ROCK 'N' ROLL SWEEPSTAKES

Assembling many of the best Mott the Hoople, Ian Hunter and Mick Ronson collections, recovering rare and lost artwork, and providing unheard historical background to reissues, Ian's recent monolithic, 30-disc box set was curated by Campbell and garnered five-star acclaim. Here the two have collaborated on Hunter's authorised biography. As the face and voice of Mott the Hoople, and an inspirational solo artist, Hunter has created incredible rock music that continues to influence groups, writers and musicians today. Fuelled by his 1950s rock 'n' roll idols Jerry Lee Lewis and Little Richard, and the poetic writing and vocal style of Bob Dylan, Ian honed his musicality in various bands playing in Britain and Germany. After a decade of determination and desire, he served a tough apprenticeship and made his breakthrough in 1969, joining Herefordshire band Silence and Island Records. Mentored and renamed Mott the Hoople by manic A&R man Guy Stevens, Ian became the band's distinguishing asset via his songs, his image and his attitude. Here are the big sleeves, even bigger hair, neck scarves and sunglasses, football matches, musicians and gigs playing until 'blood flowed from my fingers.' The Mott the Hoople years were turbulent and tempestuous and the band became a totemic part of 70s rock culture attracting great crowds and critical praise until recent reunion tours. Interviewees include celebrity fans together with candid first-hand accounts, unseen images and memorabilia, in-depth song commentaries and full discography and there is a foreword by Queen's Brian May. 'After All the Young Dudes, a wider field opened up and over 200 people have assisted directly on this project...' It covers the formation, David Bowie's intervention as a fan of the band, and rise to international stardom as well as their acrimonious breakup in this first volume. Roll away the stone! 528pp, many photos including colour.