Like Punk Never Happened

Like Punk Never Happened

Here in an expanded edition featuring a new introduction by Neil Tennant, a new afterword by the author and bonus chapter on Duran Duran Like Punk Never Happened is a story of money, sex, stardom, screaming fans and forgotten ideals. In the 1980s a new breed of British pop stars set about conquering the world. Alongside Boy George and Culture Club groups such as Duran Duran, Wham! And Frankie Goes To Hollywood began topping the charts and selling out arenas across the globe in an explosive manner reminiscent of Beatlemania. In what become known as the second British Invasion these artists embraced fashion, decadence and a non-stop party lifestyle with such zeal it was indeed like punk never happened. This is the ultimate insiders account. As a writer for magazines such as Smash Hits and The Face, Dave Rimmer had unparalleled access to the artists of this era. Like Punk Never Happened is a witty, energetic, authoritative, and mischeviously provocative account of the roller-coaster ride that was the new '80s pop, and is widely regarded as a seminal piece of music writing.

Like Punk Never Happened

'A controversial and honest account of My Life On The Road With Rock Group, a potted history of pop from '79-'85, and a serious analysis of the whole mess... Dave Rimmer has one great weapon at his disposal. He was there.' David Quantick, NME 'As sharp a study of British pop as we'll get ... Rimmer's point is that if the new pop stars' success makes it seem 'like punk never happened', they emerged, in fact, as a direct result of punk attitudes... Rimmer tells this story in his raciest Smash Hits manner, with wit, insider info and scandal.' Simon Frith, City Limits 'Rimmer is among the most entertaining writers ever to pen a rock book.' Dave Marsh, Rock and Roll Confidential

The Wire