Fried & Justified: Hits, Myths, Break-ups, and Breakdowns in the Record Business 1978-98

In the 1980s, a PR specialist launched his own company, Brassneck Publicity, and quickly became a key figure in the indie rock scene, managing some of the most influential and eccentric bands of the era. Over the next two decades, he worked with a diverse range of artists, from post-punk icons like Echo & the Bunnymen and Julian Cope to experimental acts like Sun Ra and Stereolab. Known for sidestepping mainstream trends, he built a reputation for supporting outsiders, including helping Elastica avoid media attention during their album's long production. The three bands most closely associated with him—Echo & the Bunnymen, the Teardrop Explodes, and the Justified Ancients of Mu Mu—played crucial roles in shaping the 80s and 90s music scene, with Houghton acting as both confidant and collaborator. His story is a reflection of his deep belief in the primacy of music, even amid the chaos and drama that often surrounded the artists he worked with.This book may contain a sharpie mark on the top or bottom edge and may show mild signs of shelfwear.