Corsair signs Blondie co-founder Stein’s debut memoir
thebookseller.com
BY MARK CHANDLER
7th April 2022
Corsair has signed Under a Rock, the first memoir by Blondie co-founder Chris Stein.
Publisher James Gurbutt acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from Thomas Flannery at Vigliano Associates. Corsair plans to publish autumn 2023.
The book is billed as a “quintessentially New York story of the golden age of the East Village and the makings of international superstars”.
Corsair said: “At its heart, Under a Rock is a love story. The co-dependent bond between Chris and Debbie carried Blondie through their many tribulations: terribly misogynistic music scenes, greasy record execs, bitter band mates, gruelling schedules and hard-drug abuse abound. Chris lays it all bare, with blunt sincerity and humour. Ultimately, Chris and Debbie broke up, but their bond never dissipated; they remain the closest of friends, and continue to tour and promote their various projects together to this day.”
Stein has previously published two books of photography, and wrote the foreword for Harry’s memoir Face It (HarperCollins). Under a Rock will feature some original photography, but it will be his first time telling his story with words instead of a camera.
Gurbutt described the acquisition as “a coup”, saying: “Under a Rock will be one of the most exciting books to be published in 2023, not just in the area of music biography. It has the promise to become a cultural touchstone for the period.”
https://www.thebookseller.com/rights/corsair-signs-blondie-co-founder-steins-debut-memoir
