FBF: Will Hodgkinson: Street-Level Superstar

'This book will make you laugh and cry - Lawrence is a monument to the power of Pop. The best and the worst of it. Essential reading.' -- Jarvis Cocker 

Lawrence is the greatest pop star who never made it, his dreams of glory thwarted by bad luck and self-sabotage. His first band Felt released ten albums and ten singles in the 80s. His next band Denim signed to EMI, and in 1997, their song 'Summer Smash' became Radio 1's Single of the Week. Then Princess Diana was killed in a car crash. All copies were melted down and depression, addiction and homelessness followed... but Lawrence never gave up.

In Street-Level Superstar, bestselling author and Times music critic Will Hodgkinson follows Lawrence as he rebuilds his life. As they walk together down rain-soaked streets, Will tells the story of Britain's most eccentric cult star. Will he write the greatest song the world has ever known before the year is out? And was it worth sacrificing everything - family, relationships, health, sanity - for art?

'My Book of the Year so far. If you also wrote a book this year, yours was definitely my second favourite' -- Pete Paphides

'Rock books often promise to be candid and brutal but chicken out. Not so here. Entwining comedy and misfortune at every step' -- 4 stars ― Mojo

'10/10 - In less skilful hands, the air of desperation might overwhelm the fragile humanity of the tale. An extraordinarily empathetic study' ― Uncut

'A magnificent book, regardless of whether the reader knows who it is about ... hilarious, compassionate and ultimately inspiring ' ― Spectator

‘A fascinating tale beautifully told.' Brett Anderson

'In a music world awash with fakes, straights and careerists on the make, Lawrence is that rare creature - an artist committed to realising his vision no matter how many humiliations and bad rolls of the dice he's had to endure. Lawrence is the one true poet of austerity Britain and Will Hodgkinson's wonderful book captures the essence and strangeness of the man.' -- Bobby Gillespie

Watch the video for Primitive Painters by Lawrence’s band Felt from 1986 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5XgLshyN8w

This event is part of Falmouth Book Festival running from 14-20 October. For more info visit the website www.falmouthbookfestival.com

Tickets: £8/£6

A £1 Poly Fund payment is added to each ticket sold