Soft Cell "To Show You I've Been There" - Details on The New Book & Report From The Launch Party by Ian Pile

Renegade Music will release a limited edition photobook on Soft Cell. It's another impressive addition to Ritchie Franklin's catalogue, as he has previously been involved with books on Felt, which featured some rare early photos of the band by my Blog colleague Paul Slattery, Ramones and Sheila Rock's Punk photography. "To Show You I've Been There" has been officially endorsed by Dave Ball and Marc Almond and features over 150 images from the archives of some of the best-known music photographers, many previously unseen, all fully restored from original negatives. This book will be the ultimate photographic record spanning the whole of Soft Cell's electric career, here's a few more details.

• Limited edition of 1300 copies only
• Commentary from new interviews by acclaimed music journalist Mark Paytress
• Each copy comes with an exclusive free bonus 4-track vinyl 'Magick Mutants' EP with artwork by Dave Ball
• Free bonus MP3 downloads of the 4 tracks plus edits (see email sent separately including zip file of the 8 tracks)
• Hardback, quarter-bound glossy and linen cover - 21 x 28 x 3 cm
• 176 pages - over 200 rare and previously unpublished images
• Full UK discography

Ian Pile from Podrophenia was at the launch party and kindly submitted the following report.

Photo by Ian Pile

With the start time set at a ludicrously early 6.30, we thought it was a pretty safe bet to nip round the corner for a couple in the Groucho before heading to the event. However on arriving at the Phoenix Arts Club around 7.45, we find it’s in full swing. Marc Almond and Dave Ball were both already in attendance and the dancefloor was heaving. Classic Soft Cell neon lighting throughout the venue ensures a seedy vibe to the evening. The pints are served in Soft Cell glasses, there’s Pink Flamingo cocktails on the menu and even Soft Cell beermats on the tables! There’s no getting away from what we are here for! Tonight was all about the release of the deluxe Soft Cell coffee table book ‘To Show You I’ve Been There’. Tantalisingly, the book is on sale right there in front of me but unfortunately, as a committed fan, I pre-ordered months ago and was still awaiting delivery on the day of the launch. Whereas an impulse buy on the night meant you got it on release day (without P&P fees!) and the chance to get it signed too.  

Photo by Ian Pile

The book is a glorious journey through 40 years of the band's history and how these two working class northern lads were suddenly swept up and deposited in the 1980’s mainstream. They kept the ‘Pop’ hits coming yet were subversive throughout – living a double life of clean cut and perverse. As an ardent fan, I was delighted to find the book wasn’t full of the usual shots I’ve seen thousands of times before. Some real gems have been unearthed, and it’s a book I will come back to time and time again. The cherry on top of the cake must be the exclusive 4 track EP ‘Magick Mutants’. A genius moment that completes the full 40 year cycle – as it’s clearly an accompaniment (and nod) to their very first release ‘Mutant Moments’ (which I have with me tonight and manage to get signed!). Three songs from the early set re-recorded plus a Fad Gadget cover and we are transported back to where we began. If this really is it for Soft Cell then it’s the perfect way to bow out. Marc slips away from the event not much after 8pm, but it’s not anything to do with sour grapes as the night is very much Dave’s, as tonight is also his 60th birthday. He’s still there enjoying himself at 10pm when we make our way out. He’s had people coming up to him all evening and he’s been happy to chat to everyone. We leave to the sounds of 70’s New York punk, electronica and camp HiNRG. How very Soft Cell! - Ian Pile, Podrophenia May 2019 

With thanks to Ian for the report and photographs. Podrophenia will be broadcasting a special 10th anniversary episode on July 4th so be sure to check out more details at their site here. Podrophenia was one of the influences on our very own Retrosonic Podcast and Ian and his colleague Dave Collins, or Mondo & Piley as they are more commonly known, have DJ'd at some of our Retro Man Blog Nights for The Len Price 3 and TV Smith at the superb Railway Hotel in Southend-on-Sea. 

Photo by Ian Pile

Thanks also to Ritche Franklin and Stuart Kirkham. For more details on the book and where to order your copy, please check out the official Soft Cell web-site here. 

My Ramones - Danny Fields: New Limited Edition Photo Book from First Third Books

Ramones - Copyright Danny Fields

Independent publishing company First Third Books Ltd announces its latest photo book, "My Ramones - Danny Fields" - a limited edition hardback of rare and never before-seen photographs of the Ramones compiled in collaboration with Danny Fields, the band’s first manager. Chosen from his extensive personal archive, all the images of the four founding members of the Ramones were taken between 1975 – 1977 when Fields co-managed them with Linda Stein and had unique access to the band. The photos are accompanied with commentary and captions by Fields adding new perspective and insight to one of the best-known bands in recent music history. We are pleased to be able to show you a selection of some of the superb photos that will feature in the book.

Ramones with The Damned & Chrissie Hynde - Copyright Danny Fields

Fields first saw the Ramones play at CBGBs in New York; after a 17 minute set, he met with the four founding members and told them that he wanted to be their manager. "I had to bribe them with $3,000 which they said they needed for a new set of drums. I went to Florida, asked my mother to lend me the money, came back with her cheque, and got the job. I photographed the band on tour, backstage, in the studio, walking around, meeting fans, seeing the sights and just checking things out" says Fields. Fields and his partner Linda Stein brought the band to London in July 1976, where their appearances at The Roundhouse and Dingwalls had an indelible influence on the emerging Punk scene in the UK.

Joey Ramone - Copyright Danny Fields

"My Ramones - Danny Fields" is a unique document of the band’s early career that will be published on April 3rd 2016 as a hardback limited edition of 1,000 numbered books. Two options are available to pre-order now – a standard version of 700 copies retailing at £40 and a special edition of 300 copies which will include a previously unpublished signed and numbered 10”x7.5” print from Fields’ archive retailing at £70, sold exclusively via the First Third Books website.

Johnny Ramone in France - Copyright Danny Fields

With offices in London and Paris, First Third Books is an independent publisher of quality photo books on alternative music and subcultural life. Previous collaborations include volumes on "Punk+" (Sheila Rock’s photos of the early London Punk scene), Felt, Genesis Breyer P-Orridge, Saint Etienne and Marc Almond. Future scheduled releases include books on Big Star, John Grant, the HBO series "Looking" and Siouxsie & The Banshees.

Johnny & Joey in the Studio - Copyright Danny Fields

All photographs copyright Danny Fields and used by courtesy of First Third Books. Check out the First Third web-site here for more information on this and previously released books. You can see our features on Sheila Rock's PUNK+ book in the Blog archive here.