Rock 'n' Roll Sweepstakes: The Authorised Biography of Ian Hunter (Volume 1) - Hardcover

by Campbell Devine (Author)

Rock 'n' Roll Sweepstakes is a frank and comprehensive biography of a remarkable man, an amazing life and an incredible musical legacy. It covers Ian Hunter's youth and formative rock 'n' roll years in the Sixties, Mott the Hoople's formation, David Bowie's intervention as 'a fan' of the band and Mott's rise to international stardom. Sitting alongside Ian Hunter's Diary of a Rock 'n' Roll Star, this Authorised Biography shines a light on the highs and lows of stardom and the music business lifestyle. It also tells how Ian, at Mott's peak, found a friction with fame and jettisoned what he had achieved with the band to pursue a sparkling forty-year solo career. Biographer Campbell Devine has collaborated with Ian Hunter, all of Mott the Hoople and their personnel, and dozens of other significant groups, performers and celebrity fans including Gene Simmons (Kiss), Joe Elliott (Def Leppard), Brian May (Queen), Andy Mackay (Roxy Music) and Robin Zander (Cheap Trick). Containing candid first-hand revealing accounts, unseen images and in-depth observations and musical commentaries, this is the ultimate biography of one of rock's greatest writers, performers and influencers.

Author Biography

Campbell Devine has assembled and authored box sets, CDs and features for several labels and music publications including Sony Music and Classic Rock. He was the originator and compiler of All the Young Dudes (The Anthology), Once Bitten Twice Shy, Just Like This, Original Mixed Up Kids (The BBC Recordings) and The Journey. Assembling many of the best Mott the Hoople, Ian Hunter and Mick Ronson collections, recovering rare and lost artwork, and providing unheard historical background to re-issues, Ian's recent monolithic, 30-disc, Stranded in Reality box-set, instigated and curated by Campbell, garnered wide Five-Star acclaim.