Here is a hard rock memoir you should read essentially an authorized bio on the endearing British rock band Humble Pie – as told from the drum throne and backstage hallways during the emerging days of the Seventies classic rock era. In 1969, Jerry Shirley was chosen to drum in a new band led by Steve Marriott and Peter Frampton. He had just turned 17. Along with bassist Greg Ridley, and manager Dee Anthony, the Pie started a 6-year journey that stormed the US and defined Arena Rock – bigger sound, bigger contracts, and bigger parties.
Along the way Jerry meets with future legends that make for a star-studded bio and rare glimpse into the rock music industry. Written in his own voice and with a wicked musician sense of humour, Jerry details the vibrant scene that created the explosive sound of heavy rock. He explains how sessions were conducted by iconic engineers like Glyn Johns and Eddie Kramer, describes his session work with Syd Barrett and George Harrison and tells amusing tales like drum shopping with the Who’s Keith Moon. What was it like to perform a sold-out show at Shea Stadium, play for 250 000 in Hyde Park, charter a private jet for tour, record the trend-setting live record at the Fillmore East (that spawned the FM radio staple “I Don’t Need No Doctor”), get hyped for the stage by Dee Anthony, and deal with the drugs and excesses of this inhibitive era of rock?
This book definitely answers those question as well as “What was it like to meet, play, record, tour, party, and fight with cult hero Steve Marriott?” No other book can cover it like this.
Author: Jerry Shirley (London) was Humble Pie’s drummer throughout the group’s entire career. From 1969 to 1975, the band had 3 gold records and played hundreds of tour dates. From 1986 to 1999 Shirley fronted a reformed Humble Pie in the US and also worked as a radio DJ in Cleveland, Ohio. Jerry stills plays out and currently performs with the Deborah Bonham Band. In 1970 he worked on Syd Barrett’s two solo albums. On the debut LP The Madcap Laughs he played with David Gilmour and Roger Waters, as well as Soft Machine members Mike Ratledge, Hugh Hopper and Robert Wyatt. On this first record, Jerry shared drums with Wyatt and drummer Willie Wilson. On Barrett, he worked with David Gilmour and Richard Wright.
Originally Released in 2011
The Fat Angel Sings 