Simon Napier-Bell has been a leading figure in the music industry for over forty years. He’s managed the Yardbirds, Marc Bolan, Boney M, Asia, Ultravox, Japan, and Wham! He's also written film scores and co-wrote Dusty Springfield's hit, 'You Don't Have To Say You Love Me' (later recorded by Elvis Presley). In the eighties he masterminded taking Wham! to China, the first Western pop group ever to play there, and during the last two decades he has written four best-selling books on the music industry.

Simon is on the show to talk about three brand new books out: I'm Coming To Take You To Lunch: A Fantastic Tale of Boys, Booze and How Wham! Were Sold to China, Black Vinyl White Powder: The Real Story of the British Music Industry and The Business: A History of Popular Music from Sheet Music to Streaming. He also put out a book in late 2022 called Sour Mouth, Sweet Bottom: Lessons from a Dissolute Life.

We cover a lot of ground in this episode. Simon shares his memories of the late great Jeff Beck while the manager of the Yardbirds. He talks about the time Jimmy Page joined the band and how it led to the demise of The Yardbirds, plus a shocking first-hand account of the days the mafia ran the rock and roll business!

Purchase a copy of I'm Coming To Take You To Lunch: A Fantastic Tale of Boys, Booze and How Wham! Were Sold to China through Amazon HERE

Purchase a copy of Black Vinyl White Powder: The Real Story of the British Music Industry through Amazon HERE

Purchase a copy of The Business: A History of Popular Music from Sheet Music to Streaming through Amazon HERE

Purchase a copy of The Business: Sour Mouth, Sweet Bottom: Lessons from a Dissolute Life through Amazon HERE

Find Simon Napier-Bell online HERE

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