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Three And A Half Minutes of Fame
Signing a record deal at the age of 17 is something Alex didn't plan for, but it sets him on a path that will bring him tantalisingly close to fame, not once, but three and a half times over the next 7 years.
Things don't always go as planned as he ditches school and jumps from US record deals to UK TV appearances, even joining a boy band in his epic quest for fame.
Alex encounters neo-nazis and gangsta rappers up close, and experiences tragedy, mental health challenges and sexual abuse, all during the cultural shift of the 90s meeting the likes of The Fall, Suede, Blur, Patti Boyd, Mansun and PJ & Duncan on the way.
Three And A Half Minutes of Fame is an authentic look back at the 90s, the last decade before social media, seen from the experiences of an Essex boy with a dream.
Things don't always go as planned as he ditches school and jumps from US record deals to UK TV appearances, even joining a boy band in his epic quest for fame.
Alex encounters neo-nazis and gangsta rappers up close, and experiences tragedy, mental health challenges and sexual abuse, all during the cultural shift of the 90s meeting the likes of The Fall, Suede, Blur, Patti Boyd, Mansun and PJ & Duncan on the way.
Three And A Half Minutes of Fame is an authentic look back at the 90s, the last decade before social media, seen from the experiences of an Essex boy with a dream.
218 pages, Paperback
Published March 25, 2024
11 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 31, 2024
This book is a must read.
Alex rise to fame from a very early age. In the next 7 years he becomes popular and signs many deals. But it leads him to the obvious path.
The path of destruction.
He befriends and falls prey for a neo Nazi gang.
This book tells journey of a kid to young man.with all the flaws in a very engaging manner.
Loved it.
Alex rise to fame from a very early age. In the next 7 years he becomes popular and signs many deals. But it leads him to the obvious path.
The path of destruction.
He befriends and falls prey for a neo Nazi gang.
This book tells journey of a kid to young man.with all the flaws in a very engaging manner.
Loved it.
April 16, 2024
A unique memoir and love letter to music in the 90’s
Alex Boucher presents an honest memoir that highlights his unique journey spent as a musician throughout the 90’s which captures the memories, emotions and the UK indie band scene of the time. It serves as a living time capsule and is narrated in a way that draws readers in through the eyes of Boucher as he brushes with local and then regional band success while setting his sights further afield.
This book serves as a personal love letter to all things 90’s and the wide array of memories our narrator has which feels intimate at times as we are shown the life behind stages and venues. The politics of being in a band as the creative directions change or when management seem to interfere and even the less glamourous side to seeking accommodation while on tour – you’ll find all the hallmarks of what it was like to be in those moments. Its also an encyclopaedia of experiences laid out in short sharp chapters where each year of the decade is documented and also includes a nostalgic playlist of that time. Our narrator is young and impressionable when he first begins touring and we feel everything he does on that path – the writing style succeeds here and always finds a way to draw in the reader.
‘There’s something special about being in a band, that’s hard to describe. You’re surrounded by a collective aura, and it never feels complete unless we all members are in the room’
The memoir experience is complete by the use of archive pictures, clippings and art work that bring the words alive along with the many venues/people that are mentioned throughout the appropriately named Three Minutes of Fame. Even if our narrator might not have ‘made it’ the message here is to cherish the memories and be proud of an incredible journey which this book lays out. In the postscript there is even mention of further memoirs by Boucher which I would certainly be interested in reading!
Alex Boucher presents an honest memoir that highlights his unique journey spent as a musician throughout the 90’s which captures the memories, emotions and the UK indie band scene of the time. It serves as a living time capsule and is narrated in a way that draws readers in through the eyes of Boucher as he brushes with local and then regional band success while setting his sights further afield.
This book serves as a personal love letter to all things 90’s and the wide array of memories our narrator has which feels intimate at times as we are shown the life behind stages and venues. The politics of being in a band as the creative directions change or when management seem to interfere and even the less glamourous side to seeking accommodation while on tour – you’ll find all the hallmarks of what it was like to be in those moments. Its also an encyclopaedia of experiences laid out in short sharp chapters where each year of the decade is documented and also includes a nostalgic playlist of that time. Our narrator is young and impressionable when he first begins touring and we feel everything he does on that path – the writing style succeeds here and always finds a way to draw in the reader.
‘There’s something special about being in a band, that’s hard to describe. You’re surrounded by a collective aura, and it never feels complete unless we all members are in the room’
The memoir experience is complete by the use of archive pictures, clippings and art work that bring the words alive along with the many venues/people that are mentioned throughout the appropriately named Three Minutes of Fame. Even if our narrator might not have ‘made it’ the message here is to cherish the memories and be proud of an incredible journey which this book lays out. In the postscript there is even mention of further memoirs by Boucher which I would certainly be interested in reading!
April 26, 2024
In a book that he calls a "love letter to the 90s," Alex Boucher has constructed an intimate picture of what it's like to love, live, and deal with, contemporary music. As a young man who turned 16 in 1990, Alex grew up taking drum lessons (beginning at age 8) to the point where his fingers became blistered from drumming and enamored with Top of the Pops on BBC where he mentally cataloged which bands he liked, which were going places, and how they got there. This youngster, who in my view had remarkably supportive parents, declared that he couldn't get enough of hard rock and took jobs to earn the money to buy music. A self-evaluated fan of the "showmanship" of drummer Keith Moon, eschewing the simple "timekeeper" roles of others such as Charlie Watts or Ringo Starr, Alex became drummer for a "local band with a future" named Three and a Half Minutes. From there it was a whirlwind of getting his "gig cherry broken," having his "first groupie experience," and being "smitten with his main crush, Alice." Life was performances, recording, deciding not to return to school, yet continuing to live with indulgent parents. Eventually, Alex became disenchanted and moved on to other bands named Travis Cut, NV (pronounced "envy") and Jaff, experiencing varying levels of success with each. Alex related that eventually he found success in an altogether different field, but the purpose of the book was to portray the life he experienced with creating music.
Fans of rock bands will find a real treasure in this book, which includes "mixtapes" which relate the best in music, year by year, along with reproductions of pictures, promotional posters and stage passes of the bands. The book even has news updates, year by year. Alex's "love letter" was clearly quite an adventure.
Fans of rock bands will find a real treasure in this book, which includes "mixtapes" which relate the best in music, year by year, along with reproductions of pictures, promotional posters and stage passes of the bands. The book even has news updates, year by year. Alex's "love letter" was clearly quite an adventure.
August 6, 2024
Esta es la historia de Alex un joven que ha crecido alrededor de su amor por la música y que cumpliendo 17 años en los 90 logra firmar contrato con una disquera por lo que su ascenso a la fama se vuelve toda una aventura donde enfrentará todo lo que conlleva pertenecer al mundo de los famosos y su lado mas oscuro.
Esta historia es mas bien las memorias escritas del autor en su paso por el mundo de la música y es muy interesante el conocer todas sus vivencias, desde la emoción de los conciertos, la pasión por tocar pero también lo difícil que es trabajar en este mundo y el autor lo expresa de una gran manera haciendo que te sumergas en l historia por completo.
En general una historia interesante que es perfecta para todo fan de la música de los 90 y a quienes les gusta el leer sobre esta época, un libro entretenido y fácil de leer.
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This is the story of Alex, a young man who has grown up around his love for music and who, turning 17 in the 90s, manages to sign a contract with a record label, so his rise to fame becomes an adventure where he will face everything he faces. It entails belonging to the world of celebrities and its darker side.
This story is rather the written memoirs of the author during his time in the world of music and it is very interesting to know all his experiences, from the excitement of concerts, the passion for playing but also how difficult it is to work in this world. . and the author expresses it in a great way, making you immerse yourself in the story completely.
Overall, an interesting story that is perfect for any fan of 90s music and those who like to read about this era, an entertaining and easy-to-read book.
Esta historia es mas bien las memorias escritas del autor en su paso por el mundo de la música y es muy interesante el conocer todas sus vivencias, desde la emoción de los conciertos, la pasión por tocar pero también lo difícil que es trabajar en este mundo y el autor lo expresa de una gran manera haciendo que te sumergas en l historia por completo.
En general una historia interesante que es perfecta para todo fan de la música de los 90 y a quienes les gusta el leer sobre esta época, un libro entretenido y fácil de leer.
----------------------------------
This is the story of Alex, a young man who has grown up around his love for music and who, turning 17 in the 90s, manages to sign a contract with a record label, so his rise to fame becomes an adventure where he will face everything he faces. It entails belonging to the world of celebrities and its darker side.
This story is rather the written memoirs of the author during his time in the world of music and it is very interesting to know all his experiences, from the excitement of concerts, the passion for playing but also how difficult it is to work in this world. . and the author expresses it in a great way, making you immerse yourself in the story completely.
Overall, an interesting story that is perfect for any fan of 90s music and those who like to read about this era, an entertaining and easy-to-read book.
June 18, 2024
Three and a Half Minutes of Fame chronicles Alex Boucher's unexpected journey through the music scene of the 1990s. After signing a record deal at 17, Alex's quest for fame leads him from US record deals to UK TV appearances, and even a stint in a boy band. Along the way, he encounters neo-Nazis, gangsta rappers, and faces mental health challenges and sexual abuse. Through these experiences, Alex meets notable bands like The Fall, Suede, and Blur, capturing a vivid snapshot of the last decade before social media's rise.
While Three and a Half Minutes of Fame offers a candid glimpse into the tumultuous world of 90s music, it ultimately falls short of engaging the reader fully. Alex Boucher's memoir is rich with anecdotes and encounters, yet the narrative often feels disjointed. The frequent shifts from one experience to another create a fragmented storyline, making it difficult to follow a cohesive thread throughout the book.
The book's strength lies in its authentic depiction of the era and the raw, unfiltered look at the challenges within the music industry. However, the lack of deeper analysis and reflection on these experiences leaves much to be desired. The memoir is laden with potential, but its execution results in a superficial treatment of significant events and themes.
In conclusion, Three and a Half Minutes of Fame may appeal to die-hard fans of 90s music and those interested in the inner workings of the industry. For others, it might prove to be a less captivating read, it's a nostalgic trip, but not one that fully resonates.
While Three and a Half Minutes of Fame offers a candid glimpse into the tumultuous world of 90s music, it ultimately falls short of engaging the reader fully. Alex Boucher's memoir is rich with anecdotes and encounters, yet the narrative often feels disjointed. The frequent shifts from one experience to another create a fragmented storyline, making it difficult to follow a cohesive thread throughout the book.
The book's strength lies in its authentic depiction of the era and the raw, unfiltered look at the challenges within the music industry. However, the lack of deeper analysis and reflection on these experiences leaves much to be desired. The memoir is laden with potential, but its execution results in a superficial treatment of significant events and themes.
In conclusion, Three and a Half Minutes of Fame may appeal to die-hard fans of 90s music and those interested in the inner workings of the industry. For others, it might prove to be a less captivating read, it's a nostalgic trip, but not one that fully resonates.
November 21, 2024
In this memoir, the author talks about his journey as a musician, reflecting on his experiences.
I'm a nineties child, so reading this made me feel nostalgic for the nineties, and I really enjoyed all the references to music and pop culture. I liked the way the author expressed himself on the pages, as I found him quite relatable; in some ways, it was a little bit like talking to an old friend.
A slightly younger version of myself really loved singing and performing to an audience, but as I've grown older, my love for music and singing, though it never diminished, is something that I only share with those closest to me. I think it was the musical part of me that related to Alex and his journey. Music is a gift, and a form of self-expression. It sparked joy to read this; it was fun, entertaining, and inspiring.
I also really liked the design of the book in general, with its striking fonts and eye-catching photos. I loved the mixtape element too.
I'm a nineties child, so reading this made me feel nostalgic for the nineties, and I really enjoyed all the references to music and pop culture. I liked the way the author expressed himself on the pages, as I found him quite relatable; in some ways, it was a little bit like talking to an old friend.
A slightly younger version of myself really loved singing and performing to an audience, but as I've grown older, my love for music and singing, though it never diminished, is something that I only share with those closest to me. I think it was the musical part of me that related to Alex and his journey. Music is a gift, and a form of self-expression. It sparked joy to read this; it was fun, entertaining, and inspiring.
I also really liked the design of the book in general, with its striking fonts and eye-catching photos. I loved the mixtape element too.
September 29, 2025
I was lowkey obsessed from the start. Alex just throws you into his chaos—17, signing record deals, chasing fame, and thinking he’s got it all figured out… then reality smacks him in the face. I was like “yep, same energy” during all the awkward auditions, indie punk nights, and messy band drama.
I honestly couldn’t stop thinking about how wild it must be to grow up in that scene. Some parts made me laugh, some made me lowkey sad, and some parts… wow, just really hit different. I loved how raw and honest he was. He didn’t try to look perfect, and I felt like I was right there with him feeling all the ups and downs.
This is totally my kinda book—messy, chaotic, funny, and real. I found myself nodding and laughing and also just reflecting on how fame and chasing dreams can really mess with your head. Definitely a vibe I’m keeping in my fav reads.
I honestly couldn’t stop thinking about how wild it must be to grow up in that scene. Some parts made me laugh, some made me lowkey sad, and some parts… wow, just really hit different. I loved how raw and honest he was. He didn’t try to look perfect, and I felt like I was right there with him feeling all the ups and downs.
This is totally my kinda book—messy, chaotic, funny, and real. I found myself nodding and laughing and also just reflecting on how fame and chasing dreams can really mess with your head. Definitely a vibe I’m keeping in my fav reads.
December 9, 2024
As I'm a nineties teenager myself, I enjoyed this book very much.
It was a flashback for me :-)
The writing is both sharp and empathetic, capturing the nuances of a character
grappling with their brief moment of fame and the often harsh reality that follows.
The vivid storytelling keeps the reader engaged, offering moments of
introspection and humor.
Boucher’s ability to balance the personal with the universal makes
this novel a compelling read.
Therefore I recommend this book to all who like the nineties. Without any doubt
I gave a 5 star rating!
ps. Great cover too!
It was a flashback for me :-)
The writing is both sharp and empathetic, capturing the nuances of a character
grappling with their brief moment of fame and the often harsh reality that follows.
The vivid storytelling keeps the reader engaged, offering moments of
introspection and humor.
Boucher’s ability to balance the personal with the universal makes
this novel a compelling read.
Therefore I recommend this book to all who like the nineties. Without any doubt
I gave a 5 star rating!
ps. Great cover too!
October 20, 2024
An honest, funny and occasionally brutal depiction of the writer's life and experiences. It is a must-read for those interested in the music and culture of the 90s.
November 26, 2024
Alex signed a record deal at 17, unexpectedly setting him on a path that brought him close to fame three and a half times over the next 7 years.
As a young man who turned 16 in 1990, Alex grew up taking drum lessons (beginning at age 8) to the point where his fingers became blistered from drumming and enamored with Top of the Pops on BBC where he mentally cataloged which bands he liked, which were going places, and how they got there.
As explained in the book, things don't always go as planned as he ditches school and jumps from US record deals to UK TV appearances, even joining a boy band in his epic quest for fame.
Alex encounters neo-Nazis and gangsta rappers up close, and experiences tragedy, mental health challenges, and sexual abuse, all during the cultural shift of the 90s meeting the likes of The Fall, Suede, Blur, Patti Boyd, Mansun, and PJ & Duncan on the way.
𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐀 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐟 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 90𝐬, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚, 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐚𝐧 𝐄𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐱 𝐛𝐨𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦.
This book serves as a personal love letter to all things 90’s and the wide array of memories the author has which feels intimate at times as we are shown the life behind stages and venues.
The politics of being in a band as the creative directions change or when management seems to interfere and even the less glamourous side to seeking accommodation while on tour – you’ll find all the hallmarks of what it was like to be in those moments.
It's also an encyclopedia of experiences laid out in short sharp chapters where each year of the decade is documented and also includes a nostalgic playlist of that time.
The author is young and impressionable when he first begins touring and we feel everything he does on that path – the writing style succeeds here and always finds a way to draw in the reader.
‘There’s something special about being in a band, that’s hard to describe. You’re surrounded by a collective aura, and it never feels complete unless we all members are in the room’
The many venues and people highlighted in Three Minutes of Fame remind us to cherish memories and take pride in our journeys, regardless of whether we've "made it."
Even if the author might not have ‘made it’ the message here is to cherish the memories and be proud of an incredible journey that this book lays out.
Alex's "love letter" was quite an adventure.
In the postscript, there is even mention of further memoirs by Boucher which I would certainly be interested in reading!
As a young man who turned 16 in 1990, Alex grew up taking drum lessons (beginning at age 8) to the point where his fingers became blistered from drumming and enamored with Top of the Pops on BBC where he mentally cataloged which bands he liked, which were going places, and how they got there.
As explained in the book, things don't always go as planned as he ditches school and jumps from US record deals to UK TV appearances, even joining a boy band in his epic quest for fame.
Alex encounters neo-Nazis and gangsta rappers up close, and experiences tragedy, mental health challenges, and sexual abuse, all during the cultural shift of the 90s meeting the likes of The Fall, Suede, Blur, Patti Boyd, Mansun, and PJ & Duncan on the way.
𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐀 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐟 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 90𝐬, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚, 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐚𝐧 𝐄𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐱 𝐛𝐨𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦.
This book serves as a personal love letter to all things 90’s and the wide array of memories the author has which feels intimate at times as we are shown the life behind stages and venues.
The politics of being in a band as the creative directions change or when management seems to interfere and even the less glamourous side to seeking accommodation while on tour – you’ll find all the hallmarks of what it was like to be in those moments.
It's also an encyclopedia of experiences laid out in short sharp chapters where each year of the decade is documented and also includes a nostalgic playlist of that time.
The author is young and impressionable when he first begins touring and we feel everything he does on that path – the writing style succeeds here and always finds a way to draw in the reader.
‘There’s something special about being in a band, that’s hard to describe. You’re surrounded by a collective aura, and it never feels complete unless we all members are in the room’
The many venues and people highlighted in Three Minutes of Fame remind us to cherish memories and take pride in our journeys, regardless of whether we've "made it."
Even if the author might not have ‘made it’ the message here is to cherish the memories and be proud of an incredible journey that this book lays out.
Alex's "love letter" was quite an adventure.
In the postscript, there is even mention of further memoirs by Boucher which I would certainly be interested in reading!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews