Pure Gold: Memorable Conversations with Remarkable People

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 book to be devoured’ – Irish Examiner ‘A hugely entertaining read’ – Irish Independent ‘Gripping’ – Irish Mirror ‘Carr is a supremely affable personality so his charming and immediate style shines through as the conversations develop, making for some wonderful, irreverent and laugh-out-loud moments’ – Totally Dublin ‘Brilliant’ – Pat Kenny ‘A gorgeous read’ – Marty Whelan 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. 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 book to be devoured’ – Irish Examiner ‘A hugely entertaining read’ – Irish Independent ‘Gripping’ – Irish Mirror ‘Carr is a supremely affable personality so his charming and immediate style shines through as the conversations develop, making for some wonderful, irreverent and laugh-out-loud moments’ – Totally Dublin ‘Brilliant’ – Pat Kenny ‘A gorgeous read’ – Marty Whelan 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.