I loved how Casey and Harrison try to reinvent themselves, in the hopes that they'd be better at something else. The antics that occur made me giggle. And really, isn't that what high school is all about? Trying to find yourself? Exit Stage Left is a funny and poignant book, drawing on Duerden’s considerable experience as a journalist and interviewer . . . he understands what motivates this strange bunch of people.’– Andy Miller, Spectator The desire for adulation is a light that never goes out. We live in a culture obsessed by the notion of fame – the heedless pursuit of it; the almost obligatory subsequent fallout. What is rarely written about (and it is something that applies to all careers) is what happens to the pop star when their moment in the spotlight is over? There are many cautionary tales here, from survivors of the pop machine to bands that were put together by a group of mates who wanted to escape from school, and the narrow confines from what was expected of them in adult life. Blistering first acts share the same energy: the big break, the world tours. But here are fading encores, empty assembly rooms, silence. As Tony James asked himself after Sigue Sigue Sputnik failed to deliver on their second album: “Do I crawl away and die now? Or do I do something else?”

Duerden finds fascinating layers of humanity, pathos, humour and wisdom in equal measure. A brilliant book, for artists and fans alike.' - Frank Turner If there is one takeaway for how to survive a career in pop music it seems to be 'buy a house in London in the early 80s' I know some artists struggle with the idea of being relevant, [but] I stopped buying that a long time ago,’ Joel told Billboard magazine in 2019.The music industry is not what it once was and neither am I with regards my relationship to music as I have lost touch with who might be the up and comers these days. It could be argued this is a good thing as I think we're unlikely to get so many one hit wonders and curios as we had before.

Duerden is very informative and detailed, and does not excuse the interviewees. During CeeLo Green's chapter, the author makes a point to state Green's non contest plea in legal action from an accused rape. However, in the writing, Duerden relies on frequent puns or cliches expressions. My thanks to both NetGalley and the publisher Mobius Books, Hachette Book Groups for an advanced copy of this musical study on fame and its after effects. The desire for adulation is a light that never goes out. We live in a culture obsessed by the notion of fame - the heedless pursuit of it; the almost obligatory subsequent fallout. But what's it like to actually achieve it, and what happens when fame abruptly passes, and shifts, as it does, onto someone else? Not quite sure WTF I just read ... but it certainly was different ... and outrageously creative. To mash together the HUAC hearings, the Stonewall riots, the Monroe-Miller-DiMaggio scandal, the Algonquin Round Table, the Rosenberg executions, the Nixon-Khrushchev 'kitchen debate' and so much more ... and ALSO throw in some beloved Hanna-Barbera characters, can only be conceivable from someone with an intimate knowledge of Ayahuasca!We all know the story of pop-stars. The hard work that goes into developing a sound, a style, the years spent trying to sell a song, or an image to record companies that put the bottom line above musical and artistic concerns. We know the stories of appearing on Top of the Pops, or the thousands of hours (and even more money) that goes into making an album. In 1993, Billy Joel released his last album, River of Dreams, and aside from one further album of classical piano pieces, had felt no compulsion to write anything else. He still enjoys playing the hits catalogue live, he’s sold hundreds of millions of records, and he’s proved his worth. What else is there to say?

Exit Stage Left is a funny and poignant book, drawing on Duerden’s considerable experience as a journalist and interviewer… he understands what motivates this strange bunch of people.’– Andy Miller, Spectator Some sustain themselves on the nostalgia circuit. Others continue to beaver away in the studio, no longer Abbey Road so much as the garden shed. The desire for adulation is a light that never goes out. We live in a culture obsessed by the notion of fame - the heedless pursuit of it, the almost obligatory subsequent fallout. But what's it like to actually achieve it, and what's it like when fame abruptly passes, and shifts, as it does, onto someone else? Duerden runs over the symbiotic and vile relationship that seems to exist between the music business, the press and more latterly reality TV producers as he speaks to musicians, singers and former pop stars up and down the spectrum. From Paul from S Club 7 and Robbie Williams to Shaun Ryder and Tim Burgess and everyone in between, Duerden leaves no stone unturned in unearthing what happens when the lights go down on a career in pop music. There were times that it was all a little much. The combo of being a closeted gay (cat)man, probably a necessity in the '50's, and being accused of being a communist for creating subversive art, perhaps things were a bit diluted. Either one of these storylines would probably serve without the other. But it's enjoyable, the art is really good, and like I said, WAY better than it has any business being.

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The desire for adulation is a light that never goes out. We live in a culture obsessed by the notion of fame – the heedless pursuit of it; the almost obligatory subsequent fallout. But what’s it like to actually achieve it, and what happens when fame abruptly passes, and shifts, as it does, onto someone else?