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The Lockdown Interviews: When the pandemic stopped the world, music's biggest stars sat down to talk Kindle Edition

4.8 out of 5 stars 112 ratings

Long-form personal interviews with some of music's biggest stars including:
John Taylor - Duran Duran
Boy George
Kathy Valentine - The Go-Go's
Gerald Casale - Devo
Brian Setzer - Stray Cats
Gary Kemp - Spandau Ballet
Ron & Russell Mael - Sparks
Gary Numan
Andy Bell - Erasure
Howard Jones
UB40
Andy McCluskey - OMD
Terri Nunn - Berlin
Midge Ure - Ultravox and Visage
Mike & Jules Peters - The Alarm
Cy Curnin - The Fixx
Dave Wakeling - The English Beat
Mike Score - A Flock of Seagulls
Pete Byrne - Naked Eyes
John Easdale - Dramarama
Miles Copeland - Music manager
Due to its large file size, this book may take longer to download

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09M957Y9Y
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ BladeRocker Books (November 18, 2021)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 18, 2021
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 21.0 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 580 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 out of 5 stars 112 ratings

About the author

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Richard Blade
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Welcome to my little bio here on Amazon. I'm originally from England but have spent most of my adult life in America. I've been a DJ since I was a kid and despite other projects like TV shows, movies and even teaching SCUBA in the Caribbean, music has always drawn me back. I've been fortunate to have received numerous awards for working in music and entertainment, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a Lifetime Achievement award from the American DJ Association, a nomination for the Radio Hall of Fame, and the Brit of the year award. Over the years people would ask me to tell them stories that they had heard me mention on my radio shows, things like touring with Depeche Mode, DJing the wild disco scene across Europe in the 70s, bringing Wham! to the USA or writing for TV & movies and making films like "Girls Just Want To Have Fun." After retelling these stories I would be inevitably asked, "Why don't you write a book?", so "World In My Eyes" was born, and on its first day of release became an international Best Seller hitting #1 on sales charts around the globe.

I followed that with my first novel, and was rewarded by so many people loving it. It's a big, action-adventure historical epic with a huge twist. It's called SPQR, which is a Latin abbreviation meaning 'The Senate and People of Rome'. It's based on fact, but the twist is, what would have happened if a small group of elite Roman legionaries had been shipwrecked on the coast of what is now North Carolina in 55 B.C. If you enjoy a page-turner that you can't put down then SPQR is for you. Make sure you check out the little promo video for it.

My second novel - BIRTHRIGHT is another big action-adventure novel that will take you across Europe and America and three centuries in a non-stop race against time. The teaser on the back cover reads: Jack the Ripper's final murder in 1888, took the life of the wrong woman and spawned a centuries-long secret search for the real intended victim and her family. Now, a direct descendant, a troubled teen, has been located in California, and authorities will stop at nothing to capture him and finally eradicate the last of Mary Kelly's bloodline. Aided by the professor who found him, and his young assistant, the three are hunted mercilessly as they flee across two continents seeking to save themselves and unravel the mystery of who is pursuing them, and why the boy's very existence threatens the global balance of power.

On June 1st, 2021 my next novel, IMPOSTERS, was released. It's based on a TRUE STORY. It details the adventures of two teenagers - one of whom I worked with years later at KROQ in Los Angeles. In 1966, one of the boys was targeted by the FBI and forced to run. He disappeared with the help of his friend, and the two of them assumed the identity of a best-selling fifties pop duo. For three years they toured the country with the Feds on their heels, as they watched America reel from assassinations, riots and protests as it endured its most turbulent decade. Reviews for Imposters have been great with EXTRA TV calls it "A front row ticket to the greatest rock'n'roll story." Terri Nunn, the lead singer of Berlin who knows about touring and bands, writes "Richard Blade steers us on a wild, thrilling musical ride - buckle up." And Kelly Urich of 94.9 KCMO declares, "Good Morning, Vietnam meets Bill & Ted - an incredible true story with film awards written all over it. I raced through each chapter wondering what would happen to these guys next." Imposters is a really fun and mind-blowing because it's true.

When the pandemic struck, I started doing a lot of long-form interviews with major music artists for my radio show. I quickly released that these conversations would make a great book, so THE LOCKDOWN INTERVIEWS was born. Almost 500 pages of in-depth interviews with incredible music stars like Duran Duran, Boy George, Devo, Sparks, Gary Numan, OMD, The Go-Go's, Stray Cats, UB40, Spandau Ballet, Ultravox, and more.

After the pandemic lifted and bands could tour again, my phone started exploding with acts who wanted to talk about their upcoming shows, their new music, and what they's been doing during the lockdown. This led to a second interview book, THE UNLOCKED INTERVIEWS, and features behind-the-scene conversations with Simon LeBon, The Cult, Roxy Music, Soft Cell, Simple Minds, Blondie, ABC, INXS, Howard Jones, Violent Femmes and more.

I decided it was time for a new novel, and my next was GHOSTS OF THE CONGO. This takes you on an almost suicidal rescue mission into the unexplored jungles of the incredibly violent region known as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as a small team of Americans search for and attempt to rescue the First Lady, The Secretary of State, The Vice-President of the United States, and the world's richest man.It's a non-stop edge of your seat thriller and the reviews have been amazing. TV critic, Adam Weissler says, "Richard Blade is back with a thrill ride for the ages." Robert Kinsler of The Desert Star writes, ""Blending an action-packed adventure with the pulse of an edgy, political thriller, Richard Blade's latest will keep readers engaged with his suspense-filled storytelling, blurring the line between fiction and fact."

On June 6th, 2024, the 80th anniversary of D-Day, my latest novel was released. Inspired by the true story of one of America's biggest military disasters of World War II that was covered-up for over forty years, SLAPTON SANDS will take you back to the days before D-Day and is told through the eyes of two star-crossed lovers, a young American sergeant and a beautiful English girl doing her part for the war effort. It was a time when the world was on fire and freedom depended on the actions of those brave souls called to serve. But one thing proved stronger than war and fear, love. You'll experience the intense weeks of training and learn the truth about what happened on the tragic night of April 28th, 1944, when 749 young Americans were killed, and why their deaths were ruled Top Secret and hushed-up for the next four decades.

My newest release is a revisit to my autobiography, which surprised me by becoming an overnight best seller. Seven years later I've expanded the book with 200 more pages, 5 new chapters, and over 100 never-before-seen photographs. Plus a slightly bigger print to make it easier reading. All the original lightning in a bottle is intact, but there is so much more added that I know you are going to love it all over again. Look for World In My Eyes - The Expanded Edition, and at almost 750 pages, it just might be the biggest book in your personal library - I promise, it'll be the most fun to read.

Feel free to reach out or message me on social media. You can find me on Facebook at Richard Blade Page and on X, Instagram, Threads or BlueSky @richardblade. Hope to talk with you soon - and please, enjoy all of my books.

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
112 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book to be a fantastic read with amazing interviews, and one customer notes the author's ability to get artists to talk. Moreover, the book is informative, with one customer highlighting the thoughtful questions posed. Additionally, customers appreciate the author's passion for music, with one describing it as their favorite music book ever.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

14 customers mention "Readability"14 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be a fantastic and fun read, with one customer particularly appreciating the entertaining questions.

"...This book is a real treat." Read more

"The interviews are all interesting, entertaining and informative...." Read more

"...The book was such an interesting read, and when they mentioned certain songs, I had fun looking them up and listening to them again...." Read more

"...Thank you, Richard, one of my favorite music books ever. A must read." Read more

8 customers mention "Interview quality"8 positive0 negative

Customers praise the interviews in the book, with one noting the author's ability to get artists to talk.

"...autobiography; I am an avid reader and must say that it was the best autobiography I have ever read!..." Read more

"The interviews are all interesting, entertaining and informative...." Read more

"The great thing about Richard’s book is his ability to get artists to talk...." Read more

"...These interviews are fresh, and done in a time when we were all feeling the effects of a world wide pandemic and only Richard Blade could get such..." Read more

6 customers mention "Insight"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book insightful and informative, with one customer noting its excellent follow-up to World In My Eyes, while another appreciates the thoughtful questions posed.

"...Richard feels for the people interviewed is apparent in the thoughtful questions posed, many of which pertain to the people's music origins...." Read more

"The interviews are all interesting, entertaining and informative...." Read more

"...minutes plus interviews were not promoting anything, just good, in-depth questions that really got the artists to open up and talk about things they..." Read more

"...as a DJ and interviewer has given him the ability to ask both insightful and entertaining questions...." Read more

4 customers mention "Music fan"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's music content, with one describing it as their favorite music book ever.

"...really admire and respect Richard Blade and his knowledge and obvious love of music. The idea for The Lock-Down Interviews is just brilliant!..." Read more

"...Thank you, Richard, one of my favorite music books ever. A must read." Read more

"...A must read for 80s music fans, and excellent follow-up to World In My Eyes. To have been a fly on the wall for these..." Read more

"Richard Blade is a great DJ, writer, and reviewers . You can’t find in-depth, personal, revealing, interviews like this...." Read more

Great read - just make sure you have access to music when you do
5 out of 5 stars
Great read - just make sure you have access to music when you do
The great thing about Richard’s book is his ability to get artists to talk. This isn’t so much a book of interviews, it’s more of a conversation between friends, and we (the reader) feel like we’re part of that discussion. In almost every case, we find that our favorite bands are not only people just like us, but that all that early fame and fortune came at a cost – which took time to manifest. Looking back, almost all realized that friends, families (and bandmates) were the most important thing. In addition, the artists thank the fans (for always being there for them) and Richard (because he’s the one that connected those bands to us all.) Reading about what both the Alarm (Mike and Jules Peters) and Gary Numan went through, and how they came out stronger is a real inspiration. The Lockdown Interviews is a great follow up to Richard Blade’s autobiography The World in my Eyes, and in both cases – “forces” the reader to play music, or tracks they haven’t heard in a long time – and then the personal memories start flooding back.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on December 31, 2021
    Unfortunately, I did not have access to KROQ as a teen, but I do know Richard Blade from a video show he used to have and from Sirius XM First Wave. I also read his autobiography; I am an avid reader and must say that it was the best autobiography I have ever read! So I really admire and respect Richard Blade and his knowledge and obvious love of music. The idea for The Lock-Down Interviews is just brilliant! Thanks, Richard, for coming up with something so positive from something so negative. The respect and admiration that Richard feels for the people interviewed is apparent in the thoughtful questions posed, many of which pertain to the people's music origins. My personal favourites are the interviews with Gary Numan, Brian Setzer, Gerald Casale, Miles Copeland, Howard Jones, Mike Score, Mike & Jules Peters, and Boy George! This book is a real treat.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on June 2, 2024
    The interviews are all interesting, entertaining and informative. I love this music but was not aware of the origin stories of many of these bands until reading this book.
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 30, 2023
    The concept for this book was fantastic. We couldn't do anything or see anyone in person during the pandemic lockdown, So Richard Blade took to the airwaves and interviewed almost 2 dozen artists who were stuck in isolation too. They had time on their hands and Richard was able to ask questions and get them to open up and share their background, current projects and thoughts in a very compelling way.

    Normally when a DJ gets the chance to interview an artist, it's because the artist is promoting a new album or project, and they are on a promotion schedule that the DJ only gets a few minutes until they are off to another interview. These 45 minutes plus interviews were not promoting anything, just good, in-depth questions that really got the artists to open up and talk about things they normally would not get a chance to.

    The book was such an interesting read, and when they mentioned certain songs, I had fun looking them up and listening to them again. I was a fan of some of the artists during the 80's, and now appreciate them even more. These interviews also introduced me to artists that I wasn't as familiar with, and now have become a fan of their work.

    Thank you, Richard Blade, for providing the soundtrack to our lives, and for continuing to provide opportunities to relive and remember the music that rocks our world, and celebrate the artists that created it.
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 2, 2021
    The great thing about Richard’s book is his ability to get artists to talk. This isn’t so much a book of interviews, it’s more of a conversation between friends, and we (the reader) feel like we’re part of that discussion. In almost every case, we find that our favorite bands are not only people just like us, but that all that early fame and fortune came at a cost – which took time to manifest. Looking back, almost all realized that friends, families (and bandmates) were the most important thing. In addition, the artists thank the fans (for always being there for them) and Richard (because he’s the one that connected those bands to us all.) Reading about what both the Alarm (Mike and Jules Peters) and Gary Numan went through, and how they came out stronger is a real inspiration. The Lockdown Interviews is a great follow up to Richard Blade’s autobiography The World in my Eyes, and in both cases – “forces” the reader to play music, or tracks they haven’t heard in a long time – and then the personal memories start flooding back.
    Customer image
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    Great read - just make sure you have access to music when you do

    Reviewed in the United States on December 2, 2021
    The great thing about Richard’s book is his ability to get artists to talk. This isn’t so much a book of interviews, it’s more of a conversation between friends, and we (the reader) feel like we’re part of that discussion. In almost every case, we find that our favorite bands are not only people just like us, but that all that early fame and fortune came at a cost – which took time to manifest. Looking back, almost all realized that friends, families (and bandmates) were the most important thing. In addition, the artists thank the fans (for always being there for them) and Richard (because he’s the one that connected those bands to us all.) Reading about what both the Alarm (Mike and Jules Peters) and Gary Numan went through, and how they came out stronger is a real inspiration. The Lockdown Interviews is a great follow up to Richard Blade’s autobiography The World in my Eyes, and in both cases – “forces” the reader to play music, or tracks they haven’t heard in a long time – and then the personal memories start flooding back.
    Images in this review
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    4 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on January 27, 2022
    I was hoping it would be a good read but I was blown away but what I learned. It got to the point where I couldn’t stop reading, and not just the big bands like Duran Duran, Culture Club and Sparks. Who knew that Naked Eyes started as another band that included the members of Tears For Fears? That Gary Numan battles Asperger’s syndrome? And that Jules Peters, Mike Peters wife of The Alarm, after more than 10 years of helping her husband fight cancer suddenly was hit with her own battle with cancer? Thank you, Richard, one of my favorite music books ever. A must read.
    5 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on November 28, 2021
    This book is a must have for 80’s fans! Richard Blade’s years of experience as a DJ and interviewer has given him the ability to ask both insightful and entertaining questions. Fans of 80’s pop icons like Boy George, Duran Duran, the Go Go’s will enjoy these intimate behind the scenes interviews with their favorite icons. These interviews are fresh, and done in a time when we were all feeling the effects of a world wide pandemic and only Richard Blade could get such candid and heartwarming interviews. I could not put this book down, I was sneak reading it under the table at Thanksgiving and you will be too!
    5 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on December 24, 2021
    The interviews in this book are absolutely amazing, and I have enjoyed learning some behind the scenes stories that I was unaware of. However, and this is a similar issue with Blade's autobiography as well, the copy editing of this book is so annoying/distracting. I try to just overlook it, but maybe being an English major and teacher keeps my brain sensitive to the errors. Nevertheless, I loved this book.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on December 25, 2021
    Hello everyone just finished reading The Lockdown Interviews and all I can say is this book allows the reader to feel close to the 80’s artist and groups whose music still brings so much pleasure to me as a listener and fan. Author Richard Blade does an amazing job asking the questions I as a true fan would like answered and his knowledge of not only the music but the careers of these artist is a huge plus in enhancing the enjoyment of anyone reading this book. It took me 2 days to read this book of 494 pages which also included great pictures throughout. This book is a keeper and will be added to my home library. If you get the chance check it out.
    3 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Dave Tannahill
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic read!
    Reviewed in Canada on December 3, 2021
    Informative. Love hearing stories about the different bands.

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