A Trip Through Ladbroke Grove
The Life and Times of Underground Hero
Steve Peregrin Took
Author/Editor/Compiler: Fee
Warner
Limited edition hardback book.
Hand numbered 250 Copies.
Steve Took has often been
consigned to a mere footnote in rock music’s illustrious and controversial
existence, this book finally elevates his status, and as you will read
deservedly so.
Firstly it deals with the
Marc Bolan and Tyrannosaurus Rex period with clarity and some honest talking,
“Tooky” was never the sidekick or just that “bloke” with Bolan, he was in fact
an equal partner and just as important to the sound and creation of the whole
bands concept.
Then it goes into the whole
crazy world of the underground scene taking in The Deviants, Pink Fairies, Hawkwind,
Motorhead, David Bowie, Syd Barrett and even the MC5.
In fact I have to say from my
own personal perspective that this is one of the most fascinating anecdotal
books written and compiled on the underground with comments and memories from a
host of respected writers and musicians including Mick Farren, Michael Moorcock,
Nik Turner, Lemmy, Larry Wallis and Russell Hunter.
Add to this highly
interesting and, at times perhaps controversial, comments from close family,
friends and collaborators, what we end up with is a detailed look into the
world of “Tooky” which also reflects the whole scene as it moved and changed
withy the times.
As if this wasn’t enough we
are treated to many previously unseen photographs, some fascinating press
cuttings, reprints of original interviews and some stunning illustrations.
Has to be said that even the
books design is a sight to behold, each section perfectly laid out in green,
red and black text, oh and a really nice touch is the ribbon bookmark attached
to the hardback.
Not since Jonathan Green’s
1988 book ‘Days in the Life: Voices from the English Underground, 1961-71’, has
so much amazing information been forthcoming from those who were there and nice
to hear it directly from them, they tell it as it was, sometimes that can be
uncomfortable, Lemmys son Paul Inder is a great example of words from the heart
with no agenda other than honesty.
Anyone who has more than a
passing interest in rock history would do well to purchase a copy, you may not
really know Steve Took at the beginning of the book but by the end you will
have a greater understanding of the contribution he made to music and the lives
of the people around him.
Books written with this much
dedication, love and attention to detail are few and far between, Fee Warner is
to be commended on producing one of the best music books I have ever read.
Steve Took Official Website:
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