The year is 1981. As the world awaits the 2nd edition of Kerrang!, four teenage losers struggle to surf the New Wave of British Heavy Metal with classics such as ‘I Am Your Antichrist’ and ‘The Dark Side’.
They’re going down for the third time when Ron Evans, a Bon Scott-worshipping chubby chaser, hears them practicing in the studio behind his large-ladies’ boutique. Live Wire, Yorkshire’s first AC/DC tribute band, is born. Dirty Deeds, a tale of big lasses, revenge, and early 80s metal, chronicles what happened next.
"Big Laughs, And Much More" From his lust for ladies of voluptuous girth to his passion for a surprisingly enduring form of dated ‘80s stadium rock, Ron Evans displays tastes and drives that are resolutely left-field, yet the lead character in Richard Marris’s Dirty Deeds makes a surprisingly appealing protagonist. Evans acts from the heart, from the gut, and from the crotch, dammit, and just pages into this rockin’ romp he’s taking us right along with him. I enjoyed this script immensely from open to finish, and laughed out loud on virtually every page along the way. Dirty Deeds does a fantastic job of capturing the compelling vibe of A-list music comedies like The Commitments and Spinal Tap, while remaining entirely fresh and original. It brilliantly captures scenarios that any present or former rock fan who ever donned a pair of torn black jeans can immediately relate to, while presenting unexpected twists and hilarious predicaments that are like nothing that has come... More > before. This stuff is hard to beat for pure entertainment value, but Marris’s close-focus observations and seamless plot make Dirty Deeds more than just a great chuckle-fest. In the end, this is both great comedy and very heartwarming – and I’d absolutely love to see it on the big screen.< Less
"Dirty Deeds" This book was recommended to me by a friend who also grew up in Yorkshire in the 80's listening to metal & living through the miners' strike. I was instantly transported back to the days of my youth and would wholeheartedly endorse the previous reviews. You don't have to be interested in music to enjoy it as the narrative moves along at a cracking pace and draws you into the struggles of Live Wire. Why this hasn't been turned into a TV drama I don't know as it surely deserves it. I couldn't work out how to give it a star rating but it gets top marks from me.
"Dirty Deeds" If this tale of Tyke rockers were to be filmed I have no doubt that it would quickly become a cult classic before moving into the mainstream (think BBC3 to BBC1.)With its sharp narrative and well drawn characters Dirty Deeds draws you into a world of slag heaps and spandex that will have you begging for more. 5 Star entertainment (and i'm not talking about the Pearson family.)
"Dirty Deeds" I had no idea what to expect but right from the off Dirty Deeds had me laughing aloud at my desk. I had intended just a quick glance at the first few pages before taking it home but this is one of those great reads which you just have to complete in one session, sorry boss, I couldn't put it down! I don't think it's just because so much of it reminded me of my own teenage rock aspirations, I really think anyone would find this bunch hilarious and a bit tragic, although those who like a bit of rock will appreciate the references throughout. The only dissapointment for me was that it ended so soon! Excellent.
"Dirty Deeds " OK, I must say that I was expecting a “Full Metal Monty” but this is nothing of the sort. Whereas I found the “Full Monty” a little too self consciously quirky “Dirty Deeds” is peopled with the guys that live down the road. Larger than life Ron runs the pub round the corner and I was Chippy back in my dark adolescence. What Marris has done is taken what we all find familiar whether we are in Sheffield or Sydney and with a combination of sharp dialogue and well paced action drags us into a world of teenage angst, middle aged lust and the sometimes sheer absurdity of life. Worth a punt? I'd say so. I would have rated it 5 stars if I could work out how to :)
