Getting There - Punk Rock Tour Diaries: Volume One

by T.V. Smith

GETTING THERE TV Smith was the founder member and lead singer for The Adverts, who in 1977 shot briefly to fame with their punk rock hit "Gary Gilmore's Eyes." Then the band broke up and fame was gone. Where to go next? Not knowing what to expect, TV set out on a serious of unpublicised, low budget solo tours through Europe, and in this book recounts his life-affirming and frequently hilarious experiences of what it's really like to be on the road, destination unknown. Punk Rock Tour Diaries: Volume One Starring!! The Adverts! Attila The Stockbroker! Tom Robinson! Die Toten Hosen! Punk Lurex OK! Santa Claus! Henry Rollins! Garden Gang! The UK Subs! Sid Vicious (the dog)! .and a cast of thousands!!

Genres: Biography, Music, Nonfiction, Punk

212 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Becky Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most I've laughed while reading a book in ages. Not to be sniffed at, highly recommended, particularly if you lurk around the small gig circuit.

[Kevin Tole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hadn't a clue what TV Smith was doing but like a lot of people my age I was quite interested to find out what he was doing and had been doing since the demise of the Adverts and one of the best punk albums ever. Turns out he's been gigging asll round Europe and this is part one of his diaries (I believe part 2 is out at the moment). An interesting read to say the least of what gigging must be like for a plus 40ish punk playing generally by himseldf (though generally as a support foor others and getting others to join in with him on tour). It makes me wonder if you ever grow up, what that in fact means and if it matters at all - probably not to any of those questions. Wot me worry? Anyway the book is decent if at times falling a little into the '.....got to the gig (hasslesome), did a soundcheck (or not), PA blew up/ fell to pieces / started making whoppee cushion noises, was excellent / could only take one plug, got wrecked, gort no sleep, moved on to the next gig. Still he's worth ever penny he can get from this. Buy it if you remember the Adverts and go and see him on tour. He sounds an alright bloke.