POPCORN TO ROCK 'n' ROLL: Southampton Days: Book One of Trilogy Life and Death of a Pirate, 2nd edition: 1 (Life and Death of a Pirate - Trilogy)

A beautifully written biographical novel set against the backdrop of post-war Britain. This is the first book of an exciting, multi-layered trilogy that follows the turbulent lives and love affair of Reg and Dorothy Calvert. Interwoven is a history of early British rock music and musicians, as Reg pursuits his quest to bring Rock 'n' Roll to England. Life is hard after the Second World War, and with few job opportunities and a massive housing shortage, Reg and Dorothy marry, aged 18, and live in an old bus in an apple orchard while Reg tries many ways to earn a living, including making popcorn. Too soon they have children and Dorothy struggles to maintain some equilibrium in their relationship while Reg, like Peter Pan, refuses to grow up and lead a normal life. When he first hears Bill Haley's 'Rock Around the Clock', he gives up his job as a radio and television engineer to bring Rock 'n' Roll to England. Young boys, musicians and singers, join Reg as he puts together the first Big Beat Shows and tour the country's dancehalls. Reg becomes a major influence with ground-breaking ideas which help to transform the 1950s music culture, ahead of the Swinging Sixties. There are mad antics, hilariously funny escapades, sex, drugs, and Rock 'n' Roll, but not in the way you would imagine. Before long, others are copying him and the press are talking about his 'School of Rock'. (244 pages, 50 plus photographs)