The Legendary Joe Meek: The Telstar Man

by John Repsch

This is the fascinating biography of Joe Meek—widely recognized as Britain's first real independent pop music producer and hailed as Britain's answer to Phil Spector. His public life was one of laughter, tears, and above all, music. His private life was a tortured tangle of violence, sex, drugs, gangsters, the occult, and eventually, murder.

Genres: Music, Biography, Nonfiction

360 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1989

Reviews

[Tosh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even with the Internet this took me forever to get this book. It became almost a dream. Will I ever have it in my hands? Well years later I did get it, and what we have is an extremely well-researched book on the legendary, the great, and the sick murder Joe Meek.

For those who don't know Meek's work he was the utltimate independent British record producer of the early 60's. Way ahead of his time with his productions, which sounded like they were recorded on the Moon, Meek was also a lunatic.

Death worshiping, pill popping, gay man and going slowly insane by the second, Meek invented sounds with his homemade recording devices. He eventually killed his landlady and then shot his head off.

This book should read like butter melting on hot toast, but instead it's kind of 'otaku' in its style. Yet, again, extremely well-researched. Saying all this I love Joe Meek's recordings. Get the records and give this book a read as well.

[Kek-w Kek-w · Rating 3 out of 5]

Have to agree with other reviewers who said a whiff of homophobia hangs over this book. Written in the 1980s, so maybe that's not a big surprise. Also, I didn't like the odd conversational style and 'funny' similes that the author used -- or the uses of a tacky hand-writing font he used to represent Meek's letters (along with keeping all his spelling mistakes) which combined to make those bits a drag to read. The last 30 or so pages were a drag -- as the number of letters quoted increasing and took up the bulk of the final section. Really, the book could have done with a decent editor to rein in its excesses and increase its readability.

On the plus side, it is very well researched. If you have any interest in late 50s / early- mid 60s Pop and Rock then you should check it out, flaws and all. I didn't know that Chas Hodges (from Chas and Dave) was in The Outlaws (one of Meek's backing bands). His anecdotes are fascinating and funny -- I should see if he's written a biography, maybe? And I didn't realise that Richie Blackmore - or Deep Purple - worked as a session guitarist for Meek and in touring bands.

[C. B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one has me a bit torn. On the one hand, Repsch's book is the most thoroughly researched and complete biography of Joe Meek; it brings together personal letters, many interviews with people Meek knew, and a complete discography of his productions. On the other hand, I was drawn to Meek partly because he was queer, but this book comes across as mildly homophobic. Although wholly sympathetic to a man who was clearly unpleasant in many situations, as well as of course a murderer, Repsch always calls Meek's lover merely a "friend", and openly suggests that Meek's childhood cross-dressing could have been at the heart of his mental health problems. All of this makes me a bit uneasy, and I feel like lots of information about Meek's love life may have been skipped over through disinterest or awkwardness. Regardless, I commend Repsch for the passion and love for Meek which drove the writing of this book.

[Jade Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a big fan of Joe's chart toppers for John Leyton, The Tornados and The Honeycombs. I instantly wanted to know more about the man behind this production style that stood out for miles when listening to 60s music. My curiosity only piqued when I was drip-fed certain information about his life e.g. the killing of his landlord before turning the gun on himself, his homosexuality in a far less progressive time and his idiosyncratic way of recording music. I enjoyed the 'Telstar' film but found myself wanting to know more intricate details about his life. So I was thrilled to stumble across this book.

'The Legendary Joe Meek: The Telstar Man' certainly delivers on detail. It takes the reader all the way from his birth right up until the aftermath of his death in a well-researched manner. I enjoyed learning more about the methods to his musical madness, his mental health and the acts that he produced for. It's a very useful resource for anyone who wants more in-depth information about Joe Meek. I knocked this down a couple of stars because it did tend to drag a little in places and I wish the writing about his homosexuality had been handled with more care. This may just be a product of its time as it has been over 30 years since this book was written now, but that did jar a little.

[Andrew MacPherson · Rating 4 out of 5]

comprehensive summary or an astonishing career

What was lacking in writing quality was more than made up for in story content. Stuffed with information about a hugely important producer, with a tragic end.

[Karlie Pea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent insights into Joe Meek’s life that the film ‘Telstar’ does not cover. So many new songs to discover and full of interesting facts. A hard book to get through, but well worth it!

[Gunnar Hjalmarsson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joe Meek var tragískt keis, upptökumaður sem átti marga djöfla að draga og endaði með að skjóta leigjandann sinn og svo sjálfan sig 3. feb 1967. Buddy Holly dó 3. feb 1959 og Joe hafði fengið vitnisburð um það í andaglasi 1958. Hommaskapur, poppsnilld, dulrænt þrugl, geðveiki og poppbransinn sullast hér saman í stórmerkilegri sögu sem er ágætlega sögð. Full stabílt og anal á köflum en samt örugglega besta bókin um þetta frík sem til er.

[Neil · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 4 equals 3 1/2 in reality. Brilliantly researched, though idiosyncratic in style, this book tells a great story of a part genius, part madman. Top Tip; if you are unfamiliar with the subjects output grab yourself a cd of Joe's music, it'll give you an idea of what he created with such limited resources and help you appreciate his achievements at the time.

[Rick]

What a strange life behind the great music. Lots of fun to read.