FEARGAL Sharkey, former frontman of The Undertones, will join his wife, author Elizabeth Sharkey, for Why Britain Rocked at Pocklington Arts Centre on February 13.
This will be the only night on her book tour when the Amazon best-selling Elizabeth will be accompanied by her Northern Irish punk and soul singer, fisherman and environmental campaigner husband, now 66.
Together they will explore the history of British pop music, as charted in her debut book, Why Britain Rocked: How Rock Became Roll And Took Over The World, wherein she re-writes the established history by uncovering the untold stories behind Britain’s musical evolution and challenges the American claim to have invented rock’n’roll.
From the influence of the Celts and Quakers to groundbreaking figures such as Ira Aldridge and Paul Robeson, Why Britain Rocked redefines the narrative of British pop history and reveals the diverse roots of the 20th-century musical explosion.
Described by Classic Rock magazine as “a treasure trove of exploration, academic rigour and a welcome, bold attempt at re-framing the history of British pop music,” the book has received high praise from readers and critics alike.
This evening promises a captivating mix of live music, fiery discussion, thought-provoking debate, intrigue and very special guest Feargal, who will step into the role of interviewer for one night only in the finale to the tour.
As the Pocklington Arts Centre website puts it: “As it’s the final date of her national tour, her husband Feargal Sharkey has decided to join Elizabeth on stage and interview her. He’s promised not to talk about s***e.”
To complement the Sharkey duo’s insightful discussion, folk musicians Phil Simpson, Phil Ball and Roy Wild will perform live.
Why Britain Rocked: Elizabeth and Feargal Sharkey, Pocklington Arts Centre, February 13, 7.30pm. Box office: Box office: 01759 301547 or pocklingtonartscentre.co.uk/events/why-britain-rocked.
Elizabeth Sharkey: the back story
Music historian, author, columnist and media commentator.
“Growing up, music was everything to me: my home, my thrill, my escape and my understanding of the world,” she says. “If you love certain songs or pieces of music to the very core of your soul – then you might, as I was, be curious to look a little deeper into just why, how, such magic came to be.” Hence her first book, Why Britain Rocked: How Rock Became Roll And Took Over The World.
Regular contributor to the culture and current affairs magazine Perspective, providing historical insight and comment on subjects as diverse as the 17th century origins of feminism, Britain’s gothic scene and the lost art of the story song.
A trained actress, Elizabeth’s previous career was working extensively in television and film. She is a voice-over artist too.