Adult novel by Gary Mitchell. The Avon ‘Renaissance’ Trilogy.
£8.00
Novel by Gary Mitchell. ‘Don’t Fall In Love Too Quickly’ is the ongoing alternative universe saga of Anglo-American rock band ‘Avon’. The three novels of the ‘Renaissance’ trilogy are here presented as a compilation. 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.
It is now 1984. This series of interlocking novels details Avon’s re-configuring as they make a comeback and recruit a ‘replacement’ for drummer Mike Richards, killed in 1980. It investigates the aftermath of their ‘solo’ lives since going inactive in 1983, and their involvement with Bob Geldof’s ‘Band Aid’ charity and its work to relieve the starving in Ethiopia. In the process of altruistic activity they are forced to come to terms with their status, achievements and failures, and mature as individuals. The trilogy culminates with their performance at ‘Live Aid’ and the first gaining of family responsibilities.
In ‘Reformation’ guitarist Steve Roberts tires of his ‘aimless’ life in New York, Abby Horowitz of her failed Hollywood career in LA: in England bassist Dave Wilson recovers from the trauma of participation and wounding in the revolution that ousted evil Mrs Plumber, and restored constitutional monarchy. As the truth about life under the ‘Second Commonwealth’ is revealed he controversially lives with French actress Nicole Renaud. Steve meets off-the-wall Irish drummer Colleen Maguire and urges her recruitment to Avon, enlisting Abby’s support. Invested with his knighthood Dave is charged by Queen Elizabeth to unselfishly use his fame for philanthropy. Abby and Colleen hit it off and, despite Dave’s reservations, she joins the band just as Bob Geldof requests their help with his ‘Band Aid’ project.
In ‘Not Much Of A Private Life’ Avon reassemble in England; on the way Steve and Abby ‘accidentally’ re-start their affair, which she then decides to cool after Steve ‘errs’. A creative spurt begins as the band adapt to Colleen. The press – led by the sinister James Irwin of the tabloid ‘Daily Sketch’ – pursue a vendetta against both Avon and Nicole. Abby’s life is derailed by her mother’s affair with an ex-boyfriend, but out to win her back for good. Steve is surprisingly supportive. Avon record ‘Supreme’, a charity single for ‘Band Aid’, and Abby relocates to London, sharing a flat with Colleen. Steve is wounded in a Plumberite terrorist attempt to assassinate Dave: Nicole falls pregnant and she and Dave marry despite a press hounding and family opposition. As Avon prepare to finish their comeback album Bob Geldof charges them with a top-secret and highly delicate mission for ‘Band Aid’…
In ‘Band On A Mission’ Nicole’s pregnancy advances and Avon attempt – with a little help from their friends – to reunite The Beatles for a ‘Band Aid’ charity record. Abby and Steve re-kindle their romance and Colleen has a series of unwise affairs which culminate in possible pregnancy. Avon complete and release their successful comeback album ‘Lords Of The Dance’ and prepare for Geldof’s ‘Live Aid’ concert. Dave gives personally embarrassingly evidence to the Royal Commission investigating the Plumber regime, but in the process finally exorcises his demons. Steve and Abby are reconciled with their families and, despite a terrorist threat, Avon successfully play ‘Live Aid’. In an unexpected climax Dave’s twins are born, Steve proposes to Abby, Colleen’s pregnancy is resolved, and the stage is set for the next part of the saga.
Cover illustration by Frank Cutbush.
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