#Zero
By Neil McCormick
A pop star on the verge of a nervous breakdown.
Publication date: April 2019
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Zero is the latest craze. Young, sexy, smart and brilliant, a 24-7 #genius and multi-hyphenated (singer-songwriter-rapper-producer) next level superstar for the digital generation. According to his publicist at least.
He's also an obnoxious, narcissistic, insecure, hyperactive, coke-snorting, pill-popping, loud-mouthed, oversexed, misogynistic, misanthropic maelstrom of contradictions skating over the thin ice of terminal self-loathing. But that is all part of the attraction.
He has touched down in New York with his sycophantic entourage for the simultaneous launch of a new single/album/movie/tour. It is countdown to Year Zero. But the mixed race Irish-Colombian boy (Pedro Ulysses Noone to what's left of his shattered family) at the centre of the media feeding frenzy is cracking up. Inside the echo chamber of his own skull, he isn't sure he deserves all the attention, doesn't even know if he wants it anymore and is being driven half mad by the mysterious absence of the love of his life. His fiancé, legendary singer and actress Penelope Nazareth, is all over the internet canoodling with a co-star on the set of an Aztec epic shooting in the Amazon jungle.
As the crucial hour of Zero's launch approaches the young star cuts and runs, pursued by paparazzi, news reporters, fans, fortune hunters and his Mephistophelian manager Beasley.
He's about to find out that when you have the most famous face in the world, you can run … but you can't hide.
#Zero marks the fiction debut of Daily Telegraph music critic and TV presenter Neil McCormick, author of Killing Bono, a memoir of his own failed musical career (made into a feature film in 2011, starring Ben Barnes as Neil and Martin McCann as Bono). “The best book about trying to make it in the music business I have ever read” according to Sir Elton John. Write about what you know is generally considered sage advice to the budding novelist. Well, up to a point...
#Zero is the story of a lost boy trying to escape from himself in the full glare of modern media. It’s is a pitch black satire of celebrity, a revealing peak behind the velvet curtains of the contemporary music business and a wild, comical, musical odyssey across America, as our modern day Ulysses sets sail for his Penelope, crossing paths with sirens, succubi and an ancient one eyed bluesman named Clarence Honeyboy Blindside. At its dark heart beats a tender story about family, love, loss and sacrifice; a moving meditation on the black hole of emotional need that powers the 21st Century's obsessional lust for fame. Featuring guest appearances by Sting, Sir Elton John and Bono.
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Hardback
Early Bird: Rock and Roll Paraphernalia
Only 70 available.
Do you have any idea if the e-book will be accessible for people who are blind and use screen reading software?
Thanks for the question. I will get one of the boffins at Unbound to answer this. It has never previously occurred to me that e-books present new challenges (and, I suppose, opportunities) for the visually impaired. I certainly hope the answer is yes.
Hi Neil - Will the items included with my Rock and Roll Paraphernalia pledge come seperately or with the book?
Separately and, indeed, before. My intention is to send out the paraphernalia packages as soon as we have fully funded the book. (There will also be a raffle this week for all subscribers. Keep up with that on twitter: @neil_mccormick)
Hi, is the 'Telling Tales' offer of hearing stories in a London pub still on for those who donate £50 or more?
Absolutely. I'll be arranging a few sessions to suit supporters, and we can start setting them up as soon as book is fully funded. So jump in!
Hello Neil... Do you know already when you will start arranging the meet ups etc? Greetings Jil
Hi Jil ... Publishing is a bit of a snail's pace industry, I'm afraid. I thought it would all happen this year ... but those who know better advise me that we are looking at a Spring 2019 publication ... Sorry and thanks for your patience ...
Hi Neil - Just wondering if you might have time to give us a quick update on how things are coming along with the book. Also, any idea when I should start watching out for the items included with my Rock and Roll Paraphernalia pledge? Looking forward to both! Thanks
Hi Donna Thank you for your patience! Publishing is a snails pace industry, it seems. Looking at Spring 2019 for publication but in the meantime I will start putting some love and attention back into this very soon and updating you on progress.
Hi Neil, in one of the previous Questions you stated that the items from Rock and Roll Paraphernalia will be shipped before the book, now I got the message that the book has been shipped however so far I did not receive the other items, will they be shipped together or after the book?
Hi Marco. They have been shipped simultaneously. Sorry for the confusion. It was down to my inexperience in the ways of Unbound publishing. Hope you enjoy your package of paraphernalia!