Paul Du Noyer – författare

'A dense and colourful account of one of the most vibrant musical centres in the world, In the City almost puts you on that train to London' GuardianIn this fascinating history of London's music, which was the 2009 Sunday Times 'Music Book of the Year', Paul Du Noyer, critically-acclaimed music writer and founding editor of MOJO, celebrates the people and places that have made London the most exciting and diverse musical city on earth. The West End musicals, Ronnie Scott's jazz club, Abbey Road, mod culture, the Kinks, the Who and the Rolling Stones are just as much a part of London as the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and the Routemaster. Du Noyer's captivating book charts the city's music history and landmarks and will appeal to residents, visitors and exiles alike.

In June 1989, Paul Du Noyer was contacted by Paul McCartney's office in London and asked to interview the star as they had met once before and enjoyed a good raport. In the years that followed, Paul Du Noyer continued to meet, interview and work for Paul McCartney on a regular basis, producing magazine articles, tour programmes, album liner notes, press materials and website editorial. It's likely that Du Noyer has spent more hours in formal, recorded conversation with McCartney than any other writer. Conversations with McCartney is the culmination of Du Noyer's long association with McCartney and his music. It draws from their interview sessions across 35 years, coupling McCartney's own, candid thoughts with his observations and analysis.

INCLUDES COMPLETE JOHN LENNON LYRICS FOR THE FIRST TIMELennon's life after the Beatles was eventful and fascinating. He moved from stardom in the world's biggest pop group to global peace campaigner and figurehead for radical causes. He left England for a new life in the USA with Yoko Ono. He later abandoned public life and retired to his New York apartment to raise their son and live the life of a recluse. In 1980 he re-emerged with a new album, but the plan to resume his career was cruelly curtailed on a fateful night outside the Dakota Building when he was murdered.Upon first publication, this book was the first to examine and assess all of John Lennon's solo work. This updated edition includes lyrics and is released on the 40th anniversary of his death and the 80th anniversary of his birth.

Liverpool’s dynamic music scene gave the world The Beatles. What city could hope to follow that? But 12 years later, in 1974, lightning nearly struck twice. Deaf School were a band formed in John Lennon’s old art college, rehearsing in the very same rooms. With their chaotic and wildly entertaining brand of rock cabaret, Deaf School were tipped for instant stardom and signed up by Warner Brothers in California. But suddenly, with the world at their feet, Deaf School were swept aside by Britain’s punk rock revolution. “A great band,” said the Sex Pistols’ manager Malcolm McLaren. “But it’s just as bad being too early as too late.” Though their hopes were dashed the band has never surrendered. And 40 years on, Deaf School’s influence is acknowledged by British bands from Madness to Dexy's Midnight Runners. Their reunion shows, still madly glamorous and eccentric, are tribal gatherings for a fanbase that never forgot them. The band’s first full-length biography is written by British music writer Paul Du Noyer, a follower since Deaf School’s early days in Liverpool. “Deaf School are such a delicious secret,” he says. “It’s almost a shame to reveal it.”