Never mind the beer, what about the music?

Burton-on-Trent has played host to some of the biggest names in popular (and unpopular) music.  The walls of places like the old Kevin Ballroom, Jubilee Hall, Paradise Club, 8 Bar Rest and the small, but mighty, 76 Club and numerous others, have resounded to the sound of Gene Vincent, the Kinks, Thin Lizzy, AC/DC, Sex Pistols, Dire Straits and many, many more.  Not forgetting the – often overlooked – abundance of home-grown talent, all find a place in the book.

Through Skiffle, Jazz, Rock, Beat, Prog. & Heavy Rock and Punk, from the 1950s, 60s and 70s, all accompanied by the most important element – those watching and listening.  Over 270 pages, packed with photographs, black and white and colour.  Complete with a comprehensive list of groups/performers who appeared in the town throughout the period.

Here for the first time in print the story of live music in Burton, the clubs, the groups and, of course, the people – both on-stage and off.

Those that came to ROCK THIS TOWN.

The clubs are long gone, but if you were there, or just wish you were there, then grab yourself a copy of this prime piece of Burtonian musical history.

Available now, price £12.99 plus p + p.

Direct from the author, Rob Cox:

Telephone: (01283) 563953
Email: oldmoan@btopenworld.com
Website:  www.rockthistown.org.uk

Or purchase a copy at:
The Magic Attic, Swadlincote.
Pete Oakley Music, Station Street, Burton on Trent
Waterstones, Coopers Square (available from 1st of December 2007 onwards)

ROCK THIS TOWN

The book covers all types of live music in Burton on Trent, from the late 1950s through to 1980.  Taking in Skiffle, Rock and Roll, the Beat Music boom, Progressive Rock, Heavy Rock, Glam Rock, Punk and Reggae.  It encompasses all the venues/clubs functioning in the town, such as the 76 Club, Paradise Club, Jubilee Hall, Kevin Ballroom/Drill Hall, 8 Bar Rest (Jazz), Barley Mow Folk Club, Technical College Vaults and Town Hall.   It also features chapters on nearby venues, including Swadlincote Rink, tutbury Palladium and Hatton and rolleston Youth Clubs (all of which, with the exception of the Town Hall no longer functioning as live music venues, most have disappeared from the landscape)

There are first hand accounts and anecdotes of gigs and related articles from group members, club owners, managers, bar staff, organisers, bouncers, roadies, and those in the audience.

Though some of the town’s most notorious live music events are covered in some detail the emphasis is very much on local groups.

The book is over 270 pages, with more than 70 photographs and illustrations, in black and white and colour.  There are lists of the bands who have appeared, as well as the venues they appeared at throughout
The author, Robert Cox, a local lad, has interviewed many people to obtain first hand accounts of events, and compiled a comprehensive amount of details from local newspapers etc.
The book will appeal to all ages, and anyone with an interest in local history and those with an interest in all forms of music, pretty much the whole town!

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