Harold Bronson’s My British Invasion is part day-by-day rock and roll fan diary, part interviews, part band bios — all rich rock and roll history. Co-founder of Rhino Records, writer, musician and songwriter, but mainly a fan from way back, Bronson gives us an overview of exactly how and why the British Invasion happened and then shows what happened the decade after it crashed on U.S. shores — as he ran from amazing concert to amazing concert in the Southern California area and came to talk to the greats.
After you get past envying Bronson for all the legendary shows he saw — of known bands and not — and all the incredible musicians he got to hang out, talk to and even befriend (like Peter Noone of Herman’s Hermits), you realize here was a man following his passion for music, as much as making his own, finding his way in the music business of the time, and then creating the Rhino label with his partner Richard Foos (see Bronson’s The Rhino Records Story for more).
What makes My British Invasion work really is Bronson’s humble narration, his realization of what he would be with the music he loved (and what he wouldn’t), and how he was aware, even back in the day, of how great things really were in the rock and roll era in which he lived. The facts we learn about bands like the Hollies, the intricate explanation of the genius that is writer, producer and musician Mike Chapman, even the last chapter of suggested playlists of the best of a certain band or music genres — all of it makes this book so valuable. In essence, Harold Bronson’s My British Invasion is a music fan’s dream read.
~ Ralph Greco, Jr.
