And Jesus Danced (Twice)

The True Story of the Milltown Brothers tells the story of a good band that got very lucky and then got very unlucky. It describes their meteoric rise and 'much ignored demise' and demonstrates the role luck plays in all our lives, however much we like to think we're in control. The Milltown Brothers from Burnley were discovered by Steve Lamacq playing their fifth gig at the Bull & Gate in London in May 1988. Signed to A&M in 1990, they had a publishing deal with EMI and their debut album Slinky was awarded 5 stars in Q magazine. Oasis supported them less than a year before the release of Definitely Maybe. They shared the bill with Nirvana in Boston, the day before Nirvana released the paradigm changing Nevermind. The promoter described their performance as the event highlight. Relentlessly touring the UK, Europe, America and Japan they were on the cusp of global success 'This is not just a story about a band although as a cautionary tale for young aspiring indie wannabees it should be a must read it also explores more universal human experiences: how much luck plays in our lives, the importance of being resilient in the face of disappointment and change, and the importance of loyalty and brotherhood. Added to this, the book has cannily drawn in important happenings in the music scene that we traversed the Stone Roses, Madchester, Nirvana, Grunge and Britpop.' Simon Nelson, guitarist, Milltown Brothers