On paper; Kenny Everetts qualifications did not look promising ndash; with little in the way of education; physique or social skills. What he had was a gift for funny voices; an oblique imagination and a way with a tape recorder. Yet; the British radio revolution in the lsquo;60s and lsquo;70s needed these exact qualities. Ever a corporate player; Kenny was frequently fired; but still went on to reinvent television. Meanwhile; outside the studios; the challenge to get a life brought moments of ecstasy; frequent bother and at least one suicide attempt. And at the exact moment when tabloid frenzy about the AIDS epidemic reached its peak; he came out. This new biography; based on intricate documentary research as well as interviews with colleagues; friends and enemies ndash; including Alexei Sayle; Barry Cryer; David Mallet and "Whispering" Bob Harris ndash; not only gets under the skin of the man; but also gives a taste of the times. Cupid Stunts covers the novelty and excitement of hearing all-pop radio for the first time; the terror and bluster of the high-ups; the brilliant blossoming of gay culture throughout the 70s and 80s; and the tragedy and vile hypocrisy that surrounded the AIDS epidemic.
2013-06-28 2013-06-28File Name: B00D3JBTOQ
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A must for classical music fans with a sense of humorBy Dr HThis is the hilarious fictional biography of perhaps the most infamous fictional character ever created in music history. Anyone who has gone through a traditional classical musical education will find themselves laughing out loud at many points in this book; and if youve been lucky enough to have seen any of Dr. Schickeles P.D.Q. Bach concerts; in will be doubly funny as you get a look behind the scenes at the conpositions.Playing off themes of classical music snobbery; the real life quirks of many performing musicians; and the cult of Bach; Schickele pokes gentle fun at musical institutions while at the same time subtly introducing the less musically literate to classics of the repertoire -- with which the works of P.D.Q. Bach are liberally salted. I highly recommend this book as a companion to the various P.D.Q. Bach recordings out there; many of which are available at ; including a complete collected works package; the "Dreaded P.D.Q. Bach Collection".Some reviewers apparently found problems with the paperback version of this book. I own both paperback and hard cover editions; and while the hardcover is a bit larger; I had no trouble with lack of clarity or excessively-reduced photos in my paperback copy. It is possible; I suppose; that more than one paperback edition has been released. In any case; I would say; dont let the packaging prevent you from enjoying the content of this exceedingly well executed effort in musical humor.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Brilliantly funnyBy The Grey PiperHadnt seen this in YEARS! Only before at my town library; maybe late 70s; I was so excited to get my hands on it again! Terrific companion piece for any PDQ fan. Literally "LOL" funny in places; even in the modern sense that much of it consists of innocent paintings; humorously annotated. Very clever "biography" of the notorious PDQ; from his questionable birth ("Something has been born.") to the immortal last words of "The walking pub;" "Time; gentlemen..." and in between; accomplishing the unprecedented feat of becoming the only actual person to be declared a cardinal sin by the Vatican.This probably wont mean much to you if you dont know the music of PDQ Bach; as brought to light by Prof. Peter Schickele; but it will still make you laugh; I think; and maybe encourage you to explore the albums and discover a whole new world of musical insanity! PDQ Bach is much in the tradition of Spike Jones and Weird Al; only in classical. That is; if you can consider a concerto in which bagpipes; balloons; and bicycle are all played as classical music.Bottom line -- maybe not for everyone; but a delight for those who get a grin just looking at the cover!1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. One of the two funniest books ever writtenBy T. RobinsonThe other book is Bored of the Rings: A Parody of J. R. R. Tolkiens Lord of the Rings. This one is far more intellectual humor; however. If you have no love for classical music and history; this book might go over your head. However; if youve got a friend who love classical music; then PDQ Back is probably already a favorite. However; most people are unaware that this book exists.Some of the humor is as blunt as a baseball bat. Other humor is quite subtle. It is presented as a standard biography complete with footnotes. The first line of the body is "It was a dark and stormy night" with "It" getting the books first footnote.I bought 2 copies of this as presents for friends. Give yourself a present if youre a classical music lover with a sense of humor.