Ronnie Lane’s story is that of a working-class kid who started his musical career busking a ukulele at the age of eight. As a young man he signed with legendary manager Don Arden, who paid him in paisley shirts. He then enjoyed a phenomenal 17 consecutive Top 40 singles, womanising and LSD, and fell under the spell of a mystic before joining forces with Rod Stewart. Ronnie was later diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, moved to America, went broke and died far too young.
Drawing on extensive research and interviews with friends and family, Caroline and David Stafford unearth the truth and talent of the man behind the music.
'Essential reading for anyone interested in the life and work of one of the true originals of British 60's music' Louder Than War
'Lane's life and career are recounted with creative flair and atmosphere, in an evocative portrait' 4**** Record Collector
'Droll and tender. This biography of the Small Faces star is told with compassion and affection, but without lachrymose sentiment' iNews
'A story told with great understanding and wit…' Choice Magazine
'A spirited and heartfelt account of Ronnie’s amazing life and music’ Charlie Hart, Slim Chance
'A supremely readable biography.... the Staffords tell their story with accuracy and significant wit and it's shot through with larger-than-life characters' Classic Rock, 8/10
'The authors have assiduously researched their subject. Affectionate and ultimately affecting.' Shindig!
'Caroline and David Stafford display the same dry wit and careful research that informed their previous excellent biographies. A thoughtful study of how Ronnie coped both with fame and encroaching illness, which doesn't shy away from his contradictions, but is written with genuine fondness, a sentiment apparently shared by many who knew him.' Spectator
'This book captures the man and his incredible musical and personal journey in a celebratory way, but also handles his terribly sad ending sensitively. I raise a glass to both the book and to Plonk and say thank you for both' Mark Baxter, author of Scorcha!
Publication Date: 17.08.23
ISBN: 9781913172534
Extent: 320 pages
Format: Hardback
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