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Before It Went Rotten: The Music That Rocked London's Pubs 1972-1976

Before It Went Rotten: The Music That Rocked London's Pubs 1972-1976

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  • More about Before It Went Rotten: The Music That Rocked London's Pubs 1972-1976


Before It Went Rotten explores the vibrant music scene in London before punk, tracing the evolution of pub-rock from rock and roll revival acts to the sound that became punk rock in 1976. The book features interviews with former members of various bands and considers what would have happened if McLaren's band had never been around.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 21 September 2023
Publisher: Oldcastle Books Ltd


Before It Went Rotten takes a nostalgic journey back to the vibrant world of music before the emergence of punk. In the late 1970s, London was buzzing with energy as it emerged as a hub for one of the most dynamic music scenes in the world. A network of mainly Irish-owned pubs and clubs played a crucial role in nurturing and showcasing emerging talent, providing a platform for musicians to experiment and express themselves freely. This book delves into the evolution of what became known as "pub rock," tracing its roots from rock and roll revival acts to late blues bands, country rock, funk, soul, and art school bands. It explores the career of influential artists such as Brinsley Schwarz, the Southend bands, and the rise of the iconic Sex Pistols. Interviews with former members of bands like Fumble, Darts, the John Dummer Blues Band, Blue Goose, Legend, Eddie and the Hot Rods, Brinsley Schwarz, Bees Make Honey, Ducks de Luxe, Kokomo, Roogalator, Burlesque, Kilburn and the High Roads, GT Moore and the Reggae Guitars, Clancy, the Fabulous Poodles, the Sex Pistols, and Meal Ticket provide firsthand accounts and insights into this overlooked era. The book is extensively researched, drawing on contemporaneous reviews and articles from the music press of the time. It offers a comprehensive and definitive study of a period that played a significant role in shaping the musical landscape of the time. By examining the impact of McLaren's band and the influence they had on the music scene, Before It Went Rotten invites readers to contemplate what might have been different if their presence had never existed. This captivating book is a must-read for music enthusiasts, historians, and anyone interested in exploring the roots of punk rock and the vibrant music scene that preceded it.

Weight: 456g
Dimension: 234 x 152 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780857305749

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