One of the most talented drummers to emerge from the 1970’s punk movement has had his biography published providing a fascinating account of his life and his career as both an epic party animal and drummer extraordinaire.
Decca Wade of South Tyneside punk band, The Angelic Upstarts who gained notoriety in the 1970’s for their anti-social attitude and controversial songs has had a fantastic career in the music industry. In the heyday of his career he played on numerous albums as a session musician for iconic A list music stars at the famous Abbey Road Studios and travelled the world mixing with the rich and famous.
The book, “I’m an Upstart” looks at Decca’s early life in Jarrow and South Shields filled with petty crime and boyish antics and examines how his musical family shaped his career path and eventually led him to the lavish and often crazy world of world of rock and roll.
“It’s a very weird feeling having my whole life in black and white,” said Decca. “To be honest, when I saw the book I started to cry – it’s a very strange feeling to know that everything that is important to me and has made me the person I am is in the book, Ronan has done a fantastic job and I’m looking forward to going on a book tour with my band in the near future.”
North East born author, Ronan Fitzsimons has spent countless hours with Decca researching material for the book and gaining a rare personal insight into the musician who every one loves for his sense of humour and party animal antics.
“To the outside world, Decca is the stereotypical punk icon, but he has another side too, he is a caring person who will give away his last penny to a friend or good cause and once you’ve met Decca you will never forget him. I hope that readers will get an insight into the real Decca Wade”
Fellow North East punk superstar Olga from Sunderland based The Toy Dolls had nothing but praise for his friend.
“I’m delighted that our old mate Decca Wade is now the subject of an official biography. Decca was the original drummer with The Angelic Upstarts, who gave us loads of help in the early 1980s by taking us out on tour with them. Decca has remained a good friend to The Toy Dolls for 35 years, and still sings backing vocals on our albums. The song ‘Decca’s Drinkin’ Dilemma’, on The Album After the Last One, is a tribute to him. I really wish him well.”
Decca’s book is available from the publisher, Ardra Press, at: www.ardrapress.co.uk (click on ‘BOOKSTORE).
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Photo shows: Decca with a trolley full of I’m an Upstart books
More information from Keith Newman Highlights PR 07814 397951
Keith@highlights-public-relations.co.uk
