Writer, magazine editor, TV host and musician Tony Fletcher joins us to discuss his new memoir – Pow! When Punk Went Pop 1980-84.

Before authoring eleven books, including best-selling biographies of Who drummer Keith Moon, R.E.M. and the Smiths, Tony Fletcher was a teenage music magazine publisher.

Plus he ran a record label, interviewed rock stars, led a band, promoted concerts, worked as an on-air TV interviewer on legendary Channel 4 music show The Tube — and still found time for romance.

He chronicled the early days of his life and career in Boy About Town (2013) but had enough extraordinary experiences left over for this colourful and engaging memoir. 1980–84 was an explosive time in British rock, as the disruptive energy of bands like the Clash and Sex Pistols gave way to more sophisticated and chart-friendly genres and bands.

Fletcher was on the front lines, running a record label with the Jam’s Paul Weller, and profiling acts like Echo & the Bunnymen, the Smiths, Cocteau Twins, U2, Frankie Goes To Hollywood and more in Jamming! magazine.

Then there’s the time he interviewed Paul McCartney.

Pow! is a coming-of-age story, the tale of a naïve young man in a cultural whirlwind who learns some hard lessons about business, journalism, love and sex – all the while trying to get his own band a record deal.

Tony will be speaking to fellow journalist and author Penny Kiley who makes a welcome return to the British Music Experience following the launch of her own memoir here.

The event begins at 2pm in our Discovery Zone and it’s free to attend. Books will on sale and Tony will be signing copies after the talk.