Never Mind the Bollards

Strap yourself in for a magical musical ride to the very core of England's rock 'n' roll heritage. Bulging with stories, facts and anecdotes and crammed with rare archive photographs, Never Mind the Bollards showcases English rock and pop music's biggest stars and wildest characters, visiting the places where these musical heroes grew up and hung out. The book focuses on the enduring heroes and legends of English rock and pop music from The Beatles and the Rolling Stones, to the Smiths, Blur and Oasis as well as some of England's unsung heroes. It delves into the stories behind the songs and visits the places that have inspired a million song lyrics: from Waterloo Bridge to Penny Lane, Primrose Hill to Solsbury Hill and Billericay to Totnes. From Battersea Power Station to Dungeness, this book tours the locations where the famous and not-so-famous album sleeves were shot and discovers the locations where some of the best pop videos were filmed. In addition there are quirky stories throughout from informative to scandalous and humorous; themed playlists from anti-Thatcher tracks to songs that evoke the seasons and it also encourages readers to recreate their own album cover with partners, friends and a camera phone. Rock history told through landmark locations Traces the development of each musical scene and genre Showcases English rock and pop music's stars and characters Presents momentous gigs and places where these musical heroes grew up and hung out Crammed with stories, facts, anecdotes and photographs