 BOOKS, FANZINES AND OTHER GOOD READS... “This book was originally published in 2013 and has been one of the cornerstones (alongside various reissues and compilations of new recordings) in the resurgence of fresh interest in Pike’s musical and artistic career. “To build on this and to ensure that the story remains in the public domain, a new expanded edition of his book is now being made available and I hope that it brings his story to an even wider audience. He may not be the best-known name from the Beat music era of the Sixties, but his tale is unique, intriguing and very well-told. Travis not only has a great story to tell, but he knows how to make it entertaining. “A series of misfortunes conspired to prevent him from achieving the success that in other circumstances could easily have been his, but he still remains remarkably positive about his experiences, preferring to share and enjoy what he did achieve rather than |
bemoaning what might have been. His enthusiasm is infectious, really drawing you into his adventures,from Hot Rods and Demolition Derbys in Boston through to time spent in Germany as a US Navy recruit, spending his free-time as a popular rock ’n’ roll singer in the nightclubs. “Eventually back in the States, his musical career starts to take off, finding himself starring in the cult-movie ‘Feelin’ Good’ before forming his bands The Boston Massacre and, subsequently, [Travis Pike’s] Tea Party. They relocate from the East Coast to Los Angeles in an attempt to further their ambitions, but like many other notables, they weren’t destined to become household names. But this is never the point of this tale, it’s the fact that they took their dreams and ran with them. If that isn’t an inspiring tale of rock ’n’ roll in its true essence, what is? This new edition includes over 100 extra pages of new text and additional photographs (fortunately, Travis has always maintained a healthy archive). In the five years since this book was first published, he has been able to reassess the original narrative and now recounts it even more effectively. It’s a pertinent reminder that the history of rock’n’roll certainly isn’t just about the big names; it’s the grass-roots that keep everything going ! I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone with a real interest in Beat music and great stories !” Andy Pearson |
