Tony King,
The Tastemaker: My Life With The Legends And Geniuses of Rock Music
(Faber)

While some might not recognise the name, Tony King is music industry royalty. He has been descrobed as “fixer, muse and confidante” – but he was all that and a whole lot more besides. Many of your favourite artists have worked with him for decades. Now, for the first time, this gifted guru shares his story, which proves an entertaining romp through rock’s golden years.

It’s easy to see why the likes of The Beatles, the Stones and Elton John adore King. His charisma oozes off the page as he recounts chaotic tales from the swinging ’60s to the hedonistic disco era and more. The now 80-something, music industry Swiss Army Knife has been in the eye of many storms (including Lennon’s infamous Lost Weekend), and as a result, The Tastemaker is packed with plenty of spicy stories to sink your teeth into.

At times, it’s also immensely moving, with King’s depiction of the AIDS crisis and Freddie Mercury’s final days reading especially powerfully.