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The Girl in the Back

A Female Drummer's Life with Bowie, Blondie, and the '70s Rock Scene
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( 91 ratings, 17 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Girl in the Back by Laura Davis-Chanin is an evocative memoir depicting Davis-Chanin's own experiences as a teenage drummer in the 1970s New York punk scene. It captures her journey with the band the Student Teachers while portraying the vibrant music culture and the colourful personalities of that era. The book explores themes of resilience and self-discovery amidst the frenetic energy of a pivotal cultural moment.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're fascinated by the dynamic punk rock scene of the late 1970s and early 1980s, as it offers a behind-the-scenes perspective from a unique vantage point. The memoir captures the chaos, creativity, and personalities of influential musicians, providing an intimate look at a vibrant cultural era.

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THE GIRL IN THE BACK: A FEMALE DRUMMER'S LIFE WITH BOWIE BLONDIE AND THE '70S ROCK SC

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Nineteen seventy-seven. New York City. Dark. Dangerous. Thrilling. Punk Rock. Blondie. David Bowie. Drinking. Drugs. Happening at the speed of light.

Seventeen-year-old Laura, quaking within her skin while the bursting punk rock revolution explodes around her, starts a band with her teenage friends called the Student Teachers. She’s the drummer. They play legendary clubs CBGB, Max’s Kansas City, and Hurrah. They rehearse madly, write songs, and tour the East Coast. All between final exams at school.

In comes Jimmy Destri from Blondie. He thinks the Student Teachers are terrific! And then he falls in love with Laura. He pulls her into the glamorous life of Blondie and introduces her to David Bowie. Bowie takes an interest in Laura’s band, attends their rehearsals, and sets them up to open for Iggy Pop at the Palladium on Halloween 1979. It’s exhilarating! It’s the beginning of amazing success in rock 'n' roll!

Until it all comes to a stunning stop. After playing a show at Town Hall in 1980, Laura is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Does it all fall apart? Later, at a dinner with Bowie, he whispers something to Laura. And it helps her save her life.

In prose that flows like music, Laura Davis-Chanin presents a rich work of narrative nonfiction that is not only deeply personal but also revealing of the punk rock heyday in New York City. Infused with rare photographs, The Girl in the Back is a journey through a unique, ephemeral life experience.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781617136870

Publisher: Hal Leonard Corporation

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 01 July 2018

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Backbeat Books

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 17.0mm

Width: 154.0mm

Height: 228.0mm

Weight: 476g

Pages: 274

About the Author

LAURA DAVIS-CHANIN (New York City) is a writer and lawyer. She is currently working on a novel and a series of short stories. She can be heard on the podcast Phi-Fic: Truth in Fiction on the philosophy site The Partially Examined Life and is working on a master s degree in philosophy at Edinburgh University. She is most thankful for her beautiful daughters, Zoe and Mara.

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