Strange Things Are Happening

Strange Things Are Happening begins with the wonder of a rainbow and continues with many escapades down the rabbit hole, from punk and the beginnings of the DIY scene to Acid House, psychedelia, the rise of electronic dance music, and more. Richard Norris has been involved in countless countercultural revolutions and his story is one of collaboration and community, fuelled by relentless psychedelic curiosity. The record is a celebration of a life lived in the moment, forever in thrall to discovery, exploration, and innovation.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 21 March 2024
Publisher: Orion Publishing Co

The rainbow spans across the vast expanse of the sky, extending its vibrant hues for countless miles, until it gracefully touches down right in the center of our field. My mother, Alison, stands at the very beginning, her presence marking the commencement of a new journey rather than the culmination of a quest for gold. This point, where everything is just beginning to take shape or perhaps still in the process of unfurling, holds a special place in my heart. It's a place brimming with endless possibilities, a realm alive with the potential for transformation.

Strange Things Are Happening takes its readers on a captivating journey, beginning with the awe-inspiring sight of that rainbow and continuing with a series of exhilarating escapades deep within the rabbit hole. From the punk movement's nascent days, to the birth of the DIY scene, the emergence of Acid House, the psychedelic revolution, the rise of electronic dance music, and much more, Richard Norris has been an integral part of countless countercultural revolutions. His story unfolds like a tapestry of collaboration and community, fueled by an insatiable curiosity for the unknown.

From his misadventures in the vibrant city of Amsterdam, where he shared moments with the legendary Timothy Leary, to his encounters with the enigmatic Sun Ra at customs, and even his involvement in the chaotic escapades of Shaun Ryder in Joe Strummer's battered Cadillac in Tijuana, Norris' life has been a testament to the power of collaboration and the boundless spirit of exploration. His extraordinary output in bands such as The Grid and Beyond The Wizards Sleeve serves as a testament to his profound influence in the world of music.

Strange Things Are Happening is a captivating record of a life lived in the present, forever entwined with the pursuit of discovery, exploration, and innovation. It is an odyssey of the spirit, a quest to uncover what lies beyond the rainbow's end. Through his words and experiences, Norris invites us to join him on this extraordinary journey, where the boundaries of reality and imagination intertwine, and where the possibilities for growth and transformation are endless.

Weight: 556g
Dimension: 164 x 242 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399609760