Description

Text, Drugs and Rock'n'Roll event will explore the interaction between two of the most powerful socio-cultural movements in the post-war years - the literary forces of the Beat Generation and its impact on the music of rock, folk, jazz in 1950's onwards and its continuing influence into twenty first century.

The discussions between Simon Warner and Heath Common will include examination of the writings of Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, amongst others and the consequent musical legacy which has infused generations of music makers including Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin and Sonic Youth to name but a few.

Between discussions between Simon and Heath, singer songwriter Nick Hall will perform some of the iconic songs that illustrate the influence of the Beat Generation upon musicians over the decades.


Biogs
Simon Warner is an author, journalist and broadcaster with a particular interest in Jack Kerouac and the Beat Generation and their relationship to popular music of the last 75 years. His books include Kerouac on Record: A Literary Soundtrack (Bloomsbury, 2018), Text and Drugs and Rock'n'Roll: The Beats and Rock Culture (Bloomsbury, 2013) and Howl for Now (Route, 2005).
Heath Common is a songwriter, poet and performance-artist from northern England. He began his musical/spoken word career performing in New York City with his mates he had previously met in Britain: Robert Lockwood and Johnny Shines - the stepson and close friend, respectively, of the legendary blues musician Robert Johnson. He was subsequently involved with a diverse number of musicians ranging from the American guitarist John Fahey to the British indie act The Rhythm Sisters. Heath Common continues to work closely with surviving figures from the Beat Movement and is a published poet.
Nick Hall. One half of Plumhall and The Hall Brothers, Nick Hall is an award-winning songwriter with an emotive voice and a unique guitar style. He's played all over the world, and shared stages with such luminaries as Peter Tork from The Monkees, Don Powell from Slade, Larry Campbell from Bob Dylan's band, Ian McNabb from The Icicle Works, Phil Beer from Show Of Hands, Chris Leslie from Fairport Convention, Jon Sevink from The Levellers and many more. He's appeared onstage with Al Stewart at the London Palladium. He has written a song for, arranged the live music for and appeared a recently release film 'The Runaways'. With a hard-won stage presence that has drawn praise from many of his heroes, Nick has been described as Yorkshire's answer to Bruce Springsteen.'

Description

Billy Lane,

Old Town,

Hebden Bridge,

West Yorkshire,

England,

HX7 8RY.