Death of an Unsigned Band

Thornton (The Alternative Hero), the drummer for U.K. band Fink, wittily ridicules the lengths to which musicians will go to realize their dreams. Russell Groom, a mildly successful British songwriter, pianist, and guitarist, reunites with old band mates Jake, Karen, and Ash. They’ve released three demos in two years and a self-financed EP, but the A&R man they’d hoped to impress walks out of their latest gig. Unbeknownst to the band, Russell agrees to the demands of Josh, the ne’er-do-well son of a record producer, who promises to turn Russell’s trajectory from “B-road to Shitsworth in the London Borough of Nowhere” to “a first-class ticket to Fame Central,” with just one hitch: Jake is out, and Josh is in—as lead singer. When Jake storms off after a successful festival show and a big manager comes calling, Josh—and the newly configured band—finally get their chance. But stardom comes with less stardust and glory than Russell imagined; venues get nicer as success grows, but choices become harder and loyalties strain. Steeped in the world of small-time British music, Thornton writes hilarious dialogue and laces his story with authentic, if depressing, details. A must-read for wannabe musicians with stars in their eyes. (Dec.)