Absolute Beginner - by Kevin Armstrong (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

'Kevin does what I pretend to do. Kevin's a proper musician.' David Bowie

'Kevin Armstrong has been around, and around.' Iggy Pop

Growing up in a world of punk squats and the London pub-rock scene, suburban rookie guitarist Kevin Armstrong found himself signed to EMI as a solo artist in the early 80s, but fate had other plans for him, his life and career changing in an instant when he was called for a studio date with an unnamed star at Abbey Road.

That unnamed star was soon revealed to be David Bowie, and that afternoon's recording catapulted this unlikely lad onto the world's grandest stages alongside some of the biggest names in the business. Kevin has gone on to carve out a singular career as a producer, songwriter, and guitarist, performing live and recording with everyone from Grace Jones to Paul McCartney, Iggy Pop to Roy Orbison, Sandie Shaw to Alien Sex Fiend.

Absolute Beginner is the story of what it takes to survive as a self-taught musician. It provides an honest and funny glimpse into the backstage world of the artists Kevin has worked with, and is packed with acerbic, laugh-out-loud observations on popular music and musicians from someone who has had a prime seat at the high table of rock'n'roll for more than forty years.

Review Quotes

'This is a frank, revealing, and often very funny memoir of a life playing with other people and at the same time being yourself.' - David Quantick

'An absolute whirlwind--a wonderfully funny, cleverly observed account of real life spent touring or recording with musicians on every level.' - Mark Ellen

'Kevin Armstrong has written a beautifully gentle tale of a life spent playing guitar with some of the hardest rockers around--a must for anyone who loves music, or even just ... loves.' - Will Self