I wrote this book during a very difficult period for my wife, and dedicate it therefore to Linda, and to her mother Winifred Hopwood… there is, of course, a light that never goes out.
Immeasurable thanks again to my editor and friend Martin Roach, to Kaye Roach and the inestimable Alfie Blue. Thanks also, ‘in anticipation’, to Korda Ace.
Many people helped me along the way, and I am particularly grateful to the following for their support: Grant Showbiz; Billy Bragg; Jonathan Schofield; CP Lee; Shaun Lawlor; Paul Carrack; Steve Korta; David Byrne; Joanne Carroll; Chris Frantz; Jose Maldonado and Dave Collett from Sweet And Tender Hooligans, Martin from Stoke Underground, Sarah Hyde at Sincere Management. I’d also like to thank the handful of people who generously gave their time and memories but asked to remain outside of this acknowledgement. You know who you are! I also plagued a few people endlessly for their contributions, without success… but thanks to all of you for your patience.
While they did not contribute to this book directly, if I failed to thank Johnny Marr, Morrissey, Andy Rourke, Mike Joyce for the music of a lifetime, I would be remiss. Thanks guys. Let sleeping beauties lie.