Adult novel by Gary Mitchell. The original six ‘Avon’ novels in one anthology.
£16.00
Novel by Gary Mitchell. ‘Don’t Fall In Love Too Quickly’ is the ongoing alternative universe saga of Anglo-American rock band ‘Avon’. The original six novels are here presented as a compilation.
The story runs from the ‘New Wave’ explosion of the 1970’s to the present and beyond. Each volume is written to stand alone and as part of the band’s continuing odyssey. ‘Don’t Fall’ is a realistic and sometimes graphic account of people trying to survive with integrity in a rather unpleasant business. Although Avon are fictional their story has been researched and written as if actual historical characters. To add authenticity each volume contains an appendix listing relevant performances, recordings and so forth. Historical and legendary characters to appear en passant and fictional ones acquire assumed importance.
‘Convergence’ details the early lives of future band members in Stratford-Upon-Avon and New York. Steve Roberts and Dave Wilson form a duo at school. They acquire drummer Mike Richards and form ‘Avon’. As the novel ends in 1976 they meet for the first time ‘exiled’ American guitarist Abby Horowitz.
In ‘Betrayal’ Abby and Steve fall in love and begin an intense musical and personal affair before she returns to New York. As the band build a following Dave and Mike become increasingly ambitious whilst Steve is happy with his day-job in the new science of computing. By early 1977 Avon are trying – unsuccessfully – to graduate onto the Birmingham circuit. Unhappy in New York Abby returns to England to renew her career, only to find Steve has been duplicitous with her affections. She contrives to humiliate him, a contributory cause of Steve leaving the band to work in London. Abby vows her ‘revenge’ – to stay in England and replace Steve in a successful Avon. The December 1976 to January 1977 period is revisited and expanded in Pamela Seward & The Drunkards ‘Henley High School Musical’.
In ‘Parallel Lives’ Steve moves to London. Abby approaches Dave and Mike about joining Avon. Initially skeptical they take her on and discover the combination works better than anyone could have hoped. The band prospers enough around the Birmingham circuit to finance the first record, which attracts some radio interest. Steve, meanwhile, is enjoying an exciting social life in London where he becomes involved with Kate Newsome, younger sister of Charlie Newsome, leader of legendary Sixties band ‘The Pink Flamingos’. Avon are ‘spotted’ by music journalist Kevin Day and as a result of a deliberate affair with Abby – and despite Dave’s resistance – he manipulates the band into making him their manager.
Hearing of Avon’s success in ‘Emergence’ Steve decides he wants to get back into music, something Kate (with a long history of rock excess) seeks to prevent. His relationship with her now pays an unexpected dividend as he finds himself deputising on TV for The Flamingo’s overdosed guitarist. By devious methods Kevin gains Avon coverage in the music press and they conclude their first proper tour, supporting The Skunks. Abby discovers Kevin has manipulated her affections and her reaction is predictably ballistic. Knowing to keep the band he must deliver on his promises Kevin works at getting them a record deal. Over New Year 1977-78 Avon play their first London showcase and Abby meets wacky TV comedian Rick Brewer. Steve and Kate, meanwhile, stay at Charlie Newsome’s mansion over the Holiday. With the Flamingo’s guitarist again overdosing Steve is recruited as temporary substitute. When their support band pulls out he suggests Avon as replacements. Kevin, meanwhile, thinks he has finally maneuvered a record deal…
In ‘Reunification’ Avon take their big chance supporting The Pink Flamingos. Although the tour is a success things soon start to go wrong. Kevin is arrested for murder, losing them their record deal. Indeed bad publicity and negative media reaction suggests obscurity beckons as, compounded by personal problems, Avon fall into disarray. With Steve’s duties with The Flamingos over Dave presses for him to re-join the band, a development Abby resists. She ‘escapes’ to be with her new love Rick. Forced to take charge Dave arranges for Steve to rejoin Avon whilst Abby is incommunicado and he repays the compliment by influencing The Flamingo’s management to sign the band for altruistic and taxation reasons. Abby is presented with a fait accompli : Steve is back in the band. Avon are now a quartet.
‘Explosion’ completes the story of the first phase of Avon’s career. They record the classic single ‘Don’t Fall In Love Too Quickly’ which becomes their first hit. They are now pushed through a grueling promotion schedule, the sharp end of a steep learning curve. Just as success seems assured Steve is embarrassed by a skeleton from the past and Abby threatened with deportation to the States. Kate’s unreasoning jealousy forces Steve to leave her but Abby is saved by a ‘marriage of convenience’ to Rick, which quickly becomes the love match she has always craved. Dave pursues his plans to marry his childhood sweetheart Debbie whilst personal happiness continues to elude Mike. Avon have further hits and as a successful group must now live life at the gallop. They make a TV special, play in front of royalty, plan their first album, and are touted as one of the emerging bands. Losing out on a number one spot to pop rivals Minx they are offered a prestigious gig supporting Bob Dylan and Eric Clapton. Whilst securing this latest triumph Abby’s happiness with Rick is tragically destroyed by a vengeful Kate Newsome…
Cover illustration by Frank Cutbush.
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