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Nick Kent this week launched a new book |
Former Sex Pistol gunning for music industry
A RENEGADE music journalist and former member of the Sex Pistols has dished the dirt on the music industry in a book launched at an Archway pub on Tuesday.
Nick Kent, who has interviewed superstars Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash and Prince among countless others in his 40 years in the business, was at the Boogaloo pub in Archway Road to promote the revamped version of his warts-and-all music book, The Dark Stuff.
In his book, he tells to some of the most controversial and fascinating figures in 20th century music.
Mr Kent said: “It’s about what happens to someone who has genuine talent but is also very sensitive and messed up and gets thrown into the big ring of fame – whether they’re able to rise above it or if they’re destroyed by it.”
He told anecdotes about his time in the Sex Pistols, when Malcolm McLaren had just become their manager and they were looking for a lead singer.
He said: “We would drive around barmitzvahs and working men’s clubs, trying to steal the singers from other groups.
“Imagine it – the Sex Pistols, turning up at a 13-year-old’s barmitzvah, asking Cliff Richard impersonators if they wanted to be in the greatest band in the world. McLaren didn’t have a clue.”
Between personal portraits of Eminem and Syd Barrett, Mr Kent spat vitriol about Jerry Lee Lewis, Lou Reed and Sly Stone, as examples of how the music industry could turn people into giant egos. |
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