TALES FROM THE WEDDING PRESENT VOLUME 2 SOMETHING AND NOTHING
5th July 2022Something And Nothing – the second volume of David Gedge’s official autobiography – will be released by Scopitones on 11 November 2022.
Some of the stories featured in this stunning 176-page, matt-laminated, hard-back book have previously only been available to readers of the Tales From The Wedding Present comic book series. This collected edition comes with 100 pages of never-before-seen additional material and an introduction by Craig Cash.
David writes the Tales From The Wedding Present narrative together with long-time musical associate Terry de Castro, and then the stories are illustrated by virtuoso artist Lee Thacker. For the past decade, they’ve been working steadily [along with editing help from Jessica McMillan] to relate David’s life and adventures. Publishers have been asking David to write his autobiography for years, and he has always secretly wanted to be the star of his own comic, so this is a timely arrangement!
Something And Nothing is presented in chronological order; it takes up where Volume One left off – just after the release of The Wedding Present’s first single ‘Go Out And Get ’Em, Boy!’ in 1985 – and takes us through the next three years of the band’s existence. David goes on to write intimately about all of the events leading up to the writing, recording and release of the band’s classic debut album, George Best, as well as detailing sessions that the group recorded for John Peel [including the legendary Ukrainian folk music sessions], early live appearances in the UK and the rest of Europe and the development of their label, Reception Records. On the way, we also learn about some of the romantic experiences that may have informed his writing.
Something And Nothing will be launched at the Louder Than Words literary festival in Manchester on 11 November 2022. The release will be accompanied by a concert tour of seated venues which will feature Terry interviewing David, an audience Q&A, and a stripped-back, 45-minute, semi-acoustic set.
An Evening In Conversation With David Lewis Gedge
November 2022
09: Dartington – New Lion Brewery
10: Cardiff – Acapela Studio
11: Manchester – the Louder Than Words festival at the Innside Hotel
12: Newcastle upon Tyne – Gosforth Civic Theatre
13: Glasgow – Glee Club
14: Leeds – Brudenell Social Club
15: Wolverhampton – Bilston Town Hall
16: Nottingham – Metronome
17: Walthamstow – Rock ‘N’ Roll Book Club at the Trades Hall
18: Stowmarket – John Peel Centre
19: Kingston upon Thames – PRYZM
20: Southampton – Turner Sims
What They Say About Tales From The Wedding Present
“An autobiography of The Wedding Present would be great on its own. An autobiography in beautiful graphic novel form? Even better!” Dan Vebber (Writer, The Simpsons)
“This is brilliant! It’s like the storyboard for a Wedding Present biopic.” Marc Riley (Broadcaster, BBC)
“As informative, funny and essential as David Gedge himself. Can I be in the movie when all this is franchised?” Tony Gardner (Actor)
“This is the graphic novel indie music mash up that we have all be waiting for and only David Gedge could deliver. It’s amazing!” Stella Creasy (Member, British Parliament)
“This is a Wedding Present fan’s dream come true. Pure unfiltered Gedge; the inside track on what makes him tick and anecdotes aplenty. Essential!” Mike Gayle (Writer)
“It’s very typical of The Wedding Present to do an autobiography differently to everyone else… but the stunning illustrations in this book really bring David’s stories to life.” Louise Wener (Writer, musician)
“A visual masterpiece for book boffins and comic connoisseurs everywhere, telling the fascinating story of one of my favourite bands in both words and pictures. Magnificent!” Brian McClair (Footballer)
“Sharp. Witty. Stylish. Original. British. David’s autobiography is an absolute delight. Lee Thacker’s art is fantastic.” Fran Healy (Musician)
“A clever, funny, original, and charmingly unpretentious approach to writing your life story. So many brilliant details!” Mark Ellen (Journalist, broadcaster)
“Amazing concept! It’s in black and white but it brings real colour to memories and incidents that made me feel like I was in the room.” Terry Christian (Broadcaster, journalist, author)
“The Wedding Present… under the radar and under celebrated. To me, they make more sense now than they did in 1986. David Gedge is a punk hero… a born rock ‘n’ roll star and not an asshole. I’m glad he’s still around. Enjoy the book!” Alan McGee (Creation Records)
“A confessional, tears-and-laughter journey into the life and music of one of Britain’s greatest songwriters, and indie rock’s very own Dan Dare!” Mark Beaumont (Writer)
What They Say About David Lewis Gedge
David Lewis Gedge is an English musician, best known for his work in the influential indie rock group The Wedding Present, of which he is the singer, guitarist, principal songwriter and only ever-present member.
In the UK, The Wedding Present have had eighteen Top 40 singles and seven Top 40 albums – a remarkable achievement for a band that has, from its inception, refused to play the record industry’s game.
Gedge also runs his own record label, Scopitones, an annual festival in Brighton called At The Edge Of The Sea, and a second band, Cinerama.
He is known and respected as a champion of the DIY ethic and, over the years, has collaborated with people as diverse as Steve Albini and the BBC Big Band. In 2018, a feature length documentary film telling the story of The Wedding Present’s debut album, George Best, was released.
He has also been the subject of several books, including the Wedding Present ‘fanthology’ Sometimes These Words Just Don’t Have To Be Said (This Day In Music), the self-penned Sleevenotes (Pomona), Valentina: The Story Of A Wedding Present Album (HarperCollins), and Thank Yer, Very Glad (Omnibus).
“The boy Gedge has written some of the best love songs of the ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll’ era. You may dispute this, but I’m right and you’re wrong!” John Peel.
