Edinburgh International Book Festival – Jura Unbound

Simon Napier-Bell, Dan Willson and The Jellyman’s Daughter will appear At Born To Be Wide Talk Show at The Edinburgh International Book Festival. Veteran artist manager and author, Simon Napier-Bell, is set to make his Scottish debut at a special evening hosted by leading music industry event organisation, Born To Be Wide, and the Edinburgh International Book Festival.

The free talk show takes place from 2100-2300hrs on Monday 18 August at the Guardian Spiegel Tent as part of the Jura Unbound programme, and is hosted by journalist andBorn To Be Wide co-Director, Olaf Furniss. He will also interview Dan Willson [akaWithered Hand] – who has been described as the “UK’s best lyricist” – about his approach to song-writing and The Jellyman’s Daughter will perform live.

Napier-Bell will talk about his career and what led him to write his latest book, Ta-Ra-Ra-Boom-De-Ay, the world’s first definitive account of the music industry, which goes back 300 years.

The former manager of acts including The Yarbirds, Boney M, Japan, Marc Bolan and Wham! will also discuss why he opted to crowd-source his latest publication, enlisting the support of an impressive cast of music industry figures and writers. These include Jeff Beck, Simon Cowell, Julie Birchill, Mark Knopfler, Miles Copeland and Vicky Wickham.

“Olaf first invited me to speak at a Born To Be Wide event three years ago, and I am delighted to finally be able to accept the invitation,” says Napier-Bell, who will fly in from his home in Thailand to take part in the evening. “I am very much looking forward to making my debut at the Edinburgh International Book Festival.”

Napier-Bell’s previous works were based on his own experience in the recording industry, and provide an entertaining insight into different areas of the business. His first book, You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me focused on the swinging 60s and was followed by Black Vinyl, White Powder, which explored the role of sex and drugs in British popular music. Meanwhile, I’m Coming To Take You To Lunch, recounts how Napier-Bell wined and dined Communist Party officials to ensure Wham! became the first western pop act to play in China.

“There are several authors who have written a great book about the music business, but only Simon has written four,” says Born To Be Wide’s Furniss. “Combined with Dan Willson and The Jellyman’s Daughter, the evening promises to provide a fantastic insight into music-related writing, and will be accompanied by some wonderful musical interludes.”

Following the Born To Be Wide Talk Show, Napier-Bell will sign copies of his books, with DJs drawn from the Scottish music scene, providing background music.

Event Details:

Monday 18 August
2100-2300hrs [followed by book signing and DJs until 0100]

Born To Be Wide Talk Show with:
Simon Napier-Bell, Dan Willson, The Jellyman’s Daughter and host Olaf Furniss

Free Entry [please arrive promptly to ensure admission]

Jura Unbound at The Guardian Spiegeltent, Edinburgh International Book Festival, Charlotte Square, Edinburgh