Like hordes of others, best-selling author Dave Dawson has spent decades crisscrossing the country as a solo full-time professional musician. During his 30 years on the road, he has performed thousands of shows before tens of thousands of people, yet still remains one of the army of anonymous entertainers who literally sing for their supper, as part of the Never Ending UK Tour. From pubs to clubs, dives to luxury hotels, theatres to gardens, and hen nights to care homes, there’s hardly a live environment that he hasn’t encountered, enjoyed or endured.
Along the way, he’s had brushes with fame and fandom, strippers and stalkers, crooks and colourful characters, pissed-up punters and prima donnas… and has banked a wealth of experience at the brunt of the live music circuit.
In this, his fifth book, Dave takes the reader with him as he encounters the Great British Public head on with only a microphone stand and an ad-lib to hide behind. Alongside light-hearted and cautionary tales, Pop Idle provides an invaluable insight into the pleasures and perils that await anyone dedicated or mad enough to want to forge a path into the music industry at the bottom rung of the showbiz ladder
Dave Dawson, under the pseudonym Dave Philpott, is the co-author of the cult comedy bestsellers, Dear Mr. Kershaw, Dear Mr Pop Star, Grammar Free In The UK and Dear Catherine Wheel.
What did I think?
What an eye-opener! When I've enjoyed listening to singers in a pub or club, I've never really thought about what goes on behind the scenes although I could imagine some of it, especially the difficulty getting paid part. Dave Dawson's Pop Idle is a no holds barred 30 years in the life of a singer and it's as interesting as it is entertaining.
Dave Dawson would be the answer if I was ever asked the question: "If you could have a pint with anyone past or present, who would you choose?" I could listen to his stories for hours if they're anything like the anecdotes in this fabulous book.
Behind the glitz and glamour there is blood, sweat and tears. This book made me laugh so often but it also made me think about how hard it actually is to make it in the music business. Cash is indeed king and it's no secret that artists get ripped off by agents and record labels, but it's even harder to get hard-earned money out of a pub or club.
Written with honesty and humour, Pop Idle is the most entertaining and hilarious non-fiction book I have read this year. A highly recommended read.
I received a digital ARC from the author and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
My rating:
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