Pete Pritchard on his book exploring adventures on the road with some of the world’s greatest rock ‘n’ roll musicians

I have been a professional musician for over 50 years and, in 2020, I contributed to a music book about the British rockabilly scene of the 1970s.

The book, Teds, Rebels, Hepcats and Psychos, was compiled by Paul Wragg. A year later, he contacted me again, asking me to write an article about my experiences working as a side-man to rock ‘n’ roll stars.

So I started writing. As I wrote, I gradually realised that I had something more than an article. It had developed into the story of my life. I spent four years writing, rewriting and editing, and the resulting book, Touching Bass, Pete Pritchard, My Rock ‘n Roll Life has now been published.

The story begins in war-torn Edmonton as my parents survive the horror and destruction of the Second World War.

I share my childhood experiences of growing up in the 1950s and 60s, describing the considerable changes to life in post-war Edmonton. I still reside in Enfield borough and hope this will be a trip down memory lane for people of my age group, but also of interest to newer residents who may not be aware of our local history.

The book follows my musical journey as I begin playing the pubs and clubs of Edmonton, later spearheading the European rockabilly uprising of the 70s with my band, The Flying Saucers.

I go through my life and adventures on the road with many of the world’s greatest rock ‘n’ roll musicians.

Readers can learn about my times touring Europe with Chuck Berry and supporting Bill Haley and the Comets, as well as finding out how I came to spend 24 years working and recording in Nashville Tennessee, touring the world with the original Elvis Presley musicians Scotty Moore, James Burton, D.J Fontana, the Jordanaires and many others.

I also recount my times recording with Chris Isaak, Billy Swan, Eric Clapton, Alvin Lee, John Belushi, and getting inducted into the International Rockabilly Hall of Fame.

Bringing the book up to the present day, I describe my work in musical theatre and my recent musical collaborations.

I hope my story gives a little insight into the rock ‘n’ roll world that I’ve inhabited for so many years. I’ll leave you with a quote from a recent review by Trevor Cajiao in Now Dig This magazine: “This is an easy-to-read book full of good humour, fun anecdotes and huge dollops of rock ‘n’ roll […] I recommend it wholeheartedly.”

To buy a copy of Touching Bass, Pete Pritchard, My Rock n Roll Life:
Visit petepritchard.co.uk/shop

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