The History of Suburban Rock and Roll

Growing up in Surrey, England, I became captivated by my County’s significant role in rock ‘n’ roll history, particularly its strong influence during the peak of the genre: the Golden Age of Rock ‘n’ Roll.

My book and slideshow presentation, titled 'Rocking Surrey' reveals the true history of suburban rock and roll.

I find the creative relationships between artists and where they conceive & produce their art totally fascinating, and I wanted to share my theories with a larger audience, which is why I became an author and music journalist.

I was (literally) born on the day that Rock ‘n’ Roll was ‘invented’! On that day in 1957 Chuck Berry released his single Rock and Roll Music. His song was later covered by the Beatles (1964) and the Beach Boys (1976) which is about where my history of the Golden Age of Rock ‘n’ Roll ends. I’m a true rock ‘n’ roll baby!

But sometimes those days were dull. Especially for us kids raised in the English 'burbs!

• Modern parents would find the caregiving style of our upbringing perplexing
  

• During the 1950's and '60s, parents were known for practicing ‘hands off’ parenting!

  
  

• So, amidst the rock ‘n’ roll culture, we suburban kids were expected to devise our own entertainment!

  
  

• Growing up in the British suburbs during the rock 'n' roll years was dull so we boomer kids sought stimulation through creative endeavour

  
  

• But suburban kids faced inadequate travel and transport options. This meant many of us were 'stay at home kids.'

  
  

• Our generation took matters into our own hands and made our own fun!

  
  

• Often that fun would be making and experimenting with music!

In my book ‘Rocking Surrey’ I elevate Surrey’s status as a rock music epicentre, similar to how academic musicologists perceive cities like Liverpool and Manchester. My research involved investigating how the County’s suburban geography, along with the aesthetics of the period: the trends, the styles, and the tastes of suburban society during the Golden Age of Rock ‘n’ Roll, influenced the creation of modern popular music.

I also take a close look at how Surrey music-makers have been influenced by their suburban surroundings and how it impacted their creative vision.

My book (ISBN 979-8223718314) is available from all outlets and is published in print and eBook formats.

If you want me to come to your association or community group to deliver my interesting and very popular Rocking Surrey slideshow presentation: A History of Suburban Rock and Roll please go to https://speakernet.co.uk/ and use their search tool to find NEIL MACH and discover my full list of illustrated talks.

Alternatively, you may contact me directly at the email address given (found on the main page) to discuss your requirements.