Last week we announced the incredibly exciting news that we will be publishing the new book by Davey MacManus, The Bluster Boy.
This is so exciting to me particularly because in the years when my music taste developed and grew Davey was the enigmatic front man of a couple of my favourite bands; The Crocketts and The Crimea.
The Crocketts
In the late 90s The Crocketts were one of bands at the more raucous end of the then indie scene. For me they were in the same scene as Ash, Idlewild, Symposium, and other great, high energy live bands which as a teenager I absolutely loved. I want chaotic crowds, stage-diving singers and to pogo around in a sweaty mosh-pit.
With the demise of The Crocketts came rumours and snippets of new music. Pre-mass internet and not being in London, we had to rely on secret message boards and word of [dial-up]mouth. A friend (Eyes On The Prize) got hold of some demos under the name of Klutzville (now available on Davey’s own Youtube Channel) which gave us hope; and then The Crimea appeared.
The Crimea
The Crimea were a more mellow sound. Similar to Idlewild who slowed and matured with each album, The Crimea were a new development from the viscerallity of The Crocketts. Still led by the poetic lyrics of Davey but slowed to less frantic pace.
The Crimea’s live shows were particularly special. The band laid a foundation, including poppy hooks, but it was Davey’s performance which captivated. He swayed and shook at the front of the stage rocked in spasmodic movements, seemingly in his own world which we, the audience, were getting tantilising glimpses of. His poetry spilled out as lyrics and ad libs as he stared away and accessed a higher plain.
He’s Back!
This weekend Davey MacManus is playing his first shows in 11 years. This time as a solo artist. I, much like many others, am very excited to return to watching Davey’s performances.
The Bluster Boy is due to be published 23 August by Rotten Poetry. The book collects 30 years of writing: poetry and prose, alongside archive photos. It gives a deep insight into a life lived. Davey’s life has taken many turns. The Bluster Boy starts with it’s titular poem written when Davey was 16; some might recognize it from Unamazing Disgraces (Shiny Beast 2000) Davey’s now rare first poetry collection, or from the awesome Crocketts’ track.
Bluster Boy (the song), based on the poem, about bullying and not fitting in, was a rallying cry to the outcasts of teenage life. From this teenage starting point the book will track through Davey’s career in music including touring America, playing Top of the Pops and stadium support slots at the top of the industry.
After music Davey made a dramatic change into nursing. Training as a nurse and working in healthcare. The book also includes powerful responses to Davey’s time working in Diepsloot, South Africa. Reputably one of the most dangerous places in the world. Davey passionately worked with children in one of earth’s most challenging slums including providing musical instruments and skateboards teaching them to play and skate.
The Bluster Boy
The Bluster Boy is an incredibly powerful book charting an unusual and dramatic life through the words of a great and inspirational poet, lyricist and songwriter. It will make you reflect on life and its meaning; some will make you stop, aghast, some smile. Suitable for someone with no knowledge of Davey’s career but also for fans, like me.
PS don’t tell Davey I such a fanboy, I think I’ve managed to play it cool so far!
Darren Ellis is a teacher, creative and owner of Rotten Poetry. He reads classic literature, fantasy, sci-fi, literary fiction and history.