Writing the first and most complete biography of Mark Hollis
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- Опубліковано 21 гру 2022
- Author Ben Wardle talks about his biography of Mark Hollis: A Perfect Silence; the trials and triumphs of interviewing the many and varied people who worked with and who were friends of the @talktalkband6612 leader throughout his life.
Colour me fascinated with Mark Hollis. I liked them in the eighties, but over the last couple of years have obsessed over their later stuff. Even bought a Spirit of Eden T shirt, my first band t shirt since probably the 90s. Talk Talk have aged to cult status and deservedly so.
Sadly missed and massively underrated talent
Not underrated until someone calls it that. Mark is rated as the genesis of what is now called post punk, or post rock. To which Radiohead and Sigur Ros and others pay undying homage to TT for that birth. Few musicians and artists can lay claim to an entirely new chapter in the path of their chosen field. These guys from Romford way did just that. Without even trying. That's how I and many others rate their body of work.
I listen to Mark's self-titled solo album at least once a year. The album makes me listen, and I hear something different every time. I absolutely love it, and so do you.
Oh wow so cool to hear this is available, i must purchase this soon. I have loved Mark Hollis and Talk Talk since i first got Today single in the Summer of 1982 and was blown away by the Synths and his Ethereal otherworldly voice, and listen to the first 3 albums, rediscovered him before and during Lockdown and the guy is truly an inspiring man and example of a humble gentle humourous down to earth man, quality over quantity and giving up fame for Family a rare breed indeed. Im captivated by his style, wished id seen them live bk in the day. I hope to meet him on the other side one day with many more people. I even wrote my own song inspired by Today in its style. Long live this great guys music which is more relevant today than bk in the great 80s heyday. God bless the happy chappy Hollis Greatly missed. ❤
The five albums that have meant the most to me emotionally over the last 20 years.
1. Spirit of Eden
2. Laughing Stock
3. Unknown Pleasures
4. Closer
5. Turn on the Bright Lights.
2 out of 5 is a great achievement. Also, Taphead may be the most perfectly crafted song ever written, and what you may hear as you approach the gates of Heaven.
I'd substitute 5 with Television's Marquee Moon and say the last 45 years.
A great list!
I hear that. Spirit of Eden was the most impactful for me too ❤
Just a fantastic voice. Great artist
I loved this book. Don't think I've ever read, or will ever read, a book so quickly and gleefully
I was shocked to recently hear of the demise of Mark Hollis . "It's my life" has been a staple of my ever changing decades-old playlist. I've always marveled at the quality of Hollis' live vocals and musicianship.
Thank you for writing that book!
I was born in 1975 (mother’s maiden name, first pet name withheld) so it’s fair to say I was aware of Mark’s music when I was growing up. The singles - the hits - the songs that many people know. But it was at the start of lockdown when I trusted Spotify to play something that I hadn’t heard before when I thought ‘ooh that’s good!’ There began an obsession with Mark’s music. I was taken away at a difficult time, and for that I’ll be forever grateful. X
Interesting. The life of Mark Hollis always fascinated me. Will buy it.
Hope you enjoy it!
People who have a strong work ethic and are filled with determination are too often viewed as "hard to work with ".
This is an absolute godsend. I cant believe this flew under my radar.
The thing about Mark to me is, with proceeding years, his music / art got increasingly captivating. I am now in full anticipation of fetching this book!
Hugely recommended !!! Like the others who preordered, my name got printed in A Perfect Silence. I will savour your Book on every reread . . . always.
So glad to hear you enjoyed it Rodders
Thoroughly enjoyed reading the book, very much appreciated the time being taken to document this extraordinary man's life. Their music stands apart I think -- into the realm of 'timeless art' -- if there are human beings here in a hundred or two hundred years they will value his music even more than we do. 💜
Received the book last week. I'm stoked to go on the journey.
Very welcome and a great read, this book about Mark Hollis, thank you so much! As a request to Rocket 88: how about a book with the lyrics of Talk Talk and Hollis, with the handwritten versions added, combined with a bunch of photographs? Most surely a lot of Hollis/Talk Talk lovers would add such a 'treasure' to their collection!
Lyric books are difficult unfortunately, as musician's lyrics are generally owned by music publishers, who understandably protect them and require fees for their use, which is why lyric books are not too common.
@@Rocket88 Thank you for your answer! Remember those books in the early 70s; did learne a lot of the English language by studying them. (In Holland) But I see the difficulty. 'Such a Shame!' Still hope somebody has the courage!
So glad you chose this project. I can’t wait to read it. Thank you.
Marvellous book, fantastic from beginning to end - congratulations!
Just scrolled into this. In 82 or so on a sunny Friday David Jensen played 5 45s at 5. This day he played Mirror Man. After the single Talk Talk was released i bought both singles. And went on the whole waltz with TT up until the first book. Spirit of Eden had the most impact on me, having waited since Colour of Spring album. This new book is the next chapter. Very excited. Inheritence eh. I saw them live during the Its My Life tour in 1984 at Londons Lyceum supported by B Movie. It was incredible. Profound. ❤
Thanks for taking the time to do this
I read your book about Hollis. I think, this is very good book about one of the most genius composer of our times.
it's a great book. Hollis's tension came across in the book so well. I cried turning the final page.
It's wonderful to hear the book meant so much to you Laurance, thank you.
I can't wait for polish translation of that book. I'm a Pole and english isn't my native language.
You write in English just fine
Spirit of Eden is just phenomenal, would love to read this one day
Bought the book, thanks for enhancing the legend.
Thanks Iain
I have played a couple of concerts with Lawrence Pendrous’ brother Edmond, who is a fantastic cellist. Their dad Norris was a brilliant violin teacher who conducted Carlisle Youth Orchestra for many years.
Quien haya escuchado a Talk Talk y particularmente la música de Mark Hollis , sabrá que es tan importante en el advenimiento de la década de los 80, como la música de los Beatles en los años 60 o la de Pink Floyd a mediados de los 70.
Really looking forward to reading this biography of Mark.Another music genius,I have a hope someone will write a biography on,is Tim Smith,of Cardiacs.
wow i need to pick this up. SoE and laughing stock are both in my top 10 albums of all time
This sounds great. Will have to get it. Good insights and well spoken too.
I'd love to see a biography of Scott Hutchison. Not just a great talent but came across as such a great guy. Always laughing with the crowd and yet obviously deeply haunted. Would love to know more about him. And just a great poet in terms of lyrics, let alone the great music he created.
Please bring this book back into print!!
Either the original Signature edition or the updated paperback edition are in print, available at markhollisbook.com/
@@Rocket88 Thanks so much ! I’ve already ordered the paperback!
A truly magnificent human
Excellent books I bought both with my name going in one and also having a signed copy. Really great reads but especially interesting not only as a Talk Talk fan but also as someone who grew up and still lives in the area. In fact I did live in the same road ( actually a close )as Lee. My step brother who lived with me at the time went to the same school as Paul and Lee ( as did my daughter many years later) I currently live not to far from the road mark lived in and finally one of their close friends at school was the musician Snowboy and my daughter went to school with.his daughters. As you can see with all this added with Talk Talk being my all time band, made these books even more enjoyable. Thanks again. 👌
Marvellous to hear how much you ahave enjoyed Ben's book. Thanks for buying both editions.
@@Rocket88 pleasure is all mine. Thank you
Often it is much better to NOT know who the artists we love really are (or have been). Mark Hollis is one of the exception....more you discover about him and more you like him.
Who is nice all the time? Nobody.
Mark's one solo album is absolute genius, start to finish, including the silences.
Correct. But better bought it on CD or vinyl?
fantastic book, couldn't put it down, much thanks for writing it
Great to hear you enjoyed it.
@@Rocket88 Mark Hollis solo album is my favorite album of all time, laughing stock is 3rd, those albums have had a major impact on me both as a musician and a person, so reading about him and his creative thought processes was illuminating for me.
Bought this book from Greece...Cant wait to read it...
have you read it? What says about Mark Hollis opinion not to give interviews and to abandon music ?
@@quattro4s yes its a very good read overall...He has many interviews with people that were working in Hollis last talk talk albums and also his solo record and gives inshight that it was crystal clear to him that this would have been his last album. he was saying he had whatever he had to give in music...From the book you get the impression he was a loner and private guy. Tour, show and then with his wife... Also gave me the impression of somehow an Autisric person (asperger maybe?) not good socializing or among people...
The Colour of Spring is a masterpiece. I may be biased based on my age, but I’d encourage anyone to listen
Cómo puedo conseguir este libro en versión español?
Me encantaría tener esa biografía de él hermoso Mark hollis
Disponible para ti aquí Rossana: markhollisbook.com/
Very excited to hear about this! Will a paperback version be published at some point?
Apparently it will be available in paperback soon.
Out now!
@@wardleben Ha ha, thank you for that Ben! Will order a copy.
Ordered!
might read it.... its been a long time though ... from the Tottenham and Poplar days...
He was unique, and he had spine. Isn't that enough reason for people to show interest in? Especially now when the music buisiness pretty much suffocated creativity.
Not true. From the inside it's richer than ever. ❤
Mark Hollis wrote better songs than them trendiest pop posers that received much more attention. Shall I name them?
Está autorizado por la familia?
Where can I get this book? It's over $100 on the US Amazon site, and absent from the UK one, and Google Books.
Currently it is out of stock in the USA Vaughan, but will be back in stock in July.
Here it is in the UK at Rocket 88 books: rocket88books.com/collections/mark-hollis-a-perfect-silence
You may also want to check out our Talk Talk book:
rocket88books.com/products/spirit-of-talk-talk-paperback
@@Rocket88thanks, ordered!
@@v00n2000 Excellent!
what was his connection to Southend? I know 2 came from Benfleet. Deanes School as I was at College with the younger brother of Paul Webb
Ah, well you 'll have to get the book to find out!
Placebo another band that will go on to artistic genius infamy and is already created an intriguing bright light in the dark shadows was left out of the wiki regarding bands influenced by Hollis along with their occulted by msm version of Life's What You Make It, proves Molko and band is carrying the talk talk torch for real ..could possibly even answer a few questions themselves
will this be available via retail outlets in the U.S.?
Not likely, I'm afraid. Order it from rocket88books.com
I hope your book explains ‘such a shame’ and the significance of number 8? I believe it was something to do with a book he read?
Link to buy book please.
markhollisbook.com
I admire the fact that the writer/publisher has avoided the Amazon resale route of "pile-em' high, sell at a low price" but is there a paperback edition planned at all? It may help reach a wider audience and it's so well-written by Ben that it would be a pity (avoiding the "such a shame" phrase!), if some potential buyers are put-off by the high hardback price.
Glad that you like the book, and we also hope that the book reaches the widest audience, but we don't publish cheap paperbacks. All of our books -including paperbacks; see Spirit of Talk Talk for instance-are printed and bound to the best quality we can find, and they will last the test of time. They are premium products and we know that readers appreciate that. Thanks again for the support!
There will be a paperback though - with a brand new chapter!
@wardleben Excellent! I already have a couple earmarked as gifts. Any idea as to timescale? Congrats again on the book. I was mainly just a fan of some of their singles/The Colour Of Spring prior to reading but I absolutely devoured the book which led me to dig deep into the later eras.
@@mulveye_music Early next year! Just finishing writing a fresh chapter for it!
Will it be available in Poland?
Hello @jakaschujnia, it is available to ship to Poland from our EU store in the link following, but there is no edtion of the book in Polish.
eu.rocket88books.com/collections/mark-hollis-a-perfect-silence
Me too waiting for polish translation of that book.
I've been asking this question since he passed and no one has been able to answer it yet. How did he die? I'm still sad that he's gone as I was still holding out hope for some new material or even , a Talk Talk reunion. I wish I had seen them back in the day.
Cancer
Mark apparently suffered from an inoperable brain tumour that took his life😢
@@ericamac3525 thank you for telling me.
It was reported in every paper that covered his death. It's on the Wikipedia page, lol. It wasn't a secret.
Talk Talk reunion without mark will be a total disaster, which ruined legacy of that band. I can't imagined band's reunion with Mark's son as vocalist with Paul Webb, Lee Harris and Tim Friese-Greene, which performed tour with hits form first three albums. That's will be dreadful like Queen with Adam Lambert as vocalist.
Que pena não traduzir em portugues 😢😢😭😭
Love Hollis, thought I'd buy the book used- 110 fucking US dollars. WTF!
Hi @westernnoir4808 - the Signature Edition of the book is the more expensive one, which you can actually still get a brand new copy of from us direct ($90), but the regular Classic Edition (which was $45) is now out of stock in the US unfortunately.
Thanks for the subtitles, it would have been impossible to understand what this chap was saying without them.
I clicked because of Mark Hollis and stayed for Ben Wardle. What a charismatic and sexy guy with a magnetic appeal. I could hear him talk about anything for hours. ☺
I'm very flattered!
@@wardleben And I'm delighted that you came across my comment, I really meant every word in there.
He's a genuinely lovely bloke. Pleased to have had him teach 2 of my kids as well as being a talented author and music writer.
One requirement for being a precious genius,
is not behaving like a precious genius all the time.
This looks an essential read. Unfortunately, I'll have to wait this out until there's an e-Book version, which I pray is in the pipeline.
I'll see what's going on with that!
Je souhaiterais acheter ce livre en france svp?
Vous pouvez l'acheter ici, dans notre magasin Euro - eu.rocket88books.com/collections/mark-hollis-a-perfect-silence
@@Rocket88 je n arrive pas a le commander svp
@@danielebriche5542 Veuillez envoyer un e-mail à notre service client sur info @rocket88books.com S'il vous plaît dites-leur quel est le problème et ils vous aideront
@@Rocket88 c est bon merci je l ai commande cordialement
@@Rocket88
Je cherche depuis des semaines a savoir ou repose Mr Mark Hollis! Pouvez vous m aider , vous qui etes au UK, ce serait gentil. Je voudrais me recueillir sur sa tombe.
Cordialement
Cor
Ma è vero che il libro non è disponibile in Europa? Da italiana speravo uscisse nel mio paese e nella mia lingua. Con tutte le cavolate che vengono tradotte da ogni parte del mondo, perché invece una cosa così bella no? Such a shame!
Ciao Amy, Il libro è disponibile in Europa, ma solo in lingua inglese. Se un editore italiano volesse tradurre e pubblicare in italiano, siamo felici di parlare con lui...
The Nick Drake syndrome... :)
Fun fact Hollis hated the music industry
Puede ser amigo en español no sabes lo ke sufgo por mRk hollis ten piedad de mi❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Oh lord, sounds great but maybe try publishing enough to make it affordable for everyone. Until then...
Ahh, Ben... should have spent more time with The On instead of Honky, that night in Doncaster, 1993... could have come back to the band house, where you would have found Talk Talk on the turntable. C'est la vie.
Je voudrais savoir ou repose Mr Mark Hollis svp merci
I really liked talk talk in the 80's ..but they were in an era when music was rich with talented bands ..and teenage culture back then was as much to do with fashion as was music...They were never fashionable
Nowadays there is for me only one that gets a little bit close to Mark and that is Thom Yorke !! Just a little bit...
Great book, but had to stop reading at the parts where it becomes apparent Mark bullied some of the band.
Nobody is perfect. Every human has flaws. Maybe lighten up on mark...
Si quelqu un sait ou repose Mr Mark Hollis je voudrais me recueillir sur sa tombe RIP Mark Hollis?
Did Mark or any of his family have any input in this 'Biography'???
An Italian edition could be possible in the future? 🫠 tnx!