Holywood Star by Eamon Nancarrow – Book Review
November 18, 2009 | Posted by Dan O'Gara 
Most rock stars these days have released an autobiography, chronicling their rise to the top, and sometimes, their fall too! Their struggles with drugs and/or alcohol have been well documented in paperback and column inches in the rock and national press. We, being fans of their music, want to know what happens when they come off the stage. We want to know about the fancy hotels, the limos and groupies.
Well what about the ones that never made it? The starry-eyed teenagers, strumming an old tennis racquet in front of their mum’s full-length mirror, pretending to be in front of thousands of adoring fans! Putting all their efforts into becoming a rock star and just missing out!
This is the story of one man’s quest to reach the top and never quite making it, but having a bloody good time whilst trying! Step forward Eamon Nancarrow, lead singer of the best bands you’ve never heard of.
This is one of the funniest novels I’ve read in a long time. The book follows Eamon from his hometown in Holywood, Northern Ireland to London and back again. Spanning 30 years of hilarious stories of drunken band shenanigans, mostly with his lead guitarist, band mate and partner in crime Ken Heaven. The style of writing is like someone telling you a story in the pub over a pint of Guinness.
There are some real laugh out loud moments and I found myself reading out whole passages to the missus. I was gutted when I finished the book, as I couldn’t get my nightly fix of mirth and merriment.
From having his privates almost blown off by an onstage pyro, to having his right eyebrow removed by a falling speaker cabinet, to selling dodgy Xmas trees to rock stars in Chiswick. He’s been there done that and bought the crap t-shirt!
This book is a must, not only for rock fans, but anyone who enjoys a good belly laugh.
Holywood Star is published by Showcase UK (based in Southampton, covering Hampshire, Dorset and the South Coast) run by Xan Phillips (who was the bass player in most of Eamon Nancarrows bands).
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Categories: Book Review | 
Tags: Book Review, Music Books, Rock, rock celebrities, Rock Music | 
22 Comments »
I may have to make time for this one! Is it a big book Dan?
Not really, there are a lot of great stories, so you tend to read a couple at a time, suddenly you’re at the end!
A fantastic book for reading on holiday, whilst lazing on the beach!
Cheers Dan you have made my day, week and month.
Eamon
Cheers to you Eamon, for your excellent perspective on life!
By the way, did you know they turned the Red Lion in Brentford into a drive-thru MacDonlads…what a waste of a venue!
Gutted Dan believe it or not I used to go there on a Sunday afternoon and Mickey Moody of Whitesnake fame (like you didn’t know that) was playing there. Great times and bad beer. Jesus the golden arches are getting everywhere there’ll soon be one in hell!! Puts a whole new perspective on flame grilled.
Cheers
Eamon
Bloody hell, I used to go there of a Sunday and watch the great Mickey Moody kicking out his blues rock too! Good times!
Yes great review, the names heaven tho! I was in cairo once and the tour guide pointed out of the bus and said “and there is the american embassy”, he was pointing at macdonalds!
A thousand apologies Mr Heaven, I am truly sorry. I should have flipping double checked that!
There sorted it out!
Dan don’t listen to him just call him whatever you like normally I call him ‘Stop thief’ (Copyright S. Milligan) Dan get yourself to The Soul Cellar on Mon. or catch the train to London and the Nellie dean on Wed and you might even hear the talent that is Ken Heaven on the old GTR. Promises to be a cracker!!!
Dan, it’s a great review and we’re delighted Dorset Rock Online were the first media outlet to get one online. As the publisher you’ve made my year. And don’t worry about Ken, as Eamon pointed out he called me Eugene for many months. All the best Xan
Here’s the link to Amazon if you need it
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Holywood-Star-Life-Times-Misadventurer/dp/0956390005/
Dan,
I needed something to read atm as just been made redundant so think i will get this book , looks like it should be worth it by your review mate.
Cheers
broughy
Dan great review, Im half way thru it. BTW I wasnt aiming for his knackers with the pyro, was hoping he was gona do one of his ass “Rod Stewart type” wobbles LOL!!
Keep up the good work.
Fishy
Eamon I’ll try and make it on Wednesday but I can’t promise anything, though I would love to hear Ken play after your colorful descriptions in the book!
Broughy, there you go mate, Xan has helpfully posted a link to the book, thus saving me the trouble! Cheers Xan!
As far as Ken goes Dan watch this video of him bigging up Gilmour, slightly out of sync but the old fella still has it
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-0MnO6DUqg
Im definately buying this book! sounds brilliant, I just watched the youtube vid sounds awesome
Good on yer Matt, you won’t regret it, it’s hilarious!
The book or Ken’s gtr playing Ha ha ha !!! How was the gig Dan by the names I assume they are thrash bands, your neck must be sore today.
Yeah it is, the Jager only helps to numb the pain for a short while, the next day is murder, lol!
Review and pics to come, keep an eye out!