NEW AUDIOBOOK - OUT NOW
W. F. Howes has joined forces with Atlantic Books imprint Allen & Unwin to produce and publish the audiobook for How to Be a Rockstar, the explosive new title from British rock superstar and frontman of Happy Mondays and Black Grape, Shaun Ryder.
Self-narrated by Ryder, the audiobook will give listeners an exclusive opportunity to hear Ryder’s new solo single, as well as additional music clips from his legendary career. It will also provide exclusive access to a joint interview with Ryder and his former bandmate and partner-in-crime Bez, led by Radio X host Adam Brown.
How to Be a Rockstar takes listeners on an epic journey of excess and hedonism spanning three decades. During this time Ryder formed and fronted two hugely successful bands, achieved number one albums, toured the world numerous times, headlined Glastonbury, spent time in rehab, launched a solo career, and became a national treasure in the process.
Sharing jaw-dropping stories of narcotic overload, debauchery on the tour bus, run-ins with record companies, drug dealers, and even the mafia, Ryder’s raw and unapologetic account provides a wickedly entertaining, warts-and-all guide on how to, and how not to be a rock star.
Shaun Ryder said: “In my audiobook I’ll tell you what it’s like to front two of Britain’s biggest rock groups and live the sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll dream. You’ll hear it from the horse’s mouth, and you know me, I’m not hiding anything. In my own voice, I’ll tell you the truth about some of the Happy Mondays and Black Grape myths, from me and Bez having guns pulled on us while buying crack in New York, to hanging out backstage with the Rolling Stones. But Audiobook fans won’t just listen to my dulcet tones, they’ll hear from Bez too, not to mention loads of music clips and an exclusive listen to some of my new material.”
Dominic White, Head of Publishing and Commerce at W. F. Howes, commented: “Shaun Ryder is a living legend who has made an undeniable impact on our music culture and inspired millions across different generations. In How to Be a Rock Star, he looks back over his illustrious career and personally treats us to a wealth of outlandish stories and exploits which have never been heard before. We are thrilled to have worked closely with Atlantic Books to create something very special. This title is already slated to be one of autumn’s unmissable audio releases—Shaun self-narrating, fresh new music, plus more audio-only features makes it even more compelling.”
Ed Faulkner, Publisher at Allen & Unwin UK, said:
“Having grown up listening to the Happy Mondays and Black Grape, there is no one better or funnier than the legendary Shaun Ryder to lift the lid on what it’s really like to be a rock star. We are delighted to partner with W.F. Howes to create this landmark audiobook version, featuring classic rock’n’roll stories all told in Shaun’s inimitable voice. Music fans everywhere are in for a treat.’
How to Be a Rockstar will be released on 10 October, exclusively by W.F. Howes in collaboration with Allen & Unwin. The hardback, trade paperback and ebook editions, published by Allen & Unwin, an imprint of Atlantic Books, will be published on 7 October.
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