Alan Edwards, the renowned public relations guru who has worked with some of the biggest names in music, is set to release his long-awaited memoir, I Was There: Dispatches From a Life in Rock & Roll. The book, which covers more than four decades of his career, provides a rare insight into the inner workings of the music industry, from the punk scene of 1970s London to the pop icons of today.
Edwards is widely regarded as the godfather of modern music PR, with a client list that has included the likes of David Bowie, Amy Winehouse, The Who, the Spice Girls, and Blondie. His career has seen him rub shoulders with some of the most influential figures in music and pop culture, as well as high-profile celebrities outside the industry, such as David Beckham and Naomi Campbell.
In I Was There, Edwards chronicles his journey from the early days of London’s punk scene, where his passion for music led him to set up his own PR company, through to his collaborations with global superstars. Over the years, he has been an instrumental figure behind the scenes, helping to shape the careers of some of the most iconic artists in history. His relationship with David Bowie, which spanned nearly 40 years, is a particular highlight of the memoir.
As Edwards shares in his book, his work in PR was often as wild and unpredictable as the stars he represented. Filled with colourful anecdotes of rock-star antics and debauchery, I Was There also offers readers a deeper understanding of the personalities and talents behind the famous names. From the raw energy of the punk movement to the glittering world of pop, Edwards gives a front-row account of the evolution of the music industry.
Music legend Roger Daltrey of The Who has praised the book, describing Edwards as “the best in the business” and a “great friend.” Daltrey said, “For anyone interested in the workings of the media and celebrities from the 70s to the present day, this book is a must-read.”
Beyond the rock and roll stories, I Was There offers a unique look at the rise of PR as a major force in British society. Edwards discusses his role in high-profile media events, including brokering the seven-figure media deal for David and Victoria Beckham’s wedding and navigating the political world during the New Labour era. Despite his success, Edwards reflects on always feeling like an outsider in the world of celebrity and fame, never taking for granted the incredible journey his career has afforded him.
Journalist Dylan Jones, another admirer of Edwards, lauds the memoir for capturing the essence of a man who was not just a witness to history but an active participant. “Alan wasn’t just there, he was everywhere,” Jones says. “From glam to punk, from Bowie to Jagger, from small clubs and sweaty pubs to stadiums and enormodomes, Alan saw it all… and wrote it all down.”
To celebrate the book’s release, a special launch event will be held at the Home-Grown Private Members Club in London on October 10th. Fans and industry insiders alike are invited to join Alan Edwards for an evening of drinks and stories as he reflects on his extraordinary career. BOOK HERE
With I Was There, Edwards cements his place as one of the most influential behind-the-scenes figures in modern music, offering readers a chance to experience the highs and lows of the industry from someone who lived it all.
