Description
In the late 1980s Horslips lyricist and drummer Eamon Carr began his journalistic career by conducting interviews with an eclectic mix of famous people. Told in Carr’s immediate, entertaining style, Pure Gold is a portal to a time before practised TV chat show performances and the churn of social media sound bites, providing honest and sometimes introspective insights into the private lives of global stars and national treasures, such as Jack Charlton, Eartha Kitt, Shane MacGowan and Malcolm McLaren.
A natural raconteur, Carr soon discovered that people were eager to share their stories with him, from J.P. Donleavy’s accounts of his mercurial friendship with Brendan Behan to Brenda Fricker’s memories of delivering her acceptance speech when she became the first Irish woman ever to win an Oscar.
Almost cinematic in his descriptions, Carr’s conversations with this cast of luminaries are searingly honest, irreverent and profound, highlighting the humanity that unites us all. Pure Gold is a treasure trove of interviews that will remain with the reader long after the book is closed.
Contents
Introduction
1. In at the Deep End
Jack Charlton
Eartha Kitt
2. Spinning a Yarn
Malcolm McLaren
John Mortimer
3. In the Moment
Brenda Fricker
Rudolf Nureyev
4. A Balancing Act
J.P. Donleavy 1989 & 2008
5. Leaning in Gently
Shane MacGowan
Brian Behan
6. Into the Lion’s Den
Ralph Steadman
‘Mad’ Frankie Fraser
7. Striking a Chord
Josephine Hart
Sheila Mooney
8. Through the Mill
Willy Russell
Tony Warren
Epilogue
Praise for Pure Gold
‘A time capsule of treasures from one of our most gifted interviewers.’ – John Connolly
‘Eamon Carr has been blessed with sublime powers of observation, understanding and articulation. Through this collection of encounters, he offers us real insight, not only into the minds of the remarkable cast of real-life characters he has assembled, but into ourselves, our time and the way we were. A wonderful read.’ – John Creedon
‘The art of conversation is showcased in this insightful, quirky and eclectic collection. Eamon Carr’s backlist confirms him as an intuitive interviewer who reaches for genuine engagement with his subject.’ – Martina Devlin
‘A hugely entertaining read’ – Irish Independent
About the Author
Writer, musician and art historian Eamon Carr is a widely published commentator on culture, arts and sport. A member of Horslips, he co-wrote and recorded a series of innovative best-selling albums. His published work includes The Origami Crow, Deirdre Unforgiven, Foundation Song and Showbusiness with Blood. His dramas include DUSK and CúChulainn Awakes.
