Absolute Beginner: Memoirs of the world's best least-known guitarist

by Kevin Armstrong

‘ Kevin does what I pretend to do. Kevin’s a proper musician .’ David Bowie ‘ Kevin Armstrong has been around, and around .’ Iggy Pop Growing up in a world of punk squats and the London pub-rock scene, suburban rookie guitarist Kevin Armstrong found himself signed to EMI as a solo artist in the early 80s, but fate had other plans for him, his life and career changing in an instant when he was called for a studio date with an unnamed star at Abbey Road. That unnamed star was soon revealed to be David Bowie, and that afternoon’s recording catapulted this unlikely lad onto the world’s grandest stages alongside some of the biggest names in the business. Kevin has gone on to carve out a singular career as a producer, songwriter, and guitarist, performing live and recording with everyone from Grace Jones to Paul McCartney, Iggy Pop to Roy Orbison, Sandie Shaw to Alien Sex Fiend. Absolute Beginner is the story of what it takes to survive as a self-taught musician. It provides an honest and funny glimpse into the backstage world of the artists Kevin has worked with, and is packed with acerbic, laugh-out-loud observations on popular music and musicians from someone who has had a prime seat at the high table of rock’n’roll for more than forty years.

288 pages, Paperback

Published October 17, 2023

Reviews

[Alec Downie · Rating 4 out of 5]

More a self-aware self-effacing conversation piece down the pub, than a sex, drugs and rock n roll brag fest.

While justifiably trading on his time with Bowie and Iggy, much more time was spent explaining the highs, lows and realities of being a career musician, warts, self destructions and glories balanced in a charming way that skirted with deserved arrogance and delivered with humility, humanity and humour.

Any kid that has a guitar as his constant companion, would do well to read this, even if they have to imagine the names of bands from their own generation to make these timeless hard earned lessons stick.

As for Bowie fans, don't expect any revelations but do expect some love x

[Bob K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kevin Armstrong appeared on some of the best David Bowie recordings in the later part of his career. I've seen his name on album credits and always wondered about him as a person. He's clearly someone who has a deep love of music and that shows in his writing about Bowie but also other collaborators including Iggy Pop and Thomas Dolby. He's definitely someone who is comfortable not in the spotlight, but adjacent to it and that provides a unique perspective on music making.