A must-have book for fans of Mick Ronson and David Bowie – the Spider from Hull who lit up the fabulous Ziggy Stardust shows with his dazzling guitar playing and powerful stage presence. This is Mick Ronson’s story. And it begins in his hometown of Hull.
This is an authentic story of a boy from a council estate from Hull who achieved international rock god status. The book is set in a time of seismic social change, with colliding cultures of personal and community identity, image and fashion, gender roles and sexual freedom. Based on the successful show Turn and Face the Strange, it includes unique material and exclusive interviews with fellow musicians, friends and fans.
This is the new leading biography of guitarist, songwriter, arranger, producer and musician Mick Ronson. Most famous for his critical contribution to David Bowie’s spectacular live band, the Hull-based Spiders from Mars, and studio albums including Hunky Dory, Ziggy Stardust and Aladdin Sane. Mick also helped produce Lou Reed’s Transformer, released five solo studio albums, performed in bands with Ian Hunter, Van Morrison and Bob Dylan, as well as worked with many other musicians.
The Mick Ronson Story: Turn and Face the Strange is published by McNidder & Grace on 15 September 2022 (RRP £14.99, ISBN 9780857162267). You can pre-order your copy at Amazon, Waterstones, WH Smith, and independent bookshops.
Book launch events in Hull:
Thursday 15 September, 6:30pm Waterstones, Jameson Street, Hull.
Interview with authors, Q&A and book signing. Free to attend. No need to pre-register.
Saturday 24 September, 7:30pm-9:30pm ‘Facing the Strange’ at Wrecking Ball Arts Centre, Whitefriargate Hull.
Rupert Creed and Garry Burnett present an evening of stories, film clips and musical insights into the life and career of one of the city’s finest musicians. With contributions from guitarist Ched Cheesman and guests from the hit stage show, this intimate but compelling multimedia presentation reveals previously untold stories of Mick Ronson and his phenomenal career as a musician and album producer.
Tickets £10 via Wrecking Ball Arts Centre. Doors: 7pm. Presentation 7:30pm-9:30pm. Followed for attendees by book signing and after show party with a Ronson/Bowie playlist.
About the writers:
Rupert Creed, writer of Made in Hull – the opening event for Hull City of Culture 2017. He co-wrote Turn and Face the Strange to celebrate the life and music of Mick Ronson. He was Producer for the BBC People’s War project and has written and presented several documentary features for BBC Radio 4.
Garry Burnett, established author and leading authority on Mick Ronson, co-wrote the critically-acclaimed stage show Turn and Face the Strange, the Story of Mick Ronson. He has most recently worked in collaboration with drummer John ‘Cambo’ Cambridge on his autobiography Bowie, Cambo & All the Hype.