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Chasing the Dragon: The Life and Death of Marc Hunter
He had it all—the heroin chic thing before it was chic, the scars, the swagger, an incredible stage presence. He was a really intelligent, funny, talented man who enjoyed life and thought it was there to be enjoyed. He chose to take big bites. After bursting on to the Australian music scene in 1975, Dragon fast developed a reputation for both hard rocking and hard living. As the highly visible and charismatic lead singer, Marc Hunter was the voice behind such timeless hits as "April Sun in Cuba," "Are You Old Enough?" and "Rain." Yet Hunter was also a maverick whose destructive genius and serious heroin addiction led to a turbulent relationship with his bandmates, including older brother Todd. His fast living contributed to his early death, at just 44. This intimate and revealing portrait is the first biography of one of the original hard men of Australian rock. It has been written with full co-operation of Marc’s mother, Voi, and his brother and former bandmate, Todd, as well contributions from many high-profile Australian music personalities such as James Reyne, John Paul Young, Kate Fitzpatrick, Richard Clapton, Don Walker, Kevin Borich, Tommy Emmanuel, and Robert Forster.
304 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
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About the author
Jeff Apter
50 books50 followersJeff Apter is the author of more than 30 books, many dealing with the world of music. He has written biographies of Keith Urban, Malcolm and Angus Young of AC/DC, Jeff Buckley and the Bee Gees. As ghostwriter, he has worked with ARIA Hall of Famers Kasey Chambers and Richard Clapton, and AC/DC’s Mark Evans. He was also the creative consultant for the award–nominated live production A State of Grace: The Music of Jeff and Tim Buckley and spent four years on staff at Rolling Stone Australia.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
August 11, 2018
Another talent lost way too young.
Marc Hunter had it all. Looks, talent, a voice like honey. But like many others, he unfortunately became another music biz casualty.
It was funny reading some of things that were mentioned in this book, like the urbane Marc being interviewed by a bumbling Molly (Meldrum) on "Countdown", and of now closed (infamous) nightclubs such as the Manzil Room. And let's not forget The Southern Cross Hotel where all celebrities stayed. This was like a walk down memory lane.
"Dragon" were big. But like most groups, in fighting and drugs took their toll. Sadly, heroin played a major part in their bust-up.
Whenever I hear "April Sun In Cuba", it takes me back to being a kid, going home sunburt from too long spent at the beach, melted paddle pop in hand, the scent of "Reef Oil" (tanning oil) in the air. For some reason, this song is tied up in that memory for me.
This is an interesting read for anyone interested in Aussie music. Plenty of mention made of other Aussie music icons such as Renee Geyer, James Reyne, Don Walker & Tommy Emmanuel.
Marc Hunter had it all. Looks, talent, a voice like honey. But like many others, he unfortunately became another music biz casualty.
It was funny reading some of things that were mentioned in this book, like the urbane Marc being interviewed by a bumbling Molly (Meldrum) on "Countdown", and of now closed (infamous) nightclubs such as the Manzil Room. And let's not forget The Southern Cross Hotel where all celebrities stayed. This was like a walk down memory lane.
"Dragon" were big. But like most groups, in fighting and drugs took their toll. Sadly, heroin played a major part in their bust-up.
Whenever I hear "April Sun In Cuba", it takes me back to being a kid, going home sunburt from too long spent at the beach, melted paddle pop in hand, the scent of "Reef Oil" (tanning oil) in the air. For some reason, this song is tied up in that memory for me.
This is an interesting read for anyone interested in Aussie music. Plenty of mention made of other Aussie music icons such as Renee Geyer, James Reyne, Don Walker & Tommy Emmanuel.
March 6, 2012
I couldn't wait to read this book because I knew Marc Hunter - peripherally. I interviewed him for a now defunct ACP magazine shortly after Dragon signed with Polygram in the early 80s in Oz. I remember to this day that in spite of being a HUGE fan, I became completely intimidated and tongue-tied. I couldn't get my brain to function...I kept giggling and he must have been in a good mood because he kept laughing too.
I'm still mortified remembering that day. The publicist, Jane Robinson, had set up numerous interviews for me before and kept staring at me. She'd never seen me fall apart like this. Well...I found out a journalist I deeply respected had also interviewed Marc and I went to her office and asked how it went. I was stunned to learn it had been so good she'd gone home to bed with him!
What's more, he'd lured her into trying heroin!
I was shocked and listened to her stories over the next couple of weeks as their affair raged on. I had dinner with them one night and they were both 'on the nod', then as quickly as it started, he blew out of her life again.
I don't think she was ever the same...
So, I still love Dragon and still miss the man's genius and was thrilled to find this bio.
I bought and downloaded the ebook version and was ecstatic to find some of the band's songs embedded in the pages. "Dinghy Days" was a new one to me and I loved Marc's version of "The Age of Reason" recorded with his daughter's sweet backing vocals.
What would have happened if Marc's version was released instead of John Farnham's cover?
What would have happened if Marc had been sober and straight in the band's inaugural visit to Texas? Apter describes that meltdown in jaw-dropping style.
What IF he had not ignored the black phlegm in his throat and sought medical help sooner?
These questions torture ME so I can't imagine how his brother Todd, his wife Wendy, his mother, and his children feel.
Marc is still one of the best singers I've ever heard and Jeff Apter peels back the many layers of the seemingly impenetrable skins around the man and the myth.
The recollections of his family and friends are priceless. Apter has clearly done his homework and then some.
There are some laugh-out-loud moments: "I just affluviated!" but ultimately this is a tragic tale that has made me grieve this volcanic talent even more.
"Chasing the Dragon" is really an awesome biography for anyone who loves music, loves Australian music, and who ever sang along to "April Sun in Cuba" driving along in the sun.
I am especially pleased to learn that I am not the only person intimidated by Marc's physical presence. Even Kate Fitzpatrick tittered during one encounter.
Thank you Jeff Apter for a respectful, yet honest look at one of the great talents of our times.
I'm still mortified remembering that day. The publicist, Jane Robinson, had set up numerous interviews for me before and kept staring at me. She'd never seen me fall apart like this. Well...I found out a journalist I deeply respected had also interviewed Marc and I went to her office and asked how it went. I was stunned to learn it had been so good she'd gone home to bed with him!
What's more, he'd lured her into trying heroin!
I was shocked and listened to her stories over the next couple of weeks as their affair raged on. I had dinner with them one night and they were both 'on the nod', then as quickly as it started, he blew out of her life again.
I don't think she was ever the same...
So, I still love Dragon and still miss the man's genius and was thrilled to find this bio.
I bought and downloaded the ebook version and was ecstatic to find some of the band's songs embedded in the pages. "Dinghy Days" was a new one to me and I loved Marc's version of "The Age of Reason" recorded with his daughter's sweet backing vocals.
What would have happened if Marc's version was released instead of John Farnham's cover?
What would have happened if Marc had been sober and straight in the band's inaugural visit to Texas? Apter describes that meltdown in jaw-dropping style.
What IF he had not ignored the black phlegm in his throat and sought medical help sooner?
These questions torture ME so I can't imagine how his brother Todd, his wife Wendy, his mother, and his children feel.
Marc is still one of the best singers I've ever heard and Jeff Apter peels back the many layers of the seemingly impenetrable skins around the man and the myth.
The recollections of his family and friends are priceless. Apter has clearly done his homework and then some.
There are some laugh-out-loud moments: "I just affluviated!" but ultimately this is a tragic tale that has made me grieve this volcanic talent even more.
"Chasing the Dragon" is really an awesome biography for anyone who loves music, loves Australian music, and who ever sang along to "April Sun in Cuba" driving along in the sun.
I am especially pleased to learn that I am not the only person intimidated by Marc's physical presence. Even Kate Fitzpatrick tittered during one encounter.
Thank you Jeff Apter for a respectful, yet honest look at one of the great talents of our times.
July 11, 2013
Chasing The Dragon: The Life and Death of Marc Hunter, is a book I found hard to put down. A fascinating read about Dragon's charismatic lead singer Marc Hunter and his turbulant life, the highs and the lows and sadly his death, written by Jeff Apter, with input from Marc's brother Todd, mother Voi, and a lot of his music contemporaries and friends.
And yes I am the age that I grew up listening to Dragon and indeed still own 3 cassettes and 1 vinyl record of the band, and I have to say that 'This Time' still remains one of my all time favourite songs.
A very good read indeed.
And yes I am the age that I grew up listening to Dragon and indeed still own 3 cassettes and 1 vinyl record of the band, and I have to say that 'This Time' still remains one of my all time favourite songs.
A very good read indeed.
June 21, 2014
I came to Dragon at the beginning of the 'Glory Years' (as their 'Trilogy' tour has it) and knew nothing of their 'Young Years' ... it was always exciting to hear a new (old) song like 'Still in Love' or 'April Sun ...'. I think I came across them on Countdown, no doubt with Molly spruiking them as the biggest thing since ... the last biggest thing.
And then, after 'Body and the Beat' they sort of disappeared from my consciousness. I heard the occasional song on the radio and was surprised when Marc Hunter died, but really paid them little attention.
So it was interesting to read this book, to learn how big they'd been and how their 'lifestyle issues' so often sabotaged their careers. In this book Marc Hunter appeared to me as something of a tragic figure, so talented yet so controlled by his addictions. But I felt the book neither glorified Marc's drug use nor overly condemned him for it.
So a compelling read, telling a story I was very keen to hear.
And then, after 'Body and the Beat' they sort of disappeared from my consciousness. I heard the occasional song on the radio and was surprised when Marc Hunter died, but really paid them little attention.
So it was interesting to read this book, to learn how big they'd been and how their 'lifestyle issues' so often sabotaged their careers. In this book Marc Hunter appeared to me as something of a tragic figure, so talented yet so controlled by his addictions. But I felt the book neither glorified Marc's drug use nor overly condemned him for it.
So a compelling read, telling a story I was very keen to hear.
July 10, 2013
Was so looking forward to this, but I was left feeling like the book only scratched the surface.
November 9, 2017
Dragon, Another iconic 70's band in Australia which unfortunately was cut short due to the addiction to heroin.
A Karaoke night would not be complete without "April Sun in Cuba".
A Karaoke night would not be complete without "April Sun in Cuba".
November 4, 2021
An interesting read for any music fan in general, an in depth history of the family dynamic and the course of Dragon, would recommend.
January 12, 2024
Some fascinating insights into the seedy world of the music industry.
Shows Hunter for the colossal talent that he was.
And what a talent wasted to some extent.
Great read.
Shows Hunter for the colossal talent that he was.
And what a talent wasted to some extent.
Great read.
October 26, 2016
Uninspiring & one dimensional.
Saw a lot of Dragon in the media & live during the pub rock era.
From my impressions of what I witnessed the book pretty much describes Marc Hunter as I imagined him to be.
Not a very likeable person.
Loved their music but the book becomes quite repetitive around all his self destruction and indulgences.
Lived the ultimate hedonistic life style and is not portrayed as a very caring person.
Loved his kids, oh yeah but who goes off on week long drug benders and claims to love them!
Saw a lot of Dragon in the media & live during the pub rock era.
From my impressions of what I witnessed the book pretty much describes Marc Hunter as I imagined him to be.
Not a very likeable person.
Loved their music but the book becomes quite repetitive around all his self destruction and indulgences.
Lived the ultimate hedonistic life style and is not portrayed as a very caring person.
Loved his kids, oh yeah but who goes off on week long drug benders and claims to love them!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews