Telling Stories by Tim Burgess
The Charlatans were a big band for me when I was growing up in the 80s and 90s when UK music hit a massive strong vein and pumped out bands across the spectrum. Exciting times, fantastic songs, unique bands, waves of great music every single day.
Blur, Oasis, Pulp, KLF, The Jam, The Police, and dozens of other bands and into the mix came The Charlatans with their unique sound made and fronted by lead singer, Tim Burgess.
Published in 2013, Telling Stories , traces the life and times of Burgess, from his childhood to his rise to fame as the frontman of one of my most beloved bands.
The book begins with Burgess’s childhood in Salford, where he developed a love for music and formed his first bands. Burgess then takes readers on a journey through his teenage years, including his move to Northwich and his experience of the Manchester music scene in the 1980s.
The book then delves into The Charlatans, including the band’s formation, their early successes, and the tragic death of their keyboardist, Rob Collins (who wrote The Only One I Know, India Rope, and a personal favourite of mine, Weirdo).
Telling Stories by Tim Burgess provides a fascinating insight into the highs and lows of life on the road, including the band’s struggles with addiction and the pressures of fame.
Throughout the book, Burgess is refreshingly honest and candid about his experiences, including his own struggles with addiction and mental health issues. He also provides fascinating insights into the music industry and the creative process, including the writing and recording of some of The Charlatans’ most iconic songs.
Telling Stories is a must-read for fans of The Charlatans and anyone interested in the UK music scene of the 1980s and 1990s. Burgess’s engaging writing style and honest reflections make for a compelling read, and the book offers a unique insight into the life and times of one of the UK’s most beloved musicians.
Published in 2011 (says 2013 on the Amazon page), the Telling Stories by Tim Burgess has aged well and opens the door on the life and times of Burgess, the stories behind the songs, band and associates. An easy read, there’s none of the debauchery found in, say, The Dirt about Motley Crue. A solid read.
4/5
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