This is the true story of one aspiring band’s out-of-control, flat spin and predictable nosedive into rock ‘n’ roll obscurity. It’s a torrid, tragic yet hilarious tale that will surely strike a chord with many a band out there. Because these guys weren’t going to go down quietly, they would go kicking and screaming with a defiant, united swagger, and a firmly-raised middle finger directed at the tide of indifference, musical and cultural, of the prejudices of their times.Share their journey as all their hopes, dreams and ambitions crash and burn, then apparently sink without trace, buried for all eternity... until now. For just like a fully preserved fossil, uncovered after nigh on a quarter of a century, their real story can at last now be retold in all its salacious detail. The filth and the fury, the divisions and the dirt, exposed and relayed just as ye gods of rock would have decreed. It’s a very personal, honest, warts an’ all account drawn from the diary entries of the band’s frontman and lead vocalist, Matt Fielder.Through all the ups and downs, tears, beers and occasional cheers of life in an outmoded, but still gigging heavy rock band in the 1990s. From its humble beginnings to its ill-fated ‘Storm over London’ tour and inevitable demise, It’s raw, it’s raucous, it’s rock ‘n’ fucking roll… and you know you are going to love It!
Matt Fielder is a prolific writer who has previously had work published as a food critic, columnist and journalist for The Richmond and Twickenham Times, as well as just about every other local newspaper and magazine in Surrey. He is also a renowned compère and MC of many events both large and small up and down the country, as well as an accomplished kids and adult party DJ. He is, however, perhaps best known locally for being a rock singer and fronting many bands over the years. He currently has an album out 21-Gun Salute by the United Kingdom of Rock, showcasing his work and gigs regularly on the pub circuit with classic rock cover band Ransom. He has been married for 30 years to his wife, Alicia, and they have two children – Ryan (16) and Zosia (11) – and they live in Fetcham, Surrey. Although a contributor to many publications over the years, this is in fact his first officially published book of any description.
Customer
Reviews
13 reviews
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What a Brilliant insight of a band that I saw gig loads of times in the 90s I also booked them a few times while working at the red lion in Brent Ford so it was amazing that my old boss Brian Peters got a mention. Matt the author takes you through his journey with humor and a certain panache, trying his damnedest to make it big in a very hard Music industry while also dealing with the trials and tribulations of life. The title of this book says it all! “You know you love it” It’s a Rock n Roller-coaster read that you will Love.
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Having seen Hurricane Jane a couple of times I was quite intrigued to hear the story of them and Matt's exploits.
I had a lot of laugh-out-loud moments reading the book. Even if you don't know anything about the band or Matt you should still give it a read.
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A true account, to keep you smiling
I loved Matt's book. He writes honestly, to the point, and sets me laughing out loud at many points. This is a funny but heart-filled book about Matt's efforts to achieve 'the year of the Jane'.
Everyone will enjoy this book. If you have ever had the good fortune to meet Matt, even more so.
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Totally & utterly brilliant! Matt writes beautifully and poetically straight from the heart. Found it hard to put down as thoroughly entertaining with so many funny tales and anecdotes it really is a laugh a minute. Would highly recommend it.
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A brilliant memoire of Matt"s life
Matt will make you smile at his honest account of his journey through the world of the rock business.
It is written showing his path along the way. This book will have you laughing out loud but also reflecting on his journey. A must-read, I enjoyed it from beginning to end.
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I loved this book Matt is a gifted writer who takes us on a journey and wow what a journey it is too! he tells the story of his band 'Hurricane Jane' through the good times and the bad the gigs that went well and those not so well warts and all honest tale of how hard it is for unsigned bands to make it in the music industry which will resonate with many bands out there today, the story moves along at pace with so many laugh out loud moments a hilarious look behind the scenes of a band who were determined to break through and each year wondering if it would be the year of the 'Jane'
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What a Journey this book takes you on a roller coaster of emotions. Having frequented a number of the establishments Matt writes about and seeing HJ in a number of incarnations I found myself transported back to those days of hopes and dreams, wearing spandex (coz it was cool then) and being totally immersed in the Rock Scene. I found myself laughing out loud, cringing, and crying all in a matter of a few chapters with this book and could totally not put it down until I finished it. You know I did Love it Matt and big love for the memories xx
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I only met Matt about 6 months ago and instantly loved his fun-loving personality. Reading this book is like sitting in a pub, having drinks, and Matt telling you how it went. He Keeps you interested, entertained, and amused, and draws out your emotions too! You don't want to put the book down because you need to know what happens next! Matt has a heart of gold and a sense of humor some comedians can only dream of. We are already hoping we don't have to wait too long for the next book! Highly recommend this book to anyone.
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This book is killer, what a funny fella he is too! Very honest account and what an amazing story. Loved the hilarious references to scenes from films and TV as well. I think anyone who has ever been in a band can relate to this, but it’s not exclusive and Matt invites everyone into this very heartwarming and brutally honest account of his life in the music industry and beyond, The Polish adventure in particular, had me in stitches! I actually picked this book up to take on holiday with me but started reading it on the plane and just couldn’t put it down. In fact, the stewardess came over to me and asked me why I was laughing so much, so I told her and she said “I’ll have to buy a copy” so that’s one more sold for sure. I really cannot recommend this book highly enough. Can I give it six stars.?
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I a well-written book. A real page-turner that will keep you entertained till the end is also very humourous.It took you on a journey about his band Hurricane Jane and trying to get a break in the music industry which is a very competitive industry. Personally, it mentioned places in Richmond and Twickenham which I know so well, and took you through the story of how he met and married his wife. Very lovely story ❤️. Please give it a read Matt is a lovely genuine guy who is very funny. Also if you have a free Friday or Saturday night see if you can catch him singing with his current band Ransom " More than just a pub band" You will have a night to remember
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Wow, I could not put this book down. So well written. I laughed, cried, and was shocked in places. It shows how hard Matt has worked and has never given up on his dream. I wish I had known him in these years and seen him play. I have now seen him with his bandmates in Ransom and I think the music industry in the 90’s missed out on a great showman and star.
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Okay, seeing as how I've known the infamous Author since the 1980's it was hard to give an unbiased, honest review.
Actually, it wasn't that hard because the book is either laugh-out-loud funny or my sense of humor is warped. Honestly, It's a great read with Matt writing along the lines of Spike Milligan and his War memoirs. I haven't finished it yet so I'm expecting some more serious parts to emerge but so far, it's brilliant, funny, sharp, and witty. Unlike me, who happens to be warped and shi- oh never mind, buy it and judge for yourselves. If you're remotely into rising Rock bands and have a sense of humor, I can strongly recommend it. I gave 5 stars because that's all I was allowed to give! Cheers Matt and the band!
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Matt Fielder is undoubtedly a talented poet, lyricist, and born performer and after reading his memoirs you can add writer to his CV! You Know You Love It is his memoir of being the frontman of heavy rock n roll band Hurricane Jane in the 1990s.
Matt has a way with words; he’s funny, irreverent, honest, and completely real. Join Matt on his crazy ride of being in an aspiring rock band. Matt shoots from the hip and is always very self-deprecating. His memoirs have been compared to Spinal Tap, but this story is true!
With a real-life cast of many colorful characters (some who I know personally!), this is the story of one band’s overwhelming desire to succeed in the rock n roll industry, despite the frequent knockbacks.
Matt’s writing is real and raw and he is so, so funny. What you see (or in this case what you read!) is what you get with Matt! He tells his band’s story and how he remembers it and there were many laugh-out-loud moments along the way—so looking forward to Matt’s next book. Matt still enjoys being in a band today and regularly performs with the excellent Ransom. Follow Matt and Ransom on social media and next time Ransom is playing, why not pop along? An entertaining 5-star read from me!
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