The publishing company, White Rabbit, is thrilled to announce the release of the new "part dual biography, part work of cultural archaeology" of the pop culture classic, The Blues Brothers, written by Daniel de Visé.

Originally a musical action comedy, The Blues Brothers, hit theatres on June 20, 1980. The much-delayed and over-budget film opened to outraged reviews. However, in the 44 years since it has redeemed itself as a classic.

Their scripted mission was to save a local Chicago orphanage; but Aykroyd, who conceived and wrote much of the film, had a greater mission: to honour the then-seemingly forgotten tradition of rhythm and blues, some of whose greatest artists-Aretha Franklin, James Brown, John Lee Hooker, Cab Calloway, Ray Charles-made the film as unforgettable as its wild car chases.

Author, Daniel De Visé says: "The Blues Brothers is my Chicago book. I grew up there, and it's the ultimate Chicago film. My friends and I watched it over and over again, back in high school days. It's also a dual biography, celebrating one of the great friendships in American comedy. Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi anchored the legendary founding cast of Saturday Night Live, one of the half-dozen most important shows in America's television history. For pure longevity, it rivals Doctor Who."

He continues, "I'm thrilled to see a U.K. edition of The Blues Brothers from such a distinguished publisher. Britons love American rhythm and blues. They understand why Aretha Franklin and Ray Charles and James Brown and Cab Calloway and John Lee Hooker matter, and why this film stands as a vital artefact, a celebration of their music and legacy."

Publisher, Lee Brackstone speaks on the release: ‘No other film had such a profound influence on me as a young boy discovering music, cinema and culture as The Blues Brothers. For me, and I am sure for other fans of the film, this book makes sense of why its impact was so profound, whilst also exploring the friendship on and off camera of John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd. Part dual biography, part work of cultural archaeology which links the anarchic comedy of Saturday Night Live with Chicago Blues and how all of this coalesced in the making of one of the most chaotic movies of all time; this is an epic and addictive book destined to become a future and perennial pop culture classic.’

The Blues Brothers will be published by White Rabbit Books on March 28 2024 in hardback, trade paperback, ebook and audio.