An interesting if uneven look at pop stars and their life after fame. I found some of the chapters more interesting than others. There are some that seem like a stretch to fit under the theme of the book. Still, an enjoyable book that could have used more focus and editing.

Interesting and well written I just personally couldn’t get into the story. Just a little slow and unbelievable at some points. Ending predictable and also way too drawn out. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

In music journalist Nick Duerden explores the post fame careers of a variety of mostly United Kingdom based artists.

Each chapter covers one or more artist from their origin, details their time in the fame bubble, the come-down, and the whatever was next. Or in rare cases the in-between times. In the whatever came next the reader learns of a wide spectrum of experience, such as: descents into addiction, new found sobriety, changing sounds or trends or alternative careers.

As a whole, this book offers a fascinating look at the life of an artist. We hear the various motivations to create, how one mentally adjusts or fails to adjust to fame and how music is consumed.

A particularly recurrent theme in the lives lived, is the power in and financial saving grace of nostalgia. Many of the artists written about here eventually return to their moment of success to reap the financial benefit of playing that big hit again, even if some never stopped playing music.

Duerden is very informative and detailed, and does not excuse the interviewees. During CeeLo Green's chapter, the author makes a point to state Green's non contest plea in legal action from an accused rape. However, in the writing, Duerden relies on frequent puns or cliches expressions.

This book is best read in snippets or revisited periodically, especially after listening to the music. It will resonate most with the artists of which you're familiar.

I really appreciated the concept of this book. What happens when famous artists are no longer considered famous? It was really interesting, although I admit I may not be the target audience, as I did not know enough of the people involved. I wish there had been a more consistent organization system, so I could anticipate who or what each section was about. At times I found it dry, but it was quite a quick read.

What happens when your fame as a pop star wanes? What an interesting concept for a book. It is not something we normally think about when thinking about celebrity.

We catch up with Natalie Merchant, Dexys Midnight Runners, Rufus Wainright, and more. I was astounded by how forthright and thoughtful some of the subjects were. It can’t be easy to confront the fact your life did not go as anticipated.

This is a great read for music lovers. The writer is based in the U.K., so I was not familiar with all of the musicians.

I received an ARC for my honest review.

3.5 Stars

This was a book that addressed what famous musicians experience when that initial burst of fame peters out. How do they go on with their lives when they no longer can fill arena stadiums or sell a million albums? A chapter is devoted to each musical artist and contains their personal commentary, which makes it more interesting. A small sampling of the many musicians covered were Stewart Copeland (drummer for the Police), Natalie Merchant (10,000 Maniacs), Dexys Midnight Runners (think "Come on Eileen"), Suzanne Vega, Adam Ant, Snow Patrol, Leo Sayer, Joan Armatrading and Terence Trent D'Arby. There were quite a lot more musical artists chronicled in this book which I had never heard of. Most of these musicians seem to be British centric and from genres I'm not interested in like punk/alternative. At first I read about them regardless just to see if the writing style was pleasant and if that could draw me in despite my ignorance. The writing and information was good, but after the 50% mark in the book I skimmed if I didn't know the artist.

I was mostly touched by the Natalie Merchant chapter. After she had a child she prioritized being a Mom and has since donated her personal time and money in school programs to promote art and music. She even sews costumes for shows! She has a certain standard in recording and prefers to rent out a proper studio with an engineer, producer, etc. rather than record at home like many musicians now do. I also was intrigued by Police drummer Stewart Copeland who notoriously had both verbal and physical conflicts with lead singer Sting. He says Sting already had everything worked out musically in his mind and didn't welcome input from his fellow band members. Copeland has since found great satisfaction composing music for films.

There was quite a lot to read in this book, and I think it was OK to skip over an artist you aren't particularly interested in. The author conducted many interviews with these artists. By covering their successful histories and the artist filling in how their lives have gone since, it certainly made a worthwhile read.

Thank you to the publisher Hachette Book Group for providing an advance reader copy via NetGalley.

Exit Stage Left focuses on what happens to musicians after the spotlight of fame has diminished or left them completely. I was pleasantly surprised that it focused on bands and artists that were big in the UK, because I'm from the US and haven't heard the full stories of some of these performers because they never "broke America". Duerden does a great job of profiling a wide ranging group of artists and none of the segments wear out their welcome. Some may find the focus on the wrong side of stardom depressing, but I think it's inspiring. Life has its ups and downs, and a hit album or song doesn't preclude you from the whims of time. What a great book.

My thanks to both NetGalley and the publisher Mobius Books, Hachette Book Groups for an advanced copy of this musical study on fame and its after effects.

The music industry is very similar in many ways to the world that was presented in the science fiction novel Logan's Run, which was about a future society where people lived in an eden until the age of 30, before having to die. In the music industry a band or a musician seems to have a set time for fame, fortune and everything that goes with it, then beep a signal goes out, taste police show up and a person goes from the main stage at Glastonbury, to support set, to oldies tours or even reality television. There have been many specials, Behind the Musics, documentaries, and again reality shows full of flameouts and band implosions, with death and recriminations left and right. However what happens to bands and musicians who suddenly find their afternoons not recovering from shows and interviews or signings, but just instead measured out in coffee spoons and getting the kids homwork done, and dinner on the table. Writer and journalist Nick Duerden looks at the life of those whose time in the limelight has just faded and find out what life is like off the lighted in stage in the book Exit Stage Left: The Curious Afterlife of Pop Stars.

The book ranges across most British acts from punk to rock to pop and even a novelty act or two, most known, and few unknown, or unknown to American ears. A few artists covered include Billy Bragg, David Grey, Suzanne Vega, Adam Ant, Bob Geldof, Joan Armatrading and many many others. The reasons for there inclusion differ, some were one-hit wonders, some music changed, or the audience changed, either age or novelty making them not as relevant. Even tha path to success is different, some were marketed, some paid dues for awhile, some left, some the band left behind. What does come across is that with rare exceptions most of them are want one more chance in the spotlight. Even acts you would not expect. Some are very content with their lives, even if the financial situations are not the same. Most are very candid about their careers and fame, what went right, what went tragically wrong. And regrets, there are quite a few.

The book is told through reportage and interviews, and both are very well done and well written. As I said the candor is really revealing and quite a lot of new things, and new depths behind musicians that I had not given a thought to in quite a while was educational. I'm not sure if was the excitement in reliving the old days, or just the idea that someone cared to talked to them again, but the level of truth was something that is not in most music biographies or stories. Mr. Duerden deserves a lot of praise for tracking down a diverse group or artists, and getting them to talk. And which shows in a few interviews dealing with artist types.

Addiction plays a major role in this book, and I think the biggest addiction is to acceptance from well everyone. Many talk about their life touring and singing, but it is the love and the thrill these artists got from the crowds that really drove them, something they might never have and in a few might never get again. A book that makes a person think about fame, how to handle it and what to do with it. Recommended for music fans and for all artists who don't want to think about life on the other side of fame, but being prepared for might not hurt.