted in the higher regions of the pop music world at that time. 

As the story evolves  all the characters have to come to terms with who they really are and decide on the lives they really want to live. Dean struggles to reconcile his relationship with his father. As a person with schizophrenia, Jasper also has to face his demons from the past as well as in the present. Each chapter focusses on one character but through that character's story the story of the group as a whole is devolped. I really enjoyed through fiction this brief glimpse into a world of music past.

Roadies: the secret history of Australian rock 'n' roll

One of our mates at the gym is a roadie and he often entertains Robin with stories of some of his experiences. Consequently when he mentioned that his story was to be part of a book on roadies I reserved a copy from the library.

Stuart Coupe has written this book after interviewing Australian roadies about their experiences working in the music industry. Forty-one chapters describe not only the general work of the roadies who are an essential element in ensuring that the show is successful, but also provides accounts of touring with individual entertainers.

Chapter five entitled How Weird is devoted to the experiences and antics of Howard Freeman. Howard's family has been involved with show business for four generations so it was logical for him to continue the connection. He has toured with many of the major Australian bands over the years including Sherbert, Dragon and Jimmy Barnes as well as overseas acts. After reading this chapter of the book all I can say is that it is a miracle that Howard has survived.

All in all this book is an interesting account of the music industry from the perspective of those who work behind the scenes.