The Beatles Revived by Greg Kihn in New Novel
For most music fans, Greg Kihn will always be known as the guy behind hits like 'Jeopardy' and 'The Breakup Song (They Don't Write 'Em).' But he's also an established writer and all set to publish his fifth novel, the Beatles-inspired 'Rubber Soul.'
"I asked where the Beatles got their records," Kihn explained in a press release announcing the book, "and their answers inspired the central character, Dust Bin Bob, and this novel." In 'Rubber Soul,' Bob's recommendations spark a burst of creative energy that help propel the Beatles to fame and forge a long friendship that puts him in the middle of some of the most important moments of the '60s.
Billed as a "100 percent action-packed ride through Beatlemania based on 100 percent accurate historical details," 'Rubber Soul' lifts off from its premise to imagine what might have happened if, say, Philippine extremists tried to assassinate the Beatles in retaliation for the band not showing up at a palace party. (As the press release puts it, "It could have happened.") Based in part on interviews (ahem) kihnducted with Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Patti Harrison, Yoko Ono and Pete Best, the book promises a "part murder mystery, part coming-of-age story" that will be "a must for every Beatles aficionado."
'Rubber Soul' is scheduled for release on Sept. 3, but you can pre-order it now and check out a sample from the first chapter at Kihn's NoiseTrade page.