'THE WRONG OUTFIT', Al's debut novel has recently been published through AuthorHouse UK, about a boy called Adam Nedman who grows up through the 1970's and 80's and is greatly affected by both Football and Punk Rock.
The Wrong Outfit, by Al Gregg, was released on the 1st September, 2010.
The book is generating a great deal of public interest, from well known ex-punks involved in the music scene, to footballers and also music writers. The novel follows the fortunes of Adam Nedman, from his ’70’s West London home life, to Chelsea’s football terraces, through misspent school days and the chaotic explosion of Punk.
Al is really pleased to have completed his first novel; ‘It always takes time to get your first book published, but I’ve really enjoyed writing it. Yes, of course there’s a lot of nostalgia involved, especially with growing up through the 1970’s and 80’s, but it’s still surprising to realise just how much has changed since those so-called ‘good old days’.
The Wrong Outfit by Al Gregg, is published through AuthorHouse
UK. It can be ordered in soft cover (9x6) for £9.99 plus p&p
What they're saying about 'The Wrong Outfit':
'At times, a journey into Punk Rock's own "Heart of Darkness", Al realistically captures the moment Punk Rock finally implodes. If you want to know what it was like to be a young Punk Rocker, on the ground, at the time - you won't find a better/sharper book than this'. Dave Parsons (Sham 69)
'A brilliantly talented new writer'. Honey Bane
'Replete with childlike wonderment and an aficionado's knowledge, Al Gregg might just as well do for Chelsea and Punk Rock, as what Nick Hornby did for Arsenal and Bruce Springsteen. A must for all purveyors of the punk movement. An absolute must for all football fans'. David Marx (Forward writer for Alex Ogg's 'No More Heroes')
'Al Gregg's debut novel 'The Wrong Outfit' shows considerable artistic talent; with it's very likeable story, an obvious warmth for the characters and a detailed knowledge of punk, football and the experience of making the transition from child to adulthood'. Charlie Wykes (TVFH)
'The Wrong Outfit' by Al Gregg is an excellent book, I loved every last page of it, in fact I loved it so much, I mentioned it in my CFC UK article. Mark Worrall (Author of cult terrace classics 'Over Land and Sea' and 'Blue Murder')
'In his book The Wrong Outfit Al Gregg gives really insightful descriptions. It's definitely a must purchase for all U.K. Subs fans!' Paul Slack/Mark Chadderton (UK Subs Time and Matter)
'I loved it! It's a 3-0 Home win, with guitars!' Phil Bonney (International/Bundesliga Football Commentator)
'Punk and football are not an obviously harmonious mix, but actor and musician Al Gregg manages to hit just the right note in his debut novel with perfect pitch'. Jane Harrison (West London Times, Ealing Gazette/Leader)
'In the The Wrong Outfit, Al Gregg from that great band The Wall, tells it just like it was, as a young Punk in the old days!' Dave Reeves (The Straps)
'I really like the style the book is written in with the author observing Adam's
development and feelings as he goes along his trying adolescent years. There's
a really nice mix of humour and self analysis too. Despite football being hard
for me not being a great fan of the game, I still found it very readable and
interesting'. Claire Bidwell (The Passions, The Wall)
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*Prices are approximate due to exchange rates.
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News and Views
Sham 69 have always in some form or other, loomed relatively large in some of
my musical undertakings. Having recorded numerous demos with Jimmy Pursey -
one of which also included guitarist Dave Parsons - it's no surprise that I
would eventually come into contact with Al Gregg: actor, musician and author
of official Honey Bane biography and forthcoming novel The Wrong Outfit. A novel
about football and punk rock – Sham in particular – Gregg has asked
me to write the Forward. The publisher is yet to be announced, although the
book looks set to be released sometime in April.
It will be my second Forward for a book on Punk Rock - although my first in
relation to Football.
And from what I've read so far, it's in a similar ballpark to that of Jon King's
Football Factory.
Watch this space for further details.
Al started writing at drama school where there was a lot of emphasis on developing
improvised and devised theatre, this led to a co-written final piece called
'Little Heroes' which was performed at the Theatre Museum and after graduating
Al began writing short scenes for various theatre pieces and even a BBC Television
documentary programme called 'Next'. He has also contributed writing to other
projects; in the recent critically aclaimed Theatre production of 'Worthless
Thing' by Michael Jones, which Al also acted in, he wrote a controversial, hard
hitting poem, that appears at the end of the play.
To date, Al has written three full length theatre plays all with an historical
theme;
'SOLDIERS OF BABYLON', about the Leveller, John Lilburne, and the English Civil
War (Commissioned originally for the Cockpit
Theatre Company)
''Murder Must Out' , about a detective lawyer, Laurence Braddon, investigating murder during Charles II's reign.
'THE UPRISING', a still to be completed play, focusing on the bloody but largely forgotten Cato Street uprising of 1820.
Al is also co-writing a new play about punk called 'Reality Chokes', with David
Schaal (Glyn/Taffy from Bafta award winning comedy The Office) later this year,
directed by Chris Jury. The play features live music which has been written
by Al. Death or Glory will be performed on the London Fringe later this year.
Al is pleased to announce that he will be writing the Punk legend, Honey Bane's, long awaited biography, 'I Can Be Me', for a late 2007 release coinciding with the 30th anniversary of Punk.
As you will all find out in the very near future, there is nothing tame about
the punk rock goddess Honey Bane! You will see this in her music as well as
in her lyrics and attitude, eg; her collaborations with the likes of Crass and
her friendship with the Sex Pistols, her singular determination to succeed in
the face of Major label exploitation. Now you better all get writing to Santa
for Christmas of 2007 and ask him very nicely for the Honey Bane biography,
'I Can Be Me'. Yes boys and girls, ladies and gents! This is the book that will
put everyone straight on the truth, written by Al Gregg, who grew up in the
dizzy heights of the Punk revolution, yes, the truth will out! For the first
time, you will know what really went on behind the walls at EMI, you will learn
the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the damned truth! And there are going
to be some sorry people squirming like snakes in a pit! Of course this book
will not just be a depiction of doom and gloom, a race through life with Honey
- it's going to border on everything from the hysterically funny to the outright
insanity of it all! There will be nothing to bore you but much to open your
eye's! So consider your imagination massaged, and read the book that tells it
all, exactly as it was, there will be no pulling punches. But you may feel like
throwing some by the end of it!
