Story of a 60s Drummer (Paperback or Softback)

This is the story of a wee boy from a family in Glasgow, Scotland who grew up to experience the dream of appearing with the legendary Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin) on Cartoone's debut album on the famous Atlantic Record label, and also touring the USA in support of Led Zeppelin and other great bands.

Never in his wildest dreams would he have believed that he would share the stage with the best drummer in the world, John Bonham, plus Robert Plant, Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones, when Zeppelin were just starting out and trying to break America. That is what most musicians hope to achieve, but most never do.

And then tragedy struck...

***

'Charlie could be the next John Bonham'
Maggie Bell & Les Harvey (Stone-The-Crows) in 1969

'Long term, we have the most faith in UK bands Led Zeppelin and Scottish band Cartoone to do well'
Jerry Wexler & Ahmet Ertegun (Atlantic Records) in 1968

'Really enjoyed the Cartoone CD Charlie, real 60s stuff, excellent.'
Richard Desmond (OK/Express/Channel 5/Health Lottery)

***

After I have recouped all my initial costs of producing this book for publication, half of my royalties will be shared between the following cancer groups:

'Second Chancers Head & Neck Cancer Support Group'

AND

'Shout At Cancer' (Laryngectomy Charity Group)

5.0 out of 5 stars
Well done Charlie, top man!
20 February 2018
Verified Purchase
A very enjoyable read and written from the heart. Charlie Coffils, drummer and vocalist with the Glaswegian band Cartoone, takes the journey through the highs and lows to being on the brink of fully blown stardom sharing the same debut tour with Led Zeppelin in the late 60's. Manager, Peter Grant has both bands signed to Atlantic Records in the USA. Everything is going hunky dory until, well, I won't spoil the read but, Charlie's life takes a dramatic turnaround and fights his wars with the Big C. A very touching read and an insight to the bitter sweetness of Rock n' Roll. In my book (no pun intended), Charlie fights his way to the top as true spirit for his family and as a survivor. It may be considered that I maybe bias as I have had the pleasure to have jammed on occasions with Charlie... but hey, I'm a fan of this man's bravery and strength to surviving life's ordeals.
Papa George ( verified purchase )
Helpful
|

5.0 out of 5 stars
Heart-on-sleeve storyteller .
9 May 2018
 
What a story! Re-live the '60s through a genuinely humble and honest biographical journey, that takes you from the heart of Glasgow to the heart of the music and pop cultural scene in London.
But this is no superficial name-dropping kiss-and-tell kind of book.
Charlie grapples with his mental demons and shadows, faces up to his 'what-ifs', and deals with the challenges that other 'ordinary' folk have to face.Unflinchingly.
Thanks to his lovely wife and family, he found a way to carry on living, carry on playing, and be an inspiration to others by sharing his story.
I read this book in one day, couldn't put it down once I started it.

B.P Roberts  ( verified purchase )

5.0 out of 5 stars
Inspiring and uplifting story
10 March 2018
 
Story of a 60s Drummer is the inside story of the music scene in the 1960s, but it's also much more than that. This is also a story about one man's battle with cancer. Author Charlie Coffils, the drummer extraordinaire who played with many a rock-and-roll legend, shares the ups and downs of his fascinating music career as well as the traumatic, and sometimes surprisingly uplifting, moments of fighting cancer. From his friendship with Maurice Gibb (the BeeGees) to being backstage for a U2 concert, Charlie's behind-the-scene stories are entertaining and intriguing. But the heart of the story is this courageous and loving man's determination to live a full and wondrous life despite the loss of his voice. This is an inspiring and uplifting story about music and drumming and what's important in a well-lived life.
JDB ( verified purchase )

5.0 out of 5 stars
Real strength of character true scottish grit
13 January 2018
 
Loved this book, I couldnt put it down and read it in one day. This wonderful man has been through so many highs and lows in his life and tells of the rise and fall of fame, but throughout all the incredible trauma in his life has remained a loving,warm and kind person very few people like this in the world he is a true gem. This is not your usual name dropping book, all the names mentioned in the book are crucial to the story. 

Love the fact that after initial costs the proceeds will be going to two cancer charities. Must read highly recommended.

Lynne S Morey ( verified purchase )
|