Author Archives: garylongden

Unbroken – film review

Posted on August 6, 2025 by garylongden

** The story, co-written by the Coen brothers and others, is based on a blockbuster sized book by Laura Hillenbrand. Inevitably the story has to be retold. Jolie’s inexperience makes this an uneven exercise. The first half is strong, the … Continue reading →

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black vinyl- white powder, by Simon Napier Bell, book review

Posted on August 6, 2025 by garylongden

**** In his own words this is an exploration of “the centrality of drugs and drug culture to the development of the British music business”, A legendary manager in  pop and rock, this account by Napier Bell is an exhaustive, … Continue reading →

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St Davids Cathedral- Wales

Posted on July 24, 2025 by garylongden

St Davids  Cathedral, Wales – a travelogue Somehow, despite being in my sixth decade, and a regular visitor to Wales I had never made St Davids. A t trip to the Pembrokeshire coast rectified that omission. The UK’s smallest city … Continue reading →

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Killing Thatcher- Rory Carroll, book review

Posted on July 24, 2025 by garylongden

Paced brilliantly and has the twists and turns of a thriller novel despite being a true story. Superbly researched. This is more than simply an account of the attempt to assassinate Thatcher and her cabinet. It is also an exploration … Continue reading →

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Rangers and the Famous ICF: My Life With Scotland’s Most-Feared Football Hooligan Gang- Sandy Chugg, Book review

Posted on July 14, 2025 by garylongden

Rangers and the Famous ICF: My Life With Scotland’s Most-Feared Football Hooligan Gang- Sandy Chugg,  Book review **** out of five I knew nothing about the Scottish firms beyond their propensity to behave appallingly at any game in England be … Continue reading →

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Homo Reloaded- by Carlos Alberto Bisceglia , book review

Posted on July 13, 2025 by garylongden

**** out of 5 An astonishing book which skilfully weaves science, geology and geography with informed conjecture to reappraise 75000 years of human history Origin, Evolution, and Transformations of Human Civilization and Earth: Evidence of Cosmic Impacts, Climate Changes, and … Continue reading →

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I was there- Alan edwards, book review

Posted on July 12, 2025 by garylongden

I Was There by Alan Edwards, book review – the rock gods’ right-hand man This is one of the best insights into the Rock and pop business i have read. **** out of five Alan Edwards, founder of public relations … Continue reading →

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Paul Gratis – “Worst Crowd Trouble Ever Seen…” (At Major British Football Grounds Revealed: How Britain’s Most Notorious Football Hooligans Wreaked Havoc From The 60’s to 90’s”- A book review

Posted on July 12, 2025 by garylongden

Snappy title for one of the worst books I have read in a very long time. It is reheated nonsense  scraped from other internet forums with virtually no first person accounts whatsoever. I can find no biographical details on the … Continue reading →

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Tina- the musical, Birmingham Hippodrome

Posted on July 3, 2025 by garylongden

**** I saw Tina Turner at Portman rd football ground Ipswich thirty five years ago in 1990. At fifty years old, she was fit, energetic and had a magnificent voice. In its seventh year (and the longest-running show) at the … Continue reading →

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John Wilson’s London Sinfonia- Symphony hall, Birmingham

Posted on June 30, 2025 by garylongden

***** Often described as a ‘super-orchestra’ , it brings together outstanding musicians from the UK and abroad, including principals and leaders from other orchestras, notable soloists and members of distinguished chamber groups. ‘Sinfonia of London sets the gold standard – … Continue reading →

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