Zealot in Wonderland: The Wildhearts: One Love, One Life, One Band

by Gary Davidson

Full of laughs, introspection and rock ‘n’ roll antics, Zealot in Wonderland is the story of one man’s unexpected thrust into a powerful obsession with British rock band The Wildhearts. Like every honeymoon period, this one begins with the sun in the sky and the stars to aim for. However, as I get to grips with my own life, relationships, and debilitating depression, what once seemed like a simple journey to my younger self spirals out of control, until my longing for an interview with The Wildhearts’ lead singer, Ginger, causes the honeymoon to turn sour. But through it all, it is ultimately the music which sees me through.

350 pages, Paperback

Published May 19, 2017

Reviews

[Ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are reading this review chances are you are a fan of The Wildhearts and Ginger. Chances are you are not as big a fan as Gary Davidson. The title gives are fair indication of his love, passion, obsession - call it what you will with the band/the man. The book is a real labour of love that covers a period of 20 years from the debut ep Mondo Akimbo A-Go-Go to Ginger's groundbreaking 555% triple album.
The book brought back memories of the gigs over the years and a reminder of what a prolific and diverse back catalogue Ginger has produced. The author is in danger of running out of superlatives as he describes both.
The flipside to the story of band is the life of the author. Intertwined in the pages of the book Gary reveals snapshots of his own reality - family, friends, partners and work. Also his battle with depression that overshadows everything else at times.
If you are a fan of the music you should buy this book.
If you are not familiar with the music, where have you been? You have a world of delights to discover. Check it out then buy the book.
If you are still not convinced take a chance anyway and then feel a happy glow knowing that 10% of the money from book sales will be donated to The Samaritans.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant fans point of view history of The Wildhearts and Ginger Wildhearts career up to the end of his pledge campaign.
I’ve been following this journey myself since around 1994/95 but without being able to remember most of it so it was lovely being reminded of my very similar Wildhearts journey although mine was/is based around Manchester gigs rather than Oxford gigs.
Now I think I’m finally ready to tackle Ginger’s Songs & Words book! Wish me luck!

[Stephen Hines · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book that provided a fan's perspective on the most underrated rock band on the planet: The Wildhearts. It's chock full of details about the history of the band as it unfolded plus the author details his struggles with depression. Since I'm a complete fanboy of this band and have an anxiety disorder, there was so much that I could relate to.

[Jon Willoughby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genuinely superb - a must-read for any Wildhearts fan, and it should be high on the list of anyone who’s ever loved ANY band, it’s that relatable.