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I'm Nearly Famous
Book can be ordered at www.tonyriversbook.com
Tony Rivers autobiography.A large section of the book is focused on the crazy Cliff Richard era. We worked not only with Cliff, but many other artists from Elton and George Michael on Live Aid to making hits including a number One with Shaky, plus studio time with Pink Floyd, Year Of The Cat album with Al Stewart, Lulu, Linda Ronstadt, INXS, Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel, recorded two albums with The Shadows, another with Gerard Kenny, others were with The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, The London Symphony Orchestra, Barbara Dixon, Sheena Easton (in Caribou Ranch Studio), toured the World several times, made the US top ten with Devil Woman, oh and I sang The Likely Lads TV Theme (and for a lad from Shildon, Co. Durham that's great).
Tony Rivers autobiography.A large section of the book is focused on the crazy Cliff Richard era. We worked not only with Cliff, but many other artists from Elton and George Michael on Live Aid to making hits including a number One with Shaky, plus studio time with Pink Floyd, Year Of The Cat album with Al Stewart, Lulu, Linda Ronstadt, INXS, Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel, recorded two albums with The Shadows, another with Gerard Kenny, others were with The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, The London Symphony Orchestra, Barbara Dixon, Sheena Easton (in Caribou Ranch Studio), toured the World several times, made the US top ten with Devil Woman, oh and I sang The Likely Lads TV Theme (and for a lad from Shildon, Co. Durham that's great).
Paperback
Published February 15, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
February 16, 2020
This was a lovely and thoroughly interesting book to read! The narrative comes across as though Tony is sitting in the room with you telling his stories, which makes it a fantastic engaging read (perfect to read curled up with a cup of tea!).
He gives us the background to his childhood, and how he started singing. How he became the front man for a group, which then morphed into Tony Rivers And The Castaways, who played on the same circuits as The Beatles when they were first starting out. He takes us on his travels around the country and the RTA that sadly caused the loss of the life of one of the group members.
We experience the group going through a name change, and very nearly making it to the big time. And then we journey with Tony on his decision to leave and move on to bigger things – namely touring with Sir Cliff Richard and Shakin’ Stevens around the world! As well as being introduced by Sir Elton John on stage, LIVE at Live Aid 1985!!
There is also a wonderful collection of photos included in the book too, which helps to bring it all to life.
He shares stories with us on the behaviour of some of the big stars at the time (and how rude some can be!), and the things they used to get up to whilst touring with Sir Cliff!! And he enlightens us to just how overlooked and under appreciated him and other singers have been – rarely getting the credit they well and truly deserve.
As I say, I really enjoyed these stories and the way it was written. At times it was tough for me as (only being 36) I was unsure about who some of the stars were that were being referred to. But it still makes for an enjoyable book, giving those of us who weren’t around at the time a good insight into the music industry of the past,
If you’re in to music, or are perhaps slightly older and a fan of this sort of music, then you will adore this book. Even if you’re not and you’re looking for an interesting read and you enjoy an autobiography then definitely check this out.
Having read this I was so intrigued about Tony Rivers And The Castaways and Harmony Grass that I had to goole them, and was delighted to find that Tony has a YouTube channel with some of their songs! I found that I absolutely LOVE some of the songs, so be sure to check them out!
He gives us the background to his childhood, and how he started singing. How he became the front man for a group, which then morphed into Tony Rivers And The Castaways, who played on the same circuits as The Beatles when they were first starting out. He takes us on his travels around the country and the RTA that sadly caused the loss of the life of one of the group members.
We experience the group going through a name change, and very nearly making it to the big time. And then we journey with Tony on his decision to leave and move on to bigger things – namely touring with Sir Cliff Richard and Shakin’ Stevens around the world! As well as being introduced by Sir Elton John on stage, LIVE at Live Aid 1985!!
There is also a wonderful collection of photos included in the book too, which helps to bring it all to life.
He shares stories with us on the behaviour of some of the big stars at the time (and how rude some can be!), and the things they used to get up to whilst touring with Sir Cliff!! And he enlightens us to just how overlooked and under appreciated him and other singers have been – rarely getting the credit they well and truly deserve.
As I say, I really enjoyed these stories and the way it was written. At times it was tough for me as (only being 36) I was unsure about who some of the stars were that were being referred to. But it still makes for an enjoyable book, giving those of us who weren’t around at the time a good insight into the music industry of the past,
If you’re in to music, or are perhaps slightly older and a fan of this sort of music, then you will adore this book. Even if you’re not and you’re looking for an interesting read and you enjoy an autobiography then definitely check this out.
Having read this I was so intrigued about Tony Rivers And The Castaways and Harmony Grass that I had to goole them, and was delighted to find that Tony has a YouTube channel with some of their songs! I found that I absolutely LOVE some of the songs, so be sure to check them out!
September 5, 2020
What a great read Tony, it was amazing recalling all ups and downs of music that we all knew (and didn't know) about early days, brought it all back, such great memories, what a fantastic contribution you made to the music business which we all knew and will always remain, without you, a lot of music would never be the same, sounds like your son Anthony is as talented as you. Loving the piece about Paul Bennett, as those of us that knew him, would never come across a character like him again.
Getting older but still loving all music. Couldn't put it down.!!!
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your wife and Anthony's mum Pat.
Joan & Tony Kenward
Getting older but still loving all music. Couldn't put it down.!!!
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your wife and Anthony's mum Pat.
Joan & Tony Kenward
March 28, 2016
This is a great read, Tony has worked with all the greats, and has some wonderful stories to tell. If you love your music as I do then this is a great back stage pass to the last fifty years of pop! We hear what it was like touring in the 60s, working with Sir Cliff, back stage and on stage at Live Aid and so much more! Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews