Alan Edwards, the ‘godfather of British music PR’, will share tales from his extraordinary career when he launches his new book at Dimbola Museum and Galleries on 18th June 2025.
Alan has worked with some of the biggest names in music history, including David Bowie, the Spice Girls, the Rolling Stones, the Stranglers, Prince and Amy Winehouse.
Bookings can be made by calling Dimbola on (01983) 756 814.
The veteran publicist will present his memoir ‘I Was There – Dispatches from a Life in Rock and Roll‘ in an evening that promises to deliver fascinating insights into five decades of music and culture.
Festival weekend adds star power
The timing coincides perfectly with the Isle of Wight Festival weekend, bringing additional excitement to the event.
Alan’s company The Outside Organisation handles PR for John Giddings’ artists, including The Corrs, who will perform at the festival this year.
John Giddings has confirmed he will attend the evening, adding further industry credibility to the occasion.
An evening of stories and spirits
Mermaid Gin sponsors the event, which begins with welcoming drinks at 6pm.
Tom Stroud will moderate a talk with Alan, followed by a Q&A session and book signing opportunity.
Attendees can purchase the paperback version of the book for £10.99.
From hippie trail to PR trail
Alan’s memoir chronicles his remarkable journey from unlikely beginnings to music industry prominence.
The book describes how he secured his break in the mid-1970s as a scruffy, stoned 20-year-old fresh from the hippie trail.
His encounter with London’s thriving punk scene inspired him to establish his own PR company.
Global success and pop phenomenon
Alan’s work with artists like Blondie expanded his reach to the US and beyond.
His move into pop music during the tabloid-crazed 1990s brought new challenges and opportunities with the Spice Girls.
The memoir captures the frenetic energy of that era and Alan’s role in managing global superstars.
Debbie Harry from Blondie said,
“Alan is such a wonderful storyteller.”
The Bowie connection
At the heart of Alan’s story lies his defining professional relationship with David Bowie.
Their close collaboration spanned almost four decades, providing unique insights into one of music’s most enigmatic figures.
Alan guides readers through vivid, behind-the-scenes reports that reveal the human side of legendary performers.
Extraordinary encounters
The book recounts spontaneous moments that define a life in music, from playing football with Bob Marley to deep conversations with Prince about civilisation’s future in nightclub VIP areas.
Alan found himself caught in the middle of power struggles between Mick Jagger and Keith Richards.
These experiences provide the foundation for his fascinating observations about the brilliant artists he has worked with and what drives their creativity.
Critical acclaim
The book has garnered praise from across the music industry and media landscape.
Nihal Arthanayake from BBC Radio 5 Live declares,
“If you love music, you should definitely read this book.”
Music journalist Jon Savage notes,
“Alan Edwards is a class act: observant, attentive, always in the right place at the right time. I Was There tells you how.”
Tony Parsons describes it as,
“A beautiful, warm, jaw-dropping, once-in-a-lifetime, lifting-the-stone guide to a secret world . . . I loved it.”
Will Hodgkinson from The Times calls it “Revelatory,” whilst Neil McCormick of the Daily Telegraph finds it “Gossipy, insightful and a whole lot of fun.”
Barbara Ellen from the Observer praises it as,
“An absorbing read . . . Raw, warm and packed with incident.”
Supporting local heritage
Tickets cost £8 (£7 for Friends of Dimbola) and include complimentary drinks from Mermaid Gin.
All profits will support the Julia Margaret Cameron Trust, which operates Dimbola Museum and Galleries.
Bookings can be made by calling Dimbola on (01983) 756 814.
The evening promises to offer rare insights into the music industry from someone who witnessed its evolution from the inside over half a century.
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