This book is dedicated to Joyce Horspool, Ian and Annette Wrench; without whose support, it would never have been completed.
Eternal thanks and gratitude to my partner/life support Dawn Wrench and to my two beautiful boys, Hugh and Laurence. Hoping you grow out of that Arsenal fixation soon. Also, to my ever doting parents. The fools.
I am writing this in the certain knowledge that it will be presented in the best light possible by designer Russ Bestley. I count myself immeasurably fortunate to be able to enlist not only someone who possesses a first-rate ‘eye’ but also genuine expertise in the subject matter. Bit of a ‘Carlsberg’ moment, really.
I would like to thank Iain McNay for the original idea.
I am grateful to all those who agreed to interviews; especially those who were so encouraging and sympathetic to my task.
Several journalists were generous with their time, contacts and advice in the preparation of this project. Thanks and hello to all at Next Big Thing. In particular, I am deeply grateful to Marcus Gray for, generously, sharing his research notes on early independent record labels, which proved invaluable. Also, Joel McIver, Kieron Tyler, Ken Hunt, Phil Sutcliffe, Andy Fyfe, Rob Fitzpatrick and Pierre Perrone all selflessly gave me useful information, quotage and leads. Chuck Warner at Hyped2Death graciously clarified my own fumbling efforts at summarising the contrast between American and UK independent infrastructure and distribution.
Others who contributed support, advice, encouragement, occasional nutrition:
Roger Sabin, Josef Loder, Sharon Elliott, Sue Pipe, Gareth Holder, Kate and June Mo-Dette, Mute support staff Sinead and Zoe, Zoe Street-Howe, Gordon Wilkins, Robin Saunders, Jack Thunder at Excess Press, Dizzy Holmes, Rhodri Marsden.
Notes on Interviews
The vast majority of the interviews contained herein are new. Several of the quotes for the Cherry Red chapter are derived from my research for the Pillows & Prayers and 30th anniversary box sets. In half a dozen instances, quotes are taken from earlier interviews conducted in my so-called career, which may or may not have been published previously, and there are a small number taken from my earlier book, No More Heroes. Dead Kennedys material was drawn from the aborted sleevenotes to Fresh Fruit For Rotting Vegetables. Also, a couple of interviews were conducted for Cherry Red TV, either by myself, or Iain McNay. So best to ‘fess up to that also. I’ve added a list of interviewees not just as some kind of ‘feel the width’ gesture, but as a way of acknowledging and thanking all those who took the time out to submit to interviews, answer queries, etc.